Cathal Carrach Restored
Connacht was divided by rivalry within the Uí Conchobair dynasty. Cathal Crobderg, son of Toirdelbach, had sought to establish himself as king against his grand-nephew Cathal Carrach, son of Conchobar Máenmaige. Neither the title nor the territory was simply inherited by automatic succession. A prospective king needed the backing of important kindreds, subordinate rulers and fighting men; he also needed to protect or obtain the resources on which such support rested. The contest therefore turned quickly into a wider regional conflict.