Athlone Bridge Collapse
Archived: 26 September 2026
In 1146, Tairdelbach Ua Conchobair’s contested high-kingship faced warfare across Ireland. After raiding Tethba, his returning army suffered losses when Athlone’s wicker bridge collapsed during an attack, though he retained captured cattle. Connacht defeated a coalition, while Tigernán Ua Ruairc burned Ua Conchobair vessels and Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair campaigned actively. In Brega, Dublin leader Ragnall mac Torcaill was killed, followed by the killing of Cellach Ua Cellaig with Dublin support. Rulers also died in Osraige. Churchman Cormac Ua Cathasaig died amid ecclesiastical reform. Raiding, captives and damaged infrastructure exposed rural communities’ insecurity; a reported December storm remains uncertain in sources.