Fincharn and the Connacht Crown
Archived: 26 October 2026
Abstract
In 1230, Áed mac Ruaidrí Ó Conchobair’s revolt against Richard de Burgh, Mac William, intensified Connacht’s succession crisis. De Burgh assembled Anglo-Norman and Gaelic allies, advanced through Galway and Mayo, secured submissions and hostages, and defeated Donn Óc Mac Airechtaig’s forces at Fincharn. His troops devastated communities sheltering with cattle in remote terrain, causing hunger, deaths and dispossession. At Lough Key, de Burgh installed Fedlimid mac Cathail Chrobdeirg as king and expelled Áed, who sought Ó Néill’s protection in Tír Eógain. The year also recorded Áed Ó Néill’s death and obituaries illuminating ecclesiastical leadership, monastic craftsmanship and scholarship across Ireland.