Fedlimid’s Meelick Captivity
Archived: 26 October 2026
In 1231 Richard de Burgh captured Fedlimid mac Cathail Chrobdeirg Ó Conchobair at Meelick, despite guarantees, exposing the fragility of Gaelic rulers’ alliances with Anglo-Norman power. Imprisoned in strategically placed Shannon castle, Fedlimid’s fate left Connacht contested; his release and later victory belonged to subsequent years. Annals also record Connacht’s religious and local life: deaths among ruling families, Boyle Abbey’s pilgrim connections, episcopal succession at Elphin, and Dionysius Ó Mórda’s death on Trinity Island. They note learned status, Mac Diarmata’s market project, a waterborne Breifne raid, and Ualgarc Ó Ruairc’s fatal Holy Land pilgrimage, revealing active networks amid political instability.