Rindoon’s Cattle Raid
Archived: 25 October 2026
In 1236, Connacht remained unstable after Anglo-Norman conquest, as Maurice FitzGerald displaced Fedlimid Ó Conchobair, who escaped northwards. FitzGerald’s forces pillaged lands, captured women and built a stronghold, while Brian Ó Conchobair ruled with foreign support. Fedlimid returned with allies and raided Rindoon’s defended settlement for cattle, but his dispersed forces were defeated. Richard de Burgh later backed him, yet warfare devastated Tuam, Mayo and surrounding districts, including churches and their food stores. Burned sanctuaries, captivity, hunger and scarcity marked the year. Ecclesiastical authority proved ineffective against violence, although Tuam’s archbishop-elect gained English and papal confirmation. No durable settlement emerged.