Fenagh’s Ransom Bell
Archived: 25 October 2026
In 1244, Connacht experienced intertwined political, ecclesiastical and social crises. Cú Chonnacht Ó Raghallaigh blinded and emasculated the captive dynast Tadc Ó Conchobair, prompting King Fedlimid’s large retaliatory hosting into Breifne. At Fenagh, troops accidentally caused a foster-child’s death; compensation disputes ended when Magnus son of Muirchertach died during a flooded retreat, followed by payments in horses and silver measured by the Bell of the Kings. Tadc’s brothers died, while lords, clerics and poet Donnchad Mór Ó Dálaigh also perished. Tuam burned, Elphin’s episcopal election divided, and Dublin officials audited treasury accounts, illustrating Ireland’s overlapping Gaelic, ecclesiastical and Anglo-Irish authorities.