Roscommon’s Three Kings
Archived: 25 October 2026
Abstract
In 1274 Connacht suffered a rapid succession crisis after the death of Áed mac Fedlimid Ua Conchobair, a powerful king who had resisted Gaelic and Anglo-Norman opponents. Eogan mac Ruaidrí succeeded him but was killed by kin in Roscommon’s friars’ church after three months. Áed mac Cathail Dall then ruled for a fortnight before being killed at Grainsech Sruthra, leaving Tadc mac Toirrdelbaig king. Elsewhere, deaths and killings altered lordship in Brefne, Annaly and Dartry. Dublin’s forces were defeated at Glenmalure, while Edward I’s coronation and Thomas de Clare’s arrival linked Ireland to Plantagenet politics. The year revealed fragmented power.