Snow, Silver and Uí Maine
Archived: 23 October 2026
In 1339, Ireland endured severe frost and snow that damaged livestock and winter crops, while warfare in Meath ruined grainlands and caused famine. Political violence accompanied hardship: Ruaidhrí Ó Cellaigh, king of Uí Maine, was killed, and Toirdhealbhach Ó Conchobhair reshaped Connacht alliances through marriage, repudiation and pressure upon Edmund Albanach Burke. Northern campaigning by Aodh Reamhar Ó Néill brought further deaths, while Tomás Mag Samhradháin was released from captivity. Despite instability, Fergal Muimhneach Ó Duibhgeannáin erected Kilronan church. In Dublin, Edward III’s administration briefly minted silver coinage, thereby linking local society to royal fiscal demands amid wider Anglo-French war.