Cellach Cualann’s Succession
Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 715, annalistic notices, dated by modern synchronisation despite displacement in the Annals of Ulster, record political and ecclesiastical change across Ireland. Cellach Cualann’s death ended Uí Máil dominance in Leinster and enabled the rising Uí Dúnlainge, represented by Murchad son of Bran. Murchad’s hosting to Cashel demonstrated Leinster’s ability to project force into Munster, although no outcome is recorded. Murchad son of Diarmait, a Uí Néill king, was killed amid midland rivalry. Deaths of Armagh’s abbot Flann Febla, Ferns’s Bishop Cilléne, King Áed Dub, and the learned Flaithnia marked leadership losses, while rural agricultural society sustained these power networks.