Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1132, Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair’s high-kingship faced coordinated resistance from Munster, Meath, Bréifne, Conmaicne and northern rivals. Using fleets and fortified crossings, he raided Munster, installed Muirchertach Ua Maelsechlainn in Meath and repelled attacks on Athlone. However, Munster forces destroyed Bun Gaillimhe, defeated Iar Connacht and killed leading western nobles, exposing Connacht’s vulnerability. Raiding devastated communities and cattle wealth. In Leinster, Uí Chennselaig attacked Kildare, burning its church, killing many and abducting its female leader. Malachy Ua Morgair was consecrated for Armagh amid reform conflict. The year demonstrated interconnected warfare, dynastic competition, ecclesiastical rivalry and the limits of Toirdelbach’s authority.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1131, Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair’s contested high-kingship faced coordinated pressure from Munster, northern rulers and midland rivals. Connacht forces raided Uí Conaill Gabra and Desmond, possibly using a fleet to reach Rosscarbery, while Conchobar Ua Briain campaigned through Leinster and Mide, defeated Connacht cavalry, and took hostages. A northern coalition invaded Connacht but was repelled; subsequent raids exposed its fragility. Conflict continued within Munster, and Clonard was plundered twice. Church leadership and reform remained unsettled, while genealogical scholarship may have advanced. Warfare disrupted communities through demands for cattle, transport, provisions and service, without producing permanent territorial change across the island.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1130, Ireland remained politically fragmented, as provincial kings used alliances, hostages, tribute and warfare to extend authority. Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht mounted naval raids to Tory Island, Ros Guill and Desmond, demonstrating reach without securing conquest. Conchobar Ua Lochlainn defeated Ulaid, plundered its lands and obtained hostages through a peace at Armagh. Tigernán Ua Ruairc defeated Mide forces, advancing Bréifne's interests. Swords was burned, while Clonmacnoise treasures were recovered in Limerick. Church reform remained contested at Armagh. Warfare damaged communities through captivity and livestock seizure, though annals record an abundant fruit harvest and poet Gilla Pátraic Ua hAireachtaigh.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1129, Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair strengthened his contested high-kingship by building a timber-and-earth castle, and probably a bridge, at Athlone, commanding the Shannon crossing into Meath. Northern politics remained unstable as Magnus Mac Lochlainn briefly displaced Conchobar before being killed, while raids and killings marked wider local conflicts. A severe summer drought caused animal deaths and threatened livestock wealth. Cellach of Armagh died, prompting a prolonged succession dispute between Muirchertach mac Domnaill and reformers backing Malachy. Robbery of Clonmacnoise's rich altar treasures highlighted monastic wealth and vulnerability. These events intertwined royal ambition, warfare, environmental strain, ecclesiastical reform, and regional authority.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1128 Ireland was marked by warfare, shifting alliances and ecclesiastical intervention. Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair raided Leinster, Wexford and Dublin, reaffirming Connacht’s reach after resistance to his rule. Tigernán Ua Ruairc suffered defeats amid northern and midland conflicts, while attacks on Cellach of Armagh’s entourage brought moral condemnation. Conchobar Mac Lochlainn expanded power through hostages and victories but was censured for burning Trim’s churches. Local rulers also faced violent succession struggles. Cellach negotiated a temporary Connacht–Munster peace, demonstrating Armagh’s diplomatic influence. Church offices remained politically contested, while ports, cattle wealth, monasteries and the Cross of Cong reflected Ireland’s connected culture.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1127, Tairdelbach Ua Conchobair, king of Connacht, invaded Munster by land and sea, plundered Cork, displaced Cormac Mac Carthaig and partitioned the province. Cormac’s restoration from Lismore, backed by Ua Briain allies, quickly overturned this settlement, while hostage threats and naval conflict exposed its brutality. Tairdelbach’s son was expelled from Dublin and Leinster, and disputes in Kildare and Ulaid demonstrated persistent regional autonomy. Churchmen mediated politics, religious centres remained influential, and sacred objects expressed power. Warfare burdened ordinary communities, despite continuing trade, scholarship and artistic patronage, confirming limits to Tairdelbach’s high-kingship across Ireland during the unstable and contested year.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1124 Tairdelbach Ua Conchobair, Connacht’s dominant king, faced a broad alliance led by rulers of Desmond, Leinster, Meath and Bréifne. He transported a fleet around Doonass, campaigned along the Shannon, established a longphort, raided rebellious territories and executed Desmond hostages, forcing opponents to disperse. Connachtmen built fortifications at Galway, Cúl Maile and Dún Leodha, strengthening strategic routes. Regional killings, raids and an accident involving Tara’s king reflected continuing instability. Church reform advanced through Malachy’s consecration as bishop of Connor, Bangor’s church and Clonmacnoise’s tower. Limerick suffered a devastating fire. Tairdelbach retained supremacy, but required constant warfare, negotiation and infrastructure.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1123, Tairdelbach Ua Conchobair, Connacht’s dominant king, campaigned through southern Ireland, securing Desmond hostages amid Mac Carthaig succession disputes and asserting, rather than fully controlling, high-kingship. In Mide, Gailenga attackers burned Murchad Ua Máelshechlainn’s residence at Duleek, exposing regional instability. Violence also struck Emly’s church and Osraige. A fragment of the True Cross reached Ireland; Tairdelbach secured part for Roscommon and commissioned the Cross of Cong, combining devotion, patronage and artistry. Clerical deaths and pilgrimage reflected church reform. Annals also reveal warfare’s effects on agrarian life, urban trade, maritime travel, and fragile local allegiances throughout Ireland’s contested political order.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1122, Tairdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht emerged as Ireland’s foremost overking, exploiting northern weakness after Domnall Ua Lochlainn’s death. He secured Munster’s division through submission, capture and installation of rival rulers, campaigned in Mide and towards Lough Erne, and received Leinster-Dublin recognition. Nevertheless, northern raids, Ulaid dynastic conflict and midlands warfare showed authority remained contested. Annals also record cattle raiding’s human and economic burden, revealing rural wealth and royal logistics. Ecclesiastical life saw relic discovery at Lann, prominent clerical deaths, pilgrimage, learning and gradual reform alongside older offices. Connacht’s ascendancy was influential, but Ireland remained politically fragmented in practice.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1121, Domnall Ua Lochlainn’s death ended the northern overking’s role as Connacht’s principal counterweight, strengthening his son-in-law Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair’s claim to wider supremacy. Toirdelbach invaded Munster, devastating territories, churches and Lismore’s protected lands, taking cattle and hostages, and attempting to balance Mac Cárthaigh and Uí Briain interests. His forces nevertheless suffered notable losses. Church politics saw Armagh’s Cellach temporarily assume Dublin’s bishopric amid reform and Canterbury connections. Regional feuds killed several rulers, including one at Bangor cemetery. Fires and storms damaged ecclesiastical settlements at Telach Inmainne and Armagh, revealing communities vulnerable to warfare, disaster, tribute and shifting lordship.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1120, Ireland remained divided among competing rulers rather than subject to a single high king. Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht invaded Meath, expelling Murchad Ua Máel Sechlainn despite disputed ecclesiastical guarantees, before confronting Domnall Mac Lochlainn at Athlone; their peace proved fragile. Toirdelbach reinforced power by building three strategic bridges and celebrating Tailtiu’s royal assembly. In Munster and Osraige, hostage-taking, payments and imprisonment exposed overlapping claims. Cellach of Armagh visited Munster, collecting dues and affirming church influence in diplomacy and reform. Regional killings, trade, agriculture and labour underpin the annals’ portrait of political conflict, mobility and contested authority throughout.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1116, Ireland faced intertwined dynastic, military and environmental crises. Munster’s Uí Briain kingship fractured as Diarmait displaced the ailing Muirchertach, enabling Connacht’s Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair to raid Thomond, burn Kincora and challenge Munster forces. Severe winter weather produced famine and pestilence, especially in Leinster and southern Ireland, causing mortality, displacement and abandoned settlements; warfare worsened shortages through plunder and captivity. Fires damaged major ecclesiastical centres, including Armagh, Killaloe, Cork, Emly, Lismore, Aghaboe and Clonard, while attacks struck church communities. Despite disruption, Cellach of Armagh completed a Connacht visitation, demonstrating enduring ecclesiastical authority and institutional resilience amid severe widespread hardship.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1113, Ireland was dominated by rivalry between Muirchertach Ua Briain of Munster and Domnall Ua Lochlainn of Ailech, whose coalitions threatened conflict. Domnall expelled Donnchad Ua hEochada and partitioned Ulaid, while Muirchertach mobilised Leinster and Connacht forces in response. On two occasions Cellach, successor of Patrick at Armagh, prevented battle, ultimately securing a year’s truce with the sacred Bachall Ísu. The events demonstrated Armagh’s ecclesiastical authority amid church reform. Local dynastic killings, cattle mortality, pilgrimage deaths on Croagh Patrick, and shrine-work at Clonmacnoise also reveal instability, devotion, economic vulnerability, and patronage. Neither overking prevailed before Muirchertach’s illness in 1114.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1112, rivalry between northern overking Domnall Ua Lochlainn and Munster’s Muirchertach Ua Briain shaped Irish politics. Domnall raided Fine Gall near Dublin, seizing cattle and captives, demonstrating northern power in a prosperous region. Armagh’s enclosure, church and neighbouring quarters burned on 23 March, amid implementation of diocesan reforms agreed at Ráith Bressail. Deaths included leading officers of Derry, Kildare and Clonfert, illustrating enduring ecclesiastical and dynastic institutions. Terryglass and Fore also suffered fires, while a local aristocrat was killed. Conversely, an abundant mast crop aided rural households and pig husbandry, underscoring countryside wealth vulnerable to warfare and disruption alike.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1111 Ireland remained divided among competing rulers, notably Muirchertach Ua Briain in the south and Domnall Ua Lochlainn in the north, while Tairdelbach Ua Conchobair extended Connacht’s influence. Raids, hostage-taking, dynastic conflict and attacks on churches, including Clonmacnoise, demonstrated political instability. The Synod of Ráith Bressail, attended by leading clerics and royal patrons, promoted ecclesiastical discipline and a territorial diocesan framework under Armagh and Cashel, though implementation was uneven. A Meath synod also negotiated church boundaries. Ulaid’s conflict with Cenél nÉogain, harsh winter conditions, and fires at several settlements further affected society, trade and rural livelihoods across Ireland broadly.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1110, Ireland remained divided among local and provincial rulers, dominated by Muirchertach Ua Briain of Munster and Domnall Ua Lochlainn of Ailech. Ua Lochlainn raided Connacht, taking many cattle and captives, while its young king, Tairdelbach Ua Conchobair, won at Ros but suffered defeat at Mag Brengair. Elsewhere, the Ulaid plundered Mucnám and regional kings were killed. Dynastic deaths affected Munster and northern alliances. Cellach of Armagh visited Mide, collecting dues and advancing church reform. Learned churchmen also died. Annals chiefly preserve elite violence and religion, while rural farming, trade, craftsmanship and learning sustained wider society throughout the year.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1109, rival Irish overkings Muirchertach Ua Briain and Domnall Ua Lochlainn mobilised major coalitions, while Murchad Ua Máel Sechlainn of Mide, allied to Ua Briain, raided Bréifne. The invaders seized cattle, captives and booty but failed to secure hostages; Aed Ua Ruairc retaliated, and Ardbraccan was burnt. Cellach of Armagh prevented confrontation between the principal armies at Sliab Fuait, arranging a one-year truce. Ua Lochlainn subsequently compelled Ulaid submission through hostages, amid continuing local feuds. Annals also note clerical deaths, church learning, severe weather, fasting, plentiful apples, crop-destroying mice, and vulnerability to warfare and environmental disruption throughout the island.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1108, Ireland remained divided among provincial overkings, lesser dynasties and Hiberno-Norse towns, despite peace between Muirchertach Ua Briain and Domnall Ua Lochlainn. Local conflict persisted: Niall Ua Lochlainn raided Corann, rulers were killed in Ulaid, Bréifne and elsewhere, and strongholds were attacked. Cellach of Armagh visited Connacht, collecting dues and extending Armagh’s primatial authority, while clerical disputes employed fasting and sacred sanctions. Lightning was blamed for Limerick’s fire, which spared its external market. Good weather, plentiful grain and oak-mast aided rural prosperity, yet storms, raids and killings exposed enduring insecurity. The year foreshadowed church reform amid fragmented, competitive power.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1107 Ireland remained divided between powerful regional kings, notably Muirchertach Ua Briain of Munster and Dublin and Domnall Ua Lochlainn in the north. Cellach of Armagh negotiated a year's truce between them, demonstrating growing clerical influence, although local feuds and killings continued across Ulster, the midlands and Munster. Muirchertach imprisoned and released his nephew in Dublin and plundered Mungret. Severe snow, rain, wind and lightning killed people and livestock, ruined crops, and damaged houses and woodland. Lightning burned Kincora and Cashel. Church appointments and reform advanced, while trading towns, scholarship and rural agriculture underpinned society throughout the island alike.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1106, Ireland’s annals reveal political and ecclesiastical change rather than a single decisive event. In Mide, Donnchad Ua Máel Sechlainn was killed after seeking Domnall Mac Lochlainn’s aid against Muirchertach Ua Briain, while Murchad son of Domnall became king. In Connacht, the young Tairdelbach Ua Conchobair succeeded his brother, beginning a long, influential reign. Cellach of Armagh toured northern and southern territories, collecting dues and receiving episcopal dignity, strengthening Armagh’s primacy and church reform. Recorded clerical deaths, violence at Clonmacnoise, and a fire at Dísert Diarmata illuminate monastic organisation, insecurity and material life, amid tribute, livestock and regional commerce.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1105, rivalry between Muirchertach Ua Briain of Munster and Domnall Ua Lochlainn of the north continued without decisive resolution. Muirchertach campaigned in Mide, expelled Donnchad Ua Máel Sechlainn, seized livestock, secured hostages and sought to reshape midland politics. Dynastic killings and deaths underlined regional instability. Armagh’s head, Domnall son of Amalgaid, attempted mediation in Dublin but died; his successor Cellach began an important, though gradual, reforming ecclesiastical leadership. Heavy snow devastated livestock, exposing rural vulnerability. Meanwhile, a camel from Alba, a huge fish near Limerick, and clerical notices reveal maritime links, economic activity and enduring learned religious communities alike.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1104, Ireland remained unsettled after Domnall Ua Lochlainn’s victory over Muirchertach Ua Briain’s coalition at Mag Coba. Domnall strengthened northern influence, possibly taking Ulaid hostages and raiding towards Tara, although later sources make dating uncertain. Muirchertach reportedly retaliated in Mag Muirthemne by destroying crops, illustrating warfare’s economic damage. Ulaid defeated Dál Araide, while local rulers died through accidents, feud and conflict. Ecclesiastical life continued through bishops’ and scholars’ deaths, church roofing at Clonmacnoise, manuscript culture, and gradual reform. Ports, agriculture, tribute, alliances and hostage-taking underpinned shifting regional power; no ruler permanently controlled Ireland across its competing kingdoms at all.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1103, Ireland remained divided between Muirchertach Ua Briain, dominant in the south, and Domnall Ua Lochlainn of Ailech. Muirchertach led a coalition from several kingdoms, including Dublin, against the Ulaid and Domnall, but divided his forces after campaigning near Armagh. On 5 August Domnall defeated the remaining coalition at Mag Coba, killing regional kings and nobles and capturing royal insignia. The victory checked southern ambitions without ending Muirchertach’s power. Later that month Ulaid killed Norway’s King Magnus Barelegs, ending his Irish expansion. Annals also note churchmen, learning, scholarship, rural life, economies, Dublin trade, local conflicts, and a rare birth.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1102, Ireland experienced negotiated truces rather than unity, as Muirchertach Ua Briain and Domnall Ua Lochlainn balanced competing claims to national authority. Armagh held hostages securing their one-year agreement, although raids and killings continued across Ulster, Connacht, Bréifne and Meath. Muirchertach also confronted Magnus Barelegs’ fleet before forging a marriage alliance with Magnus’s son Sigurd, and linked his dynasty to Norman rebel Arnulf de Montgomery. Churches served as guarantors, learning centres and targets for attack. Rural communities bore warfare’s economic burden, while ports sustained Irish Sea trade. These fragile personal settlements reorganised conflict, preceding renewed campaigns thereafter in 1103.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1101, Ireland remained divided between Muirchertach Ua Briain of Munster and Domnall Ua Lochlainn of Aileach, neither an uncontested high king. Muirchertach enhanced his authority by granting Cashel’s royal site to the Church, supporting reform and weakening Éoganachta claims. His coalition’s circuit through Connacht and the north destroyed Aileach, extracted hostages, and ravaged communities, yet failed to defeat Domnall. Local cattle raids, dynastic killings and church attacks continued. Armagh secured release of Ulaid king under sacred oaths. Seaborne raiders plundered Inis Cathaig amid Scandinavian pressure. Good harvests coexisted with cattle disease, while religious and learned institutions sustained collective memory.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1100 Ireland remained divided among local and provincial kings, as Muirchertach Ua Briain of Munster and Domnall Ua Lochlainn of Ailech contested supremacy. Muirchertach’s northern expedition to Eas Ruaidh failed, Leinster raided Airgialla, and Dublin’s fleet was destroyed in Inis Eógain. Domnall retaliated by ravaging Brega and Fine Gall and captured Donnchad Ua hEochada, king of Ulaid. Deaths of rulers and churchmen altered regional politics. Warfare burdened rural communities, while Dublin’s maritime economy remained important. Monasteries sustained learning, pilgrimage and mediation. Neither overking prevailed; their struggle intensified before Muirchertach’s major 1101 campaign, which devastated Ailech and displayed southern power.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1099, Ireland remained politically divided as Muirchertach Ua Briain and Domnall Ua Lochlainn confronted one another at Sliabh Fuaid. Armagh brokered a year-long truce, preventing battle without resolving their rivalry. Domnall then defeated Ulaid at Cráeb Telcha, took hostages, burned its camp and felled its inauguration tree. Midland warfare killed Tethba leaders, while Airthir’s king died. A nationwide epidemic and fires at Kells, Kildare and Ardstraw compounded disruption. Church institutions continued through episcopal appointment and clerical deaths. Ireland’s communities and Dublin’s trade sustained wider Irish Sea connections, including Norse activity and Welsh exiles. The year combined restraint with violence.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1098, Ireland remained divided among competing kings, with Muirchertach Ua Briain’s northern campaign checked by Domnall Ua Lochlainn, while succession disputes devastated Meath, Leinster, Connacht and other regions. Cenél nEógain defeated Cenél Conaill, and Ulaid captured three ships of unnamed Isles foreigners, probably linked to Magnus Barelegs’ western expedition. Deaths of reformer Domnall Ua hÉnna and numerous bishops, scholars and clerics highlighted active religious networks and emerging church reform. Rain, fertility and heavy snow shaped rural life; fires damaged Cork and Clonmacnoise. The chronicles depict political fragmentation, local violence, maritime connections, learning, pilgrimage and resilient ecclesiastical centres throughout Ireland.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1097, Muirchertach Ua Briain led a southern coalition to Mag Muirtheimne, where Domnall Ua Lochlainn’s northern army confronted it at Fid Conaill. Abbot Domnall of Armagh brokered an uneasy peace, demonstrating ecclesiastical influence without ending royal rivalry. Connacht suffered renewed instability after Tadc Ua Conchobair’s killing and Flaithbertach Ua Flaithbertaig’s contested restoration. Regional rulers died or were killed, while notable churchmen also died. Fire destroyed books and treasures at Monasterboice. Exceptionally abundant nuts fattened swine, lowered prices and supported food supplies. The annals thus depict political conflict, cultural loss, church diplomacy and rural economic abundance across late eleventh-century Ireland.
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Archived: 26 September 2026
Abstract
In 1096 Ireland remained politically fragmented despite Muirchertach Ua Briain’s southern overlordship, as Domnall Ua Lochlainn challenged him and regional rulers fought, raided and died in feuds. Muirchertach rebuilt Kincora, restoring Ua Briain prestige after its 1088 destruction, while Irish Sea links were marked by death of his nephew on Man. Fear of a calendrical omen, intensified by recent mortality, prompted island-wide fasting, almsgiving and church grants. Lightning burned Limerick. Waterford’s Malchus was consecrated by Anselm of Canterbury, establishing an urban bishopric connected to ecclesiastical reform. The year combined dynastic consolidation, insecurity, clerical authority and growing international religious maritime ties.
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