Hostages and Holy Relics
The Annals of Ulster record a meeting between Domnall Ua Lochlainn, Muirchertach Ua Briain, king of Cashel, and Domnall son of Flann Ua Máel Sechlainn, king of Tara. They surrendered their hostages to Domnall Ua Lochlainn. The Annals of Loch Cé preserve essentially the same report, while the much later Annals of the Four Masters add Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, king of Connacht, to the gathering and say that the rulers parted peacefully. Because the witnesses differ, Ruaidrí’s presence cannot be treated as equally certain, but the central fact—the delivery of hostages to the king of Ailech—is firmly supported.