The Blinding of Ruaidrí
Ireland had no permanent central government. It was divided among provincial and regional kingdoms whose rulers competed through campaigning, alliances, marriage, tribute and the taking of hostages. Muirchertach Ua Briain controlled Munster but aspired to wider authority modelled on that of his great-grandfather Brian Bórama. His principal long-term rival was Domnall Ua Lochlainn, king of Ailech and leader of the northern Cenél nÉogain. Neither could simply command the island, and both depended upon shifting relationships with the rulers of Connacht, Mide, Leinster, Ulaid and Dublin.