Related Archive: Ireland in the 960s

Cormac’s Tomgraney Cloigtheach

Cormac’s Tomgraney Cloigtheach

Archived: 26 October 2026

Abstract

In 965 Ireland suffered a great famine, recorded by the Annals of Ulster as so severe that families reportedly sold children for food. Its causes and regional effects remain unknown, but scarcity threatened households, churches and political communities dependent on crops, cattle and stored resources. Domnall ua Néill, king of Tara, raided Connacht and took hostages from Ua Ruairc, while the Uí Channannáin won a battle killing Domnall. Ecclesiastical successions and deaths occurred at Tír dá Glas, Lismore and Armagh. Chronicon Scotorum associates bishop Cormac Ua Cillín with Tomgraney's church and bell-house, though its construction date and form remain uncertain.

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