A Kingdom Divided
Toirdelbach Ua Briain had ruled Munster since the 1060s and, following the death of the Leinster overking Diarmait mac Maíl na mBó in 1072, had become the dominant ruler across much of Ireland. His authority rested not upon a unified state but upon personal submissions, hostages, tribute, military alliances and control or influence over other kings. Irish annalists consequently varied in their titles. Some called him king of Ireland, while others more cautiously described him as king of most or the greater part of Ireland. The later Four Masters added the significant qualification “with opposition”.