Mag Itha’s Second Encounter
Archived: 1 November 2026
Abstract
In 733, Áed Allán of Cenél nEógain again fought Cenél Conaill at Mag Itha in the Finn valley, killing Conaing of Fánad and many others, strengthening his northern position. The annals place this conflict within wider rivalry among Northern Uí Néill dynasties, without proving an immediate all-Ireland kingship. Elsewhere, Dúngal violated sanctuary on Tory Island, while succession and deaths exposed instability in Dál Riata. Killings, defeats and contested authority at Tailtiu and Tlachtga reflected regional insecurity. Obituaries from Clonmacnoise and Armagh, Donnchad Midi’s birth, and a remarkable cow recorded at Delg Inis reveal intertwined political, ecclesiastical, maritime and pastoral worlds.