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The title of high-king did not give its holder the administrative control associated with a later centralised monarchy. Authority depended upon military reputation, tribute, hostages and the repeated submission of lesser kings. Toirdelbach had ruled Connacht since 1106 and had transformed it into one of Ireland’s strongest powers, supporting fortifications, fleets and loyal regional rulers. By 1154, however, Mac Lochlainn had become his principal challenger. Based among the Cenél nÉogain, he could mobilise much of northern Ireland and intervene effectively in Mide, Bréifne, Connacht and Dublin.
Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair remained king of Connacht and the leading claimant to the high-kingship of Ireland. Such a title did not amount to settled government over the island. Authority depended upon military expeditions, alliances, tribute and hostages given by subordinate rulers. It could expand quickly after a successful campaign and contract just as rapidly when rivals resisted.
The most widely recorded event was not a battle but the weather. The Annals of Ulster describe severe frost and snow from 28 December until about 15 February, or slightly longer. Because the cold began in the closing days of 1114, it cannot be confined wholly to 1115, but its worst consequences dominated the opening weeks of the year. The Chronicon Scotorum adds that great herds could cross major lakes as though over dry ground.
Two kings overshadowed Irish politics. Muirchertach Ua Briain, king of Munster and great-grandson of Brian Bóruma, sought to restore the wide authority exercised by his father, Tairdelbach Ua Briain. In the north, Domnall Ua Lochlainn, king of Ailech and leader of Cenél nÉogain, was building a rival supremacy. Neither possessed an uncontested national monarchy. The high-kingship was effectively a claim to pre-eminence, demonstrated through hostages, tribute, alliances, royal meetings and military success.
The political setting had been transformed in February 1072, when Diarmait mac Máel na mBó, king of Leinster and Dublin and the dominant ruler in southern Ireland, was killed at Odba by Conchobar Ua Máelshechlainn of Mide. Diarmait’s former ally, Toirdelbach Ua Briain, king of Munster and grandson of Brian Bóruma, rapidly occupied the resulting space. He entered Leinster and Osraige, received submissions and extended his influence over Dublin. The Annals of Inisfallen say that leading rulers, including Conchobar’s son and Gofraid, king of Dublin, acknowledged his high-kingship in 1072.
The year’s most important development was the intensification of civil war within the Uí Briain dynasty. Donnchad son of Brian Bórama still ruled Munster, but his authority had been weakened by external attack and by the ambitions of his nephew, Toirdelbach Ua Briain. Toirdelbach’s father, Tadc, had been killed in 1023 at Donnchad’s instigation. The resulting feud divided Brian’s descendants and allowed neighbouring rulers to cultivate Toirdelbach as a useful challenger.
