War Across the Provinces
The most powerful Irish ruler was Tairdelbach Ua Briain, king of Munster and grandson of Brian Bórama. Since the death of his former patron, Diarmait mac Máel na mBó, in 1072, Tairdelbach had extended his influence over Leinster, Dublin, Osraige and parts of the midlands. His supremacy remained an overlordship maintained by campaigning and political management, however, rather than direct administration. Connacht was divided by competition among Ua Conchobair and Ua Ruairc leaders, while the north was developing a formidable centre of power under Domnall Ua Lochlainn of Cenél nÉogain.