Annals of Ireland : three fragments

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. King Cormac's death and beheading fleeing the battle

   Ballaghmoon · townland · Kildare · 908

   King Cormac mac Cuilennáin, fleeing the battle on horseback, had his horse slip in a track of blood, breaking his back and neck. As he died reciting a prayer, impious soldiers came and thrust darts through his body and cut off his head.

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   the chieftains of the people of the King of Erin cutting clown his own battalion, he mounted his horse, and said to his own people : " Mount your horses, and drive the enemy before you." And though he said this, it was not to fight really he said so, but to fly. But, however, it resulted from these causes that the Munster battalions fled together. Alas ! pitiful and great was the slaughter throughout Magh-Ailbhe afterwards. A cleric was not more spared' than a layman there; they were equally killed. When a layman or a clergyman was spared, it was not out of mercy it was done, but out of covetousness to obtain a ransom for them, or to bring them into servitude. King Cormac, however, escaped in the van of the first battalion, but his horse fell into a trench, and he fell off the horse. When a party of his people Avho were flying perceived this, they came to the king and put him up on his horse again. It was then he saw a foster-son of his own, a noble of the Eoghanachts, by name Aedh, who was an adept in wisdom and jurisprudence, and history, and Latin, and the king said to him : " Beloved son," said he, " do not follow me, but escape as well as thou canst. I told thee before now, that I should fall in this battle." A few remained along with Cormac, and he came for- Avard along the way on horseback, and the way was besmeared throughout with much blood of men and horses. The hind feet of his horse slipped on the slippery way in the track of blood, and the horse fell backwards, and broke his [Cormac's] back and neck in twain, and he said, when falling, "In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum rneum," and he gave up the ghost; and the impious sons of malediction came and thrust darts through his body, and cut off his head"".

   Though

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2. The killing of Oisle by his brother Amhlaeibh

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 866

   Oisle, youngest son of the King of Lochlann, was murdered by his brother Amhlaeibh in Amhlaeibh's own house at his camp, after Oisle came with only a small party expecting no harm. The two factions then fought and the slain brother's camp was captured.

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   be granted him. He first requested that freedom of speech should be granted him, and what he said was : " Brother," said he, " if thou art not fond of thy wife, the daugliter of Cinaedh, why not give her away to me, and whatever dower tliou Iiast given for her, I shall give to thee." When Amhlaeibh heard this, he was seized with great jealously; he drew his sword and dealt his brother Oisle a blow of it on the head, and killed him. The parties of both then rose up to give battle to each other, i. e. the people of the King, Amhlaeibh, and the people of the brother who was killed. Trumpets were blown, and combats were fought between both parties there. The camp of the slain brother was afterwards entered after his people had been dreadfully slaughtered, and many were the spoils found in that camp.

   In this year the Danes went to Caer-Ebroic^ and gave hard battle to the Saxons there. They defeated the Saxons, and killed the Saxon King there ; viz. Alle", through the treachery and deceit of a young man of his own people. Great havoc took place in that battle. The city of Ebroc was then entered, and much of every Idnd of riches was carried out of it, for it was wealthy at this time, and all the good people who were found within it were slain. From this arose every kind of misfortune and trouble to the island of Britain.

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   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Dublin now. In 866 this city was the setting for a killing among the Danes. Oisle, youngest son of the King of Lochlann, came to the house of his brother Amhlaeibh, at Amhlaeibh's camp, with only a small party, expecting no harm. He first requested that freedom of speech be granted him, and what he said was: "Brother, if thou art not fond of thy wife, the daughter of Cinaedh, why not give her away to me, and whatever dower thou hast given for her, I shall give to thee." When Amhlaeibh heard this, he was seized with great jealousy. He drew his sword and dealt his brother Oisle a blow on the head, and killed him. The parties of both then rose up to give battle to each other, the people of the King Amhlaeibh and the people of the brother who was killed. Trumpets were blown, and combats were fought between both parties there. The camp of the slain brother was afterwards entered after his people had been dreadfully slaughtered, and many were the spoils found in that camp.

3. Gruesome killing of the banished Leinster chieftain

   Leinster · province · 871

   A banished Leinster chieftain who had married the King of Erin's daughter was hacked to pieces and beheaded by the Leinster-men when he returned to wage war. His head was later brought to the Lochlanns, placed on a pole and used for target practice before being cast into the sea.

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   After this \iv came \vith an army into Leinster, and committed many plunders and depredations, many conflagrations and slaughters therein. But, however, it is among the ca^^ses'' of the saints that it will not be safe fur one banished out of Leinster to come back to make war therein again. This was the case with him .... They observed not the rights of mnii, or combat towards him, but they attacked him on every side witli javelins, and axes, and swords, so that they hacked him into small pieces, and cut off his head. They also killed all bis people. His head was afterAvards brought to the Lochlanns, wlu» placed it on a pole, and continued for some time to shoot at it, and afterwards cast it into the sea.

   [870.] Kal. Suairlecli iif Inedhnen', bishop and anchorite, and abbot of Cluain-Iraird [Clonard], the best doctor of religion in all Erin, quievit.

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4. The Battle of Almhain: slaughter of Leth-Chuinn

   Hill of Allen · hill or hills · Kildare · 722

   At Almhain the Leinstermen defeated the forces of Leth-Chuinn; King Fergal was slain along with numerous kings and nine thousand men. Nine men were said to have run mad from panic after the battle.

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   The valorous''' deeds of the heroes of Leinster and of Leth-Chuinn are very much spoken of It is said that Brigit^ was seen over the Leinster-men ; Colum Cille^ was seen over the Ui-Neill. The battle was gained by Murchadh, son of Bran^, and Aedh, son of Donnchadh, son of Colgan, King of South Leinster. Ferga? himself was killed in it ; and it was Aedh Menu, and Donnchadh, son of Murchadh, that slew Fergal himself, and Bile, son of Buan, of Albain'', from whom Corrbile", at Almhain, is named. Aedh Menu Avas also the person who slew Donnbo. Fergal was not killed till Donnbo had first fallen. One hundred and sixty soldiers were killed on the occasion. The Leinster-men killed an equal number of Leth-Chuinn in this battle ; i. e. nine thousand and nine of them ran mad^ and one hundred kinsrs. The hill of FerghaP is at the place. The Leinster-men raised shouts of exultation there, iincle dicitur :

   At the end of the day at Almhain, In defending the cows of Bi'cgia, The red-mouthed, sharp-beaked raven. Croaked over Fergal's head.

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5. Cenneidigh's victory over the Lochlanns and the wolf-like slaughter in the bog

   Laois · county · Laois · 866

   Cenneidigh mac Gaithin led the Laeighis and Osraighi against a Lochlann camp, slaying their best men and personally beheading two enemies to save one of his own. Fleeing survivors were driven into a bog where they were all killed and their bodies devoured by dogs, and the Lochlanns later slaughtered captive clerics in revenge before their own defeat.

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   his people, and they prevailed over the Lochlanns, who left the field of conflict and fled routed after having sustained red havoc. Some of them had not gone far, in consequence of weakness, having suflFered much from hunger, or who were ashamed to fly ; when these perceived the host of the son of Gaithin collecting the spoils which they had abandoned to them, they came" after them. When the son of Gaithin saw this, he attacked them as the wolf attacks sheep, so that they fled into a bog, and in that bog they were all killed, and dogs devoured their bodies. This party also, i. e. the son of Gaithin and his people, made a great slaughter of the aes-gradha [servants of trust] of the King of the Lochlanns in another direction in Munster, i. e. of the cavalry of the King of the Lochlanns; and in revenge of this the Lochlanns killed a great host of clerics who were in their ovm camp; but it was after the victory of unction and penance.

   At this time Maelciarain" obtained great fame among the Gaeidhil from his frequent victories over the Lochlanns.

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6. Deisi and Feara-Maighe unite to destroy Lochlanns and demolish their castle

   Fermoy · townland · Cork

   Lochlanns from Corcach came to plunder Fera Maighe-Feine, but the Deisi, who happened to be raiding the same land, made peace with the Feara-maighe and joined forces against the Lochlanns, defeating them with great slaughter. Their chief Gnim Cinnsiolla fled to a nearby castle, was betrayed and killed by Cennfaeladh despite promises of protection, and the castle was later demolished.

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   of Corcach'^ to plunder Fera Maiglie-Feine [Fermoy]. God, however, did not permit them, for at this time the Deisi had come to plunder in the same land by the providence of God, for before this time the Deisi and the Feara-maighe were mortal enemies. When, however, the Deisi saw the Lochlanns plundering and ravaging the country, they came to the Feara-maighe, and they made a firm and faithfiil peace [Avith each other], and they went together against the Lochlanns, fiercely, actively, and unitedly, and a fierce and terrible battle was fought between them; however, the Lochlanns were defeated through God's miracle, and they were cut off with great slaughter. But their chief, Gnim CinnsioUa^ by name, went to a strong castle" which stood near them, and he attempted to take it, but it was a vain effort for him, for he was not able to bear the number of darts and stones shot at him. He then called Cennfaeladh to him, for he thought he was a friend, and promised him many rewards for protecting him ; but this was also idle for him, for he was taken out at the request of the hosts who had served him previously, and piteously killed with all his people. Shortly afterwards they came to the castle in which he had passed his time voluptuously, and totally demolished it : Sic enim placuit Deo.

   [866.] Kal. Dinertach, Abbot of Lothra", died.

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   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Fermoy, two old enemies became allies against a common foe. Lochlanns from Corcach came to plunder Fera Maighe-Feine, but God did not permit them. At the same time, the Deisi had come to plunder the same land. Before this, the Deisi and the Feara-maighe were mortal enemies. But when the Deisi saw the Lochlanns ravaging the country, they went to the Feara-maighe and made a firm and faithful peace with each other. They went together against the Lochlanns, fiercely, actively, and unitedly. A fierce and terrible battle was fought, and the Lochlanns were defeated and cut off with great slaughter. Their chief, Gnim Cinnsiolla, went to a strong castle that stood near them and tried to take it, but he could not bear the number of darts and stones shot at him. He called Cennfaeladh to him, thinking he was a friend, and promised him many rewards for protecting him. But this was also idle. He was taken out at the request of the hosts who had served him previously, and piteously killed with all his people. Shortly afterwards they came to the castle where he had passed his time voluptuously, and totally demolished it. Sic enim placuit Deo.

7. Great naval slaughter of Lochlanns and Danes at Snámh Aighnech

   near Carlingford Lough · estuary · Louth · 851

   At Snámh Aighnech, near Carlingford Lough, the Danes and Lochlanns fought a stubborn sea battle described as the greatest slaughter at sea ever heard of, with the Danes ultimately defeated by famine and the Lochlanns.

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   proceeded to Snárah Aighnech" where the Danes were [stationed] at that time. There they fought on either side, and engaged in a hard and stubborn battle on either side, for we have never heard before this time of so great a slaughter at sea as was caused between them, i. e. between theDanes and theLochlanns. But, however,it was against the Danes the defeat was. The Danes, after being defeated in this battle, being sore oppressed by famine, assembled their people, and what their Lord, Horm, who hitherto had been a firm, victorious man, said to them was, — " Hitherto," said he, " ye have gained many victories, although ye have been defeated here by superior forces. Listen to the words which I shall say unto you : ' Every victory, every triumph, and every fame which ye had gained was obscured by the little fame of that day.' Look ye sharp to the battle which ye shall next make with the Lochlanns, for your women and all your property are in their hands as well as your ships ; and they are rejoicing for having gained victory and triumph over you ! What is proper for you now to do is to go unanimously against them, as if ye did not think of life, but not to be waiting for death, and to revenge yourselves upon them, and though ye may not gain a prosperous victory thereby, ye shall have whatever our gods and our fate will give us ; if it be of no advantage to us, there shall be at least equal slaughter on either side.

   "This is another advice of mine to you: 'This Saint Patrick, against whom these enemies of ours have committed many evils, is archbishop, and head of the saints of Erin. Let us pray to him fervently, and let us give honourable alms to him for our gaining victory and triumph over these enemies."

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8. Cormac's honoured burial at Disert-Diarmada with miracles

   Castledermot · town · Kildare · 908

   After the battle, Cormac's severed head was reverently carried to be reunited with his body, and his remains were brought to Disert-Diarmada where he was honourably interred. The text records that miracles and signs continued to be performed at his grave.

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   Avas afterwards carried away from him honourably to the body, where Maenach, son of Siadhal, Comharba of Comhghall, was, and he carried the body of Cormac to Disert-Diarmada [Castledermot], where it was honourably interred, and where it performs signs and miracles.

   Why should not the heart repine and the mind sicken at this enormous deed, the killing and the mangling,* -with horrid arms, of this holy man, the most learned of all who came or will come of the men of Erin for ever? The complete master of Gaedhlic, and Latin, the archbishop, most pious, most pure, miraculous in chastity and prayer, a proficient in law, in every wisdom, knowledge, and science; a paragon of poetry and learning, head of charity and every virtue, and head of education ; supreme king of the two provinces of Munster in his time.

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9. Secret birth and near-drowning of Aedh Allan

   near Kinnaweer · locality · Donegal

   Aedh Allan was secretly conceived when Ferghal seduced the daughter of Congal of Ceannmaghuir, a consecrated virgin; upon birth she ordered him drowned to hide her shame, but two nurses fought over his fate and one saved him, rearing him in secret for four years before he was returned to his father.

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   Now, when Aedh Allan was born, his mother gave him in charge to two women (who were dear to her) to be drowned, that her father might not discover her crime, or be angry with her. One of these women was of the Cinel-Conaill, and the other of the Cinel-Eogliain". When the woman of the Cinel-Eoghain took into her hands the beautiful little infixnt, she was fiUed -with love and affection for it, and she said to her female companion : " Dear sister," said she, " it is not right to destroy this infant, but to preserve it well." The other replied : " He is dearer to thee than to his own mothei', who commanded us to drown him, from fear of the anger of her father." The other became angry, and laid the child on the ground, and they fought with each other, the one for preserving, and the other for drowning him. But the Cinel-Eoghain woman prevailed over the other, and held her by the apple of the throat until she consented to her wishes; namely, to rear the child. After this both conjointly reared the child.

   On one occasion, at the end of four years, the mother of the child happened to come into the house in which the child was, not knowing that he was alive. The child was at his play, and the mother's mind was fixed upon him, and she asked : " What age is yon child ?" said she. All replied that he was a child of the age of four years. She called these trusted women to her, and said to them : " I committed a great wickedness," said she, " in destroying a son [who would now be] of that age, to escape the anger of my father." But the women said to her : " Be not sad at all ;" said they, " yon child is that son, and we were they who preserved him." She afterwards gave great rewards to the women, and the boy was conveyed away'' from them privately to his own father, Ferghal.

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10. Cearbhall's fatal wounding in the street of Cill-dara

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 908–909

    According to one account, King Cearbhall was mortally wounded when his proud steed, startled by a fuller's implement thrown into the street of Cill-dara, caused him to strike against his own javelin held by his horseboy. He died of this wound a year later and was buried among his fathers in the cemetery of Nás.

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    horse being opposite it outside ; the proud steed started back, so that he [the king] struck against his own javelin, which was in the hand of his own horseboy (whose name was Uille, or this was the name of the fuller), and Cearbhall died of that wound at the end of a year, and he was buried among his fathers in the cemetery of Nás ; hence is said : —

    There are nine kings of famous career In Cill-Nais", of shining lustre: Muircgan, a hero without mistake, Ceallach and Cearbhall the sensible, Colman, Braen, and Bran the Uvely, Finn, Faelan, Dunchadh, the bold. In Corban's church, I have heard. Their warlike graves were made.

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you are near the street of Cill-dara where King Cearbhall was mortally wounded. Around 908, a fuller's implement was thrown into the street and startled his proud steed. The horse started back so that Cearbhall struck against his own javelin, which was in the hand of his horseboy, named Uille. He died of that wound at the end of a year and was buried among his fathers in the cemetery of Nás. A verse from the source names nine kings lying at Cill-Nais: Muircgan, Ceallach, Cearbhall, Colman, Braen, Bran, Finn, Faelan, and Dunchadh.

11. Ciarraighi drown and kill Tomrar's men at Port-Manann invasion camp

    Isle of Man · island or archipelago · 866

    The Ciarraighi made an invading camp against Tomrar's people; through supplication of St Brenainn on the seashore, the sea drowned many Lochlanns while the Ciarraighi killed the rest. Congal the senior, King of Ciarraighe, won the battle, and the fleeing Lochlanns left behind gold, silver and women.

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    Li this year the Ciarraighi [Kerry-men] made an invading camp against the people of this Tomrar, and having supplicated Brenann on the brink of the sea, the Lord was aiding the Gaedhil, for the sea was drowning the Lochlanns, and the Ciarraghi were killing them. Congal, the senior", King of Ciarraighe, gained victory in this battle. The Lochlanns escaped, few, naked, and wounded, leaving behind them much gold and silver, and fair women.

    In this year also the hosts of the Lochlanns came from the port

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12. Cinaeth mac Conaing drowned in a dirty streamlet

    Duleek · town · Meath · 850

    Cinaeth, King of Cianachta, who had burned churches and oratories, was lured by Maelsechlainn under false pretences and, remaining silent when accused, was dragged out and drowned in a foul stream on Maelsechlainn's orders.

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    After this, Maelsechlainn, and Cinaeth, and Tighernach, King of Breagh', met together: and Maelsechlainn's desire was that he and the King of Breagh should kill the King of Cianachta. Maelsechlainn, however, did not do this at once, for Cinaeth had more forces, and he was afraid that mutual slaughter might take place. What he did was to wait till the next morninor. Maelsechlainn feitrned false reasons, for which they should come to the same place the next morning, and he ordered the forces [of Cinaeth] to go away. When his army went away from Cinaeth, Maelsechlainn came with a great host to meet Cinaeth before it was clear daylight, and Maelsechlainn said with a loud, fierce, and hostile voice to Cinaeth: " AVhy," said he, " hast thou burned the oratories of the saints, and why hast thou destroyed their sanctuaries and their v/ritings, the Lochlanns assisting thee ?" Cinaeth knew that it would be of no avail to him to make use of fair speeches ; what he did was to remain silent. That noble, goodly born, brave youth was afterwards dragged out, and drowned in a dirty streamlet', by advice of Maelsechlainn, and thus he perished !

    [851.] In this year, i. e. in the fifth year of the reign of Maelsechlainn', the two chiefs of the fleet of the Lochlanns, i. e. Zain and largna, collected great hosts from every quarter against the Danes. They afterwards assembled to the number of threescore and ten ships, and

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13. Death of the Druid Hona at Port-Lairge battle

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 860

    The Lochlann chiefs Hona and Tomrir Torra brought forces to Luimnech and then Port-Lairge, where the men of Eoghanacht and Ara Cliach fought them and drove them to a small stone-walled enclosure. Hona, a Druid, was struck in the mouth with a stone while praying to his gods, lost his teeth, and died; the other chieftain was later killed in a nearby morass.

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    (and Hona was a Druid) ; and these were hardy men of great fame among their own people, and fully noble, of the best race of the Lochlanns. These two came with their forces to Luimnech'' and from Luimnech to Port-Lairge' ; but, however, they prevailed more by their own vigour than by their forces^ The people of Eoghanacht™ and Ara Cliach" assembled against them, and they met face to face, and a hard battle was fought between them, in which the Lochlanns were driven to a small place svirrounded hy a stone wall. The Druid, i. e. Hona, the elder of them, went up on the wall, and his mouth opened, praying to his gods and exercising his magic, and ordering his people to worship the gods. One of the men of Munster came towards him and gave him a blow of a large stone on the mouth, and knocked all the teeth out of his head. He afterwards turned his face on his own people, and said, as he was pouring the warm blood out of his mouth : "I shall die of this," said he, and he fell back, and his soul went out of him. They were afterwards so plied with stones that they were not able to bear them, and they quitted that place, and repaired to a neighbouring morass, and here the other chieftain was killed ; and thus were the two chieftains killed, i. e. Hona, of Luimnech, and Tomrir Toi'ra. Of their chief men, only two escaped with a few forces; and thus the men of Munster gained victory and triumph.

    [860.] In this year a great hosting" was made by Maelsechlainn, King of Erin, accompanied by Cearbhall, son of Dunlang, to Magh- Macha^. They encamped there. Maelsechlainn was afraid that his camp should be surprised by Aedh, son of Niall, though fair was the

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14. King Aedh Uairidhnach's blasphemous act at Fahan

    Fahan · town · Donegal · 605–612

    At Othain-Mura (Fahan), King Aedh washed his hands in the river running through the town, and upon learning the clergy's latrine emptied into it, defiantly drank from the water in a show of communion. St Mura later renamed him Aedh Allan and prophesied his kingship.

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    Othaiii is the name of the river ; and it is from it the town is named Othain. He took of the water to put it on his face, but one of his people checked him: " 0 King," said he, " do not put that water on thy fixce." " Wliy so ?" said the King. " I am ashamed to tell it," replied he. " What shame is it for thee to tell the truth ?" said the King. " This is it," said he : " It is upon this water the jakes^' of the clergy is situated." " Is it into it," said the King, " the [chief] cleric himself goes to stool ?" " It is verily," replied the young man. " Not only then," said the King, " will I put it [the water] upon my fiice, but I will put it into my mouth, and I will drink it" (drinking three sups of it), " for to me the water into which his fajces di'op is a communion."

    This was told to Mura, and he returned thanks to God for Aedh's having a faith like this ; and he afterwards called unto him Aedh Allan ; and Aedh Uairidhnach was another name*" for him. And Mura said to him : " Beloved son," said he, " I promise to thee, in the presence of God, the reward of that veneration which thou hast shown to the church : [viz.] that thou shalt obtain the sovereignty of Erin soon, and that thou shalt gain victory, and triumph over thy enemies; and thou shalt not be taken oif by a sudden death, but thou shalt take the body of the Lord from my hand ; and I will pray to the Lord that thou may est depart old from this world."

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    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Fahan now, in Donegal. This town takes its name from the river Othaiii that runs through it. Around the turn of the seventh century, Aedh, who would be called Aedh Uairidhnach, stopped here and took water from the river to wash his face. One of his men checked him and said, do not put that water on your face. The king asked why. The man said he was ashamed to tell it. The king said, what shame is it for thee to tell the truth. So the man told him the clergy's latrine is situated on that water. The king asked, is it into it that the chief cleric himself goes to stool. The young man said, it is verily. Then the king said, not only will I put it upon my face, but I will put it into my mouth, and I will drink it. He drank three sups of it and said, for to me the water into which his faeces drop is a communion. This was told to Mura. Mura returned thanks to God for Aedh having a faith like that. He called Aedh to him and gave him the name Aedh Allan. Aedh Uairidhnach was another name for him. Mura said to him, beloved son, I promise to thee, in the presence of God, the reward of that veneration which thou hast shown to the church, that thou shalt obtain the sovereignty of Erin soon, and thou shalt gain victory and triumph over thy enemies, and thou shalt not be taken off by a sudden death, but thou shalt take the body of the Lord from my hand, and I will pray to the Lord that thou mayest depart old from this world.

15. Miraculous escape of relic from the Lochlanns via saints' intervention

    Donard · town · Wicklow · 871

    During fierce fighting at Dun-Bolg, the annalist attributes the relatively low casualties, despite great tumult and the appearance of the war-goddess Badhbh, to a miracle of St. Brighit and St. Ciaran of Saighir, whom the opposing armies had each prayed to for victory.

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    massacre between them to and fro. The Leinster-men slipped away from the camp, and were carrying off their king, and when the knig could not stop his men from flying, he mounted his horse and followed after his people. We are certain that it was through a miracle of St. Brighit and the Old Ciaran that they separated in this manner ; for although nobles were slain between them, there was no great slaughter. Neither Cearbhall nor Cennédigh permitted their people to pursue the Leinster-men, through fear. On the next day some of the Leinster-men who had gone astray were slain. Cearbhall and Cennédigh came in a solid arrayed phalanx through the middle of their enemies to Gabhran [Gowa'an] to meet the King of Erin, i. e. Aedh Finnliath (the sister of Cearbhall was his wife, and she was the mother of Cennédigh), and they told the King of Erin what had happened to them, i. e. how their camp had been entered, &c. They conversed affectionately, and then separated.

    The King of Leinster did not give the King of Erin a good answer, but reminded him of all they had done to him, and gave him neither tribute nor hostages.

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Donard, this is the country around a battle fought in 871 at Dun-Bolg. The Leinster-men broke and fled, carrying off their king, who could not stop them and mounted his horse to follow. Despite great tumult and the appearance of the war-goddess Badhbh, the annalist says there was no great slaughter. He attributes this to a miracle of St. Brighit and St. Ciaran of Saighir, whom both armies had prayed to for victory. Cearbhall and Cennédigh did not let their people pursue the Leinster-men, through fear. The next day some Leinster-men who had gone astray were slain. Cearbhall and Cennédigh came in a solid phalanx through the middle of their enemies to Gabhran to meet the King of Erin, Aedh Finnliath. Cearbhall's sister was Aedh's wife and mother of Cennédigh. They told the king what had happened, conversed affectionately, and then separated. The King of Leinster gave the King of Erin no good answer, reminded him of all they had done, and gave neither tribute nor hostages.

16. Ferghal's brutal campaign of destruction against Leinster

    Leinster · province · 720–721

    Ferghal vowed not to desist until the Boromean tribute was paid, and he committed great depredations against the Leinstermen: burning, consuming, and killing them, until hostages were given and the rent promised.

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    tenth year of the reign of Ferghal [721] this plundering of Leinster took place, and that it was in revenge for it that Murchadh, son of Bran, came with the men of Munster to plunder ]\Iagh Breagh. But whicliever year" it was, Ferghal committed great depredations against the men of Leinster; i. e. he burned, consumed, and killed them, and he vowed that he would not desist until he was paid the Boromean tribute'' which Finnachta had remitted to Moling, and until hostages were given him for [i.e. in acknowledgment of his] lordship and the tribute. The Leinster-men gave him hostages, and promised the rent.

    At this time Ferghal gave out a prediction'' to his sons : viz., Aedh Allan and Niall Condail, and the cause of his doing so originated thus : —

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

17. Maenach foretells his own death and burial instructions at the camp

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 908

    The pious Maenach, chief Comharba of Comhghall, made his confession and received the body of Christ, knowing he would be killed in the coming battle. He gave instructions that his body be brought to Cluain Uamha, or failing that, to the cemetery of Diarmaid, though he was ultimately interred at Disert-Diarmada.

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    will in his presence, and he took the body of Christ from his hand, and he resigned the world in the presence of Maenach, for he knew that he would be killed in the battle. But he did not wish that manyshould know this of him. He also ordered that his body should be brought to Cluain Uamha", if convenient; but if not, to convey it to the' cemetery of Diarmaid^, son [read, grandson] of Aedh Roin, whei'e he had studied for a long time. He was very desirous, however, of being interred at Cluain Uamha of Mac Lenin. Maenach, however, was better pleased to have him interred at Disert-Diarmada, for Disert Diarmada was one of Comhghall's towns^, and Maenach was successor of Comhghal. This Maenach, son of Siadhail, was the wisest man in his time, and he exerted himself much at this time to make peace (if he could), between the men of Leinster and Munster. IMany of the forces of Munster went away without restraint. There was great noise and dissension in the camp of the men of Munster at this time, for they had heard that Flann, son of Maelsechlainn, was in the camp of the Leinster-men with great forces of foot and horse.

    It was then Maenach said : " Good men of Munster," said he, " ye ought to accept of the good hostages I have offered you to be placed in the custody of pious men till May next; namely, the son of Cearbhall, King of Leinster, and the son of the King of Osraighe." All the men of Munster were saying that it was Flaithbhertach, son of lonmainén, alone, that compelled them to go into Leinster.

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

18. Congal's discovery, drowning of the informer, and the cat attack

    near Fanad · locality · Donegal

    When Congal of Fanaid discovered his daughter's affair with Ferghal, he drowned the man who had informed him of it in a river; Ferghal, hidden under bedclothes during the confrontation, was mauled by a cat which he then strangled.

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    it. He came forward to where the bearer of the story was, and

    drowned him in a river ! He afterwards came to his daughter, and

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

19. Miraculous showers at Fahan (Othain Mor and Othain Beg)

    Fahan · town · Donegal · 717

    A shower of honey fell on the foss of Leinster, while showers of silver fell at Othain Mor and of wheat at Othain Beg; these prodigies coincided with the birth of Niall Condail, who was thereafter called Niall Frosach (of the showers).

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    [717.] Kal. An astasius' Augustus pellitur. A shower of honey fell upon tlie foss of Leinster. It rained also a shower of silver at Othain Moi-J, and of wheat at Othain Beg. Then was born Niall Condail, son of Ferghal, whence he was called Niall Frosach [i. e. of the showers].

    The tonsure of Peter the Apostle'' was taken by the family of la, for it was the tonsure of Simon Magus they had till then, as had Colum Cille himself

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Around the town of Fahan, in the year 717, strange showers fell. Silver rained down at Othain Mor, and wheat at Othain Beg. That same time, Niall Condail, son of Ferghal, was born, and he was called Niall Frosach, meaning Niall of the showers.

20. Battle of Fochard-Muirtheimhne and the relic of Aedh Roin's thumb

    Faughart · parish · Louth · 734

    Aedh Allan defeated the Ulta at Fochard-Muirtheimhne, killing Aedh Roin, King of Uladh, and Conchadh, King of the Cruithnigh. The thumb (Ord) of Aedh Roin was afterward preserved in the church of Fochard.

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    A battle was gained by Aedh Allan over the Ulta, at Fochard- Muirtheimhne" ; i. e. over Aedh Roin, King of Uladh, and Conchadh, King of the Cruithnigh^. In the church of Fochard the Ord [thumb] of Aedh Roin is [preserved].

    Another battle was fought between Aedh AUan and the Cinel- Conaill ;

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

21. Ominous horse-fall foreshadows disaster at Munster camp

    Ireland · place · 908

    Flaithbhertach's horse fell into a deep trench while riding through the camp streets, an event widely regarded by the host as an evil omen. Many of his own people and the wider army became reluctant to continue the expedition after witnessing this ominous fall.

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    [908.] A. D. Dcccc". The great host of Munster was assembled by the same two^ i. e. by Flaithbhertach^ and Cormac", to demand the hostages of Leinster and Osraighe, and all the men of Munster were in the same camp. Flaithbhertach went on horseback through the streets of the camp ; his horse fell under him into a deep trench, and this was an evil omen"* to him. There were many of his own people, and of the whole host, who did not wish to go on the expedition after this, for they all considered this fall of the holy man as an ominous presage. But noble ambassadors came from Leinster, from Cearbhall, son of Muirigan, to Cormac first, and they delivered fi message of peace from the Leinster-men, i. e. one peace to be in all

    Erin monies, Aichiepiscopi Casseliensis et Mar- but by the Leinster-men. tyrk." Dr. Hanmer says that Cormac was " An evil omen. — Cel olc. The scribe

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

22. Death of Feradhach Finn of Osraighe amid contested valuables

    Ossory · locality · Laois · 582

    Feradhach Finn, King of Osraighe, was seized with sickness while lying on a couch surrounded by his ill-gotten valuables. His sons came to claim the valuables but he refused, saying they were ill-gotten; the race of Connla later came and slew him, carrying away the treasures.

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    account of them." His sons departed from him, and he took to earnest penance. The race, of Connla afterwards came and slew Feradhach, and carried away the valuables^, and Feradhach went to heaven.

    [594.] Kal. And this is the 24th'' [recte 28th] Kal. of the 32 Kals. omitted at the Deest.

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

23. Niall Mac Giallain's extreme thirty-year fast until death

    Ireland · place · 854

    Niall Mac Giallain died in 854 after having gone thirty years without food or drink, a case of extraordinary ascetic mortification noted in the annals.

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    Niall Mac Giallain died in the year 854, after having been thirty years without drink, without food.

    [853.] Kal. Aindli, wise man of Tir-da-ghlas, died.

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

24. Tairchealtach Mac na Cearta's magic troubles Cearbhall before battle

    Gowran · town · Kilkenny · 858

    Before the battle at Carn Lughdhach, the learned relate that Cearbhall was greatly troubled by magic worked upon him by Tairchealtach Mac na Cearta, so that he was reluctant to go to battle and considered resting instead.

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    lit}', and valour, levied great yearly rents from the territories in Leinster, which he possessed ; but the people who went to levy the rent, i. e. the stewards of Cearbhall, son of Dunlang, used great violence in levying the rent, and offered great insult to the Leinster-men. The Leinster-men consequently went querulously to Maelsechlainn and told it to him. Maelsecldainn was seized witli great anger and led this great muster against Cearbliall and the men of Munster who were aiding him. Maelsechlainn, after this, proceeded Avith his host to Gabhi'án'', at the confines of which the other hosts were. However, though Maelsechlainn had more numerous forces, he did not go against them, but proceeded by another road where he did not think they would go, until he reached Carn Lughdhach'', and here Maelsechlainn was armed and accoutred to meet all. When the men of Munster perceived this, they left their camp, and divided their host into two parts, and the King of Munster, INIaelguala, came with large squadrons of horse to oppose Maelsechlainn ; but Cearbhall and his Danes (such of the people of Horm as remained with him), encamped in a briery, thick entangled wood, and there was a great muster there about Cearbhall. And the learned relate that there was a great trouble on Cearbhall here, Tairchealtach JNlac na Cearta' having exercised magic upon him, so that he was less inclined to go to battle, and so that Cearbhall said that he would retire to rest and not go to battle ! Now, the battalion in which theKing of JMunster was [the commander] at first defeated the people of Maelsechlainn, but foot soldiers came to their relief (i. e. to tlie relief of Maelsechlainn and his people), so that the men of Munster were [in their turn] defeated and cut off with dreadful slaughter. Many nobles were

    killed

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

25. Death of Colum Cille commemorated in verse

    near River Boyne · river · Kildare · 594

    The death (quies) of Colum Cille occurred in the 76th year of his age, commemorated in a poem comparing him to a speckled salmon caught in a net in the Boyne.

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    Alas ! in truth he who was caught in the net ; The speckled salmon who was in the Boyne'.

    I omit 32 years.

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

26. Demolition of Dunseverick fort

    near Dunseverick · population centre · Antrim · 871

    The fortress of Dun-Sobhairce (Dunseverick) was demolished by the Lochlanns, an event the annalist notes had never happened before to that site.

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    The demolition of Dún-Sobhairce [Dunseverick], which was never done before.

    Ailell, son of Dunlang, King of Leinster and of the Norsemen, was slain.

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

27. Aedh and Amhlaeibh plunder the plain of Meath

    Meath · county · Meath · 862

    Aedh son of Niall, along with his son-in-law Amhlaeibh, led large forces of Gaeidhil and Lochlanns into the plain of Meath, plundering it and killing many noble persons.

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    [862.] Aedh", son of Niall, and his son-in-law, i. e. Amhlaeibh (the daughter of Aedh was wife to Amhlaeibh), set out with great forces of Gaeidhil and Lochlanns to the plain of Meath, and they plundered it and slew many noble persons.

    [863.] Maelsechlainn'', son of Maelruanaidh, King of Erin, died on the day before the Calends of December, of which a certain poet sung : —

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Meath, this is the plain that was plundered in 862. Aedh, son of Niall, and his son-in-law Amhlaeibh marched here with great forces of Gaeidhil and Lochlanns. They plundered the plain and slew many noble persons. Amhlaeibh was married to Aedh's daughter, so this was a family alliance striking deep into Meath.

28. Battle of Druim-criaich against the Breifne muster

    Drumcree · townland · Westmeath · 909

    The King of Erin and his sons mustered forces and marched to Druim-criaich to reconnoitre and then defeat an assembled host of Breifne plebeians (Attacotts). The Breifne king Flann, son of Tighernan, was killed in the ensuing slaughter.

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    The King returned after having gained victory and triumph over the plebeians, after the King of the Bi'efnians, i. e. Flann, son of Tighernan, had been killed.

    [910.] Kal. The thirty-first year of Flann'. Diarmaid, King of Os-

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

29. Battles between Danes and Norwegians in Carlingford Lough

    near Carlingford Lough · estuary · Louth

    The Fragments contain accounts of battles fought between the Danes and Norwegians in Carlingford Lough and elsewhere in Ulster, likely drawn from a now-lost Ulster work on the Wars of the Danes and Norwegians in Ireland.

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    The account of the battles between the Aunites, or Danes, and Norwegians, in Carlingford Lough, and elsewhere in Ulster, has probably been taken from an Ulster work on the AVars of the Danes

    B 2 and

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 1

30. Death of Fintan of Cluain-eidhnech on a Thursday

    Clonenagh · townland · Laois · 610

    Fintan ua Eachach, Abbot of Cluain-eidhnech and head of the monks of Europe, died on a Thursday, an event commemorated in verse by Colman son of Fergus noting he was both born and died on that day.

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    On Thursday Fintan was born, And was conceived upon the earth. And on Thursday he died Upon my white sheets.

    [605.] Kal. The beginning of the reign of Aedh Uairidhnach".

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Clonenagh, Fintan ua Eachach, Abbot of Cluain-eidhnech and head of the monks of Europe, died in 610. A verse by Colman son of Fergus marks the day: he was born on a Thursday, and on a Thursday he died.

31. Killing of Maelcobha and death of Abbot Diarmaid at Clonard

    Clonard · town · Meath · 615

    Maelcobha, son of Aedh, was killed by Suibhne Menn, son of Fiachna. In the same year the repose (death) of Diarmaid, third Abbot of Cluain-Iraird (Clonard), was recorded.

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    [615.] KaL The killing of Maelcobha, son of Aedh, by Suibhne Menu, son of Fiachna. The repose of Diarmaid*", third Abbot of Cluain-L'aird. The beginning of the reign of Suibhne Memi.

    Kal. Suibhne Menn assumed the sovereignty of Erin after Maelcobha, for thirteen years, until he was slain'' by Congal Caech, son of Scanlan.

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Clonard in Meath. In the year 615 this place saw two deaths recorded in the old annals. Maelcobha, son of Aedh, was killed by Suibhne Menn, son of Fiachna, who then took the sovereignty of Ireland for thirteen years. That same year, Diarmaid, the third Abbot of Clonard, died.

32. Slaughter of Rodolph's people at Sliabh-Mairge after plunder of Leithglinn

    Slievemargy · barony · Laois · 860

    Cearbhall mac Dunlaing slew nearly all the people of Rodolph at Sliabh-Mairge, with only a few escaping into the woods, after they had plundered Leithglinn and killed many of its people.

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    A slaughter was made by Cearbhall, son of Dunlang, of the people of Rodolph, at Sliabh-Mairge", and he slew them all except very few who escaped to the woods. They had plundered Leithglinn', and had [obtained] its spoils after having killed a large number of the people of Leithghlinn.

    [857.] Kal. Matudan", son of Muiredhach, King of Uladh, died in clericatu.

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

33. Vengeance killing of Aedh, son of Dubhghioll, King of Ui-Drona

    Ferns · townland · Wexford · 910

    After destroying the nuns' church and killing its priest, Aedh, son of Dubhghioll, King of Ui-Drona and royal heir of Ui-Ceinsealaigh, was himself slain by plebeians of the Osraighi as he returned to his house, an act attributed to divine vengeance.

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    Slain is Aedh of hosts of the Bearbha',

    The just king of the land of peaceful Fearna™,

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

34. Three persons burned by lightning at Tailten

    Teltown · townland · Meath · 858

    A brief annal entry records that three people were killed by lightning strikes at Tailten.

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    Three persons were burned by lightning at Tailten. [858.] Kal. Cinaedh Mac Ailpin'', King of the Picts, died, on whom this verse was composed : —

    That Cinaedh with the number of studs liveth not, Is the cause of weeping in every house. Any one king under heaven of liis worth To the borders of Rome there is not.

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

35. Vision of the successor of Columb mistaken for a pillar-stone

    near Lough Ree · lake or lakes · Westmeath · 873

    During Barith's plundering expedition against the islands of Loch Ri and neighbouring lands, God is said to have saved the successor of Columb from the hands of the Lochlanns; when he escaped, his pursuers mistook him for a pillar-stone.

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    he was a pillar-stone.

    The

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2

36. Killing of Muiredhach, royal heir of Leinster

    Leinster · province · 906

    Muiredhach, son of Domhnall, described as royal heir of Leinster, was killed, one among several deaths of kings and heirs recorded in this annal entry alongside verses lamenting the loss of prominent nobles.

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    The killing of Muiredhach, son of Domhnall, royal heir of Leinster.

    Ciarodhar, son of Crunnmhael, King of Ui-Felmedha'', died.

    Internet Archive annalsofirelandt00bibl, Chapter 2