Lorcán mac Cathail
Encyclopedia
Lorcán mac Cathail was a King of Uisnech
and Mide of the Clann Cholmáin
. Lorcán ruled in as King of Mide from 862-864.
His exact dynastic affiliations are unknown. The death of a certain Cathal mac Conchobair is mentioned in the annals in 843. If this was his father he may have been the grandson of the High King Conchobar mac Donnchada
(died 833). Upon the death of Máel Ruanaid mac Donnchada Midi
of Mide in 843, a succession dispute broke out. Whether the mention of Cathals's death in that year by the annals implies that Cathal died as part of this dispute or was the heir (he would have been senior in the clan at that time) and his death led to the dispute, is not mentioned. Lorcán did succeed to the throne himself in 862 possibly as senior heir.
The new High King was Áed Findliath (died 877) of the northern Uí Néill
kindred of the Cenél nEógain
. He however met much resistance from members of the southern Uí Néill. Lorcán mac Cathail, allied himself with Amlaib, Ímar and Auisle (the leaders of the Norse) against Flann mac Conaing of Brega. Flann was a former ally of Dublin, and still Áed's most important ally in the central part of Ireland. Lorcán and his Norse allies plundered Brega in 863, and in 864 Conchobar mac Donnchada, (called the other king of Mide) presumably an ally of Flann against Lorcán, was captured and drowned near Clonard on Amlaibhs order. Áed led an host to Míde, captured Lorcán and blinded him. As a result Lorcán had to abdicate. It is not known when he died.
One of his sons, who is unnamed, is mentioned as being responsible for the killing of the heir of the high king Flann Sinna
in 901. In connection with this event the historian Charles-Edwards advances the theory that Lorcán was actually a member of the Luigne tribe as his son is called one of the kings of Luigne. If so, then the theory is that Lorcán was appointed as the representative of Máel Sechnaill mac Maíl Ruanaid to administer Mide while he was high king. However the Annals of the Four Masters do not refer to him as king of luigne but as the son of the King of Mide. This theory could explain why Conchobar mac Donnchada was called the other king of Mide in the notice of his drowning by the Vikings in 864. He may have been the rightful heir to Mide but his dynastic association with the Clann Cholmáin is also uncertain
Uisnech
The Hill of Uisneach, or Ushnagh, also Uisnech , formerly regarded as the centre of Ireland, is a historical site in County Westmeath . The 182 metre hill lies on the north side of the R390 road, 8 km east of the village of Ballymore, beside the village of Loughanavally...
and Mide of the Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin
Clann Cholmáin is the name of the dynasty descended from Colmán Mór , son of Diarmait mac Cerbaill. Part of the Southern Uí Néill — they were the kings of Mide — they traced their descent to Niall Noígiallach and his son Conall Cremthainne.Related dynasties descended through Conall...
. Lorcán ruled in as King of Mide from 862-864.
His exact dynastic affiliations are unknown. The death of a certain Cathal mac Conchobair is mentioned in the annals in 843. If this was his father he may have been the grandson of the High King Conchobar mac Donnchada
Conchobar mac Donnchada
Conchobar mac Donnchada was High-King of Ireland with opposition between 819 and 833. Conchobar was the son of Donnchad Midi, high-king of Ireland ; his mother was Fuirseach, a noblewoman of the Dál nAraidi. Conchobar married Land, daughter of the former High-King Áed Oirdnide...
(died 833). Upon the death of Máel Ruanaid mac Donnchada Midi
Máel Ruanaid mac Donnchada Midi
Máel Ruanaid mac Donnchada Midi was a King of Uisnech in Mide of the Clann Cholmáin. He was the son of the High King of Ireland, Donnchad Midi and brother of the high king Conchobar mac Donnchada...
of Mide in 843, a succession dispute broke out. Whether the mention of Cathals's death in that year by the annals implies that Cathal died as part of this dispute or was the heir (he would have been senior in the clan at that time) and his death led to the dispute, is not mentioned. Lorcán did succeed to the throne himself in 862 possibly as senior heir.
The new High King was Áed Findliath (died 877) of the northern Uí Néill
Uí Néill
The Uí Néill are Irish and Scottish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noigiallach , an historical King of Tara who died about 405....
kindred of the Cenél nEógain
Cenél nEógain
Cenél nEóġain is the name of the "kindred" or descendants of Eógan mac Néill , son of Niall Noígiallach who founded the kingdom of Tír Eoghain in the 5th century...
. He however met much resistance from members of the southern Uí Néill. Lorcán mac Cathail, allied himself with Amlaib, Ímar and Auisle (the leaders of the Norse) against Flann mac Conaing of Brega. Flann was a former ally of Dublin, and still Áed's most important ally in the central part of Ireland. Lorcán and his Norse allies plundered Brega in 863, and in 864 Conchobar mac Donnchada, (called the other king of Mide) presumably an ally of Flann against Lorcán, was captured and drowned near Clonard on Amlaibhs order. Áed led an host to Míde, captured Lorcán and blinded him. As a result Lorcán had to abdicate. It is not known when he died.
One of his sons, who is unnamed, is mentioned as being responsible for the killing of the heir of the high king Flann Sinna
Flann Sinna
Flann Sinna was the son of Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid of Clann Cholmáin, a branch of the southern Uí Néill. He was King of Mide from 877 onwards and is counted as a High King of Ireland...
in 901. In connection with this event the historian Charles-Edwards advances the theory that Lorcán was actually a member of the Luigne tribe as his son is called one of the kings of Luigne. If so, then the theory is that Lorcán was appointed as the representative of Máel Sechnaill mac Maíl Ruanaid to administer Mide while he was high king. However the Annals of the Four Masters do not refer to him as king of luigne but as the son of the King of Mide. This theory could explain why Conchobar mac Donnchada was called the other king of Mide in the notice of his drowning by the Vikings in 864. He may have been the rightful heir to Mide but his dynastic association with the Clann Cholmáin is also uncertain