Rogallach mac Uatach
Encyclopedia
Rogallach mac Uatach was a king of Connacht from the Uí Briúin
branch of the Connachta
. He was the son of Uatu mac Áedo
(d. 600) , a previous king. He acquired the throne of Connacht after defeating the previous king Colmán mac Cobthaig
(d. 622) of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne
, who was slain at the Battle of Cennbag (Cambo, County Roscommon
) in 622. Prof. Byrne believes he is the first reasonable representative of this branch to be said to have held the throne of Connacht
According to Geoffrey Keating
, Rogallach killed his brother's son treacherously at a meeting of whom he feared might demand the succession. He also developed an incestuous relationship with his daughter much to the dismay of his wife Muireann (of the Cenel Coipre) who complained to the high king. The intercession of Saint Feichin
was not enough to make him stop his bad ways. One day while hunting a deer with his javelin he wounded the animal. He followed it only to discover that a couple of slaves had already killed the deer and cut it up at which he demanded the slaves hand over the venison. The result was that the slaves killed him on his white horse.
His actual killer recorded in the Annals of Tigernach was Máel Brigte mac Mothlachán of the Corco Cullu who were a subject tribe of the Ciarraige who were still the major population group in the Mag nAí, the home territory of the Ui Briun.
His known sons included Cathal mac Rogallaig (d. 680) who avenged his death; Cellach mac Rogallaig
(d. 705), a later king of Connacht; and Fergus mac Rogallaig (d. 654) ancestor of the main ruling line of the Ui Briun Ai.
Uí Briúin
The Uí Briúin were an Irish kin-group. Their eponymous apical ancestor was Brion, son of Eochaid Mugmedon and Mongfind, and an elder half brother of Niall of the Nine Hostages. They formed part of the Connachta, along with the Uí Fiachrach and Uí Ailello, putative descendants of Eochaid Mugmedon's...
branch of the Connachta
Connachta
The Connachta are a group of medieval Irish dynasties who claimed descent from the legendary High King Conn Cétchathach...
. He was the son of Uatu mac Áedo
Uatu mac Áedo
Uatu mac Áedo was a King of Connacht from the Uí Briúin branch of the Connachta. He was the son of Áed mac Echach Tirmcharna .. The kinglists place his reign after his father which would put his succession in the year in 575. Prof...
(d. 600) , a previous king. He acquired the throne of Connacht after defeating the previous king Colmán mac Cobthaig
Colmán mac Cobthaig
Colmán mac Cobthaig was a king of Connacht from the Ui Fiachrach branch of the Connachta. He was the first king of Connacht from the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne branch. This branch was descended from Eochu, the brother of Ailill Molt...
(d. 622) of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne
Uí Fiachrach Aidhne
Uí Fhiachrach Aidhne was a kingdom located in what is now the south of Co. Galway.-Legendary origins and geography:...
, who was slain at the Battle of Cennbag (Cambo, County Roscommon
County Roscommon
County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county...
) in 622. Prof. Byrne believes he is the first reasonable representative of this branch to be said to have held the throne of Connacht
According to Geoffrey Keating
Geoffrey Keating
Seathrún Céitinn, known in English as Geoffrey Keating, was a 17th century Irish Roman Catholic priest, poet and historian. He was born in County Tipperary c. 1569, and died c. 1644...
, Rogallach killed his brother's son treacherously at a meeting of whom he feared might demand the succession. He also developed an incestuous relationship with his daughter much to the dismay of his wife Muireann (of the Cenel Coipre) who complained to the high king. The intercession of Saint Feichin
Saint Feichin
Saint Féchín or Féichín , also known as Mo-Ecca, was a 7th-century Irish saint, chiefly remembered as the founder of the monastery at Fore , Co. Westmeath.-Sources:...
was not enough to make him stop his bad ways. One day while hunting a deer with his javelin he wounded the animal. He followed it only to discover that a couple of slaves had already killed the deer and cut it up at which he demanded the slaves hand over the venison. The result was that the slaves killed him on his white horse.
His actual killer recorded in the Annals of Tigernach was Máel Brigte mac Mothlachán of the Corco Cullu who were a subject tribe of the Ciarraige who were still the major population group in the Mag nAí, the home territory of the Ui Briun.
His known sons included Cathal mac Rogallaig (d. 680) who avenged his death; Cellach mac Rogallaig
Cellach mac Rogallaig
Cellach mac Rogallaig was a King of Connacht from the Uí Briúin branch of the Connachta. He was the son of Rogallach mac Uatach , a previous king. He succeeded his nephew Muiredach Muillethan mac Fergusso as king in 702.He reigned from 702 to 705. The king lists in this period vary in their...
(d. 705), a later king of Connacht; and Fergus mac Rogallaig (d. 654) ancestor of the main ruling line of the Ui Briun Ai.