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Áed Findliath High King of Ireland


Preferred Parents:
Father: Niall Caille MacAeda High King of Ireland, b. ABT 791 in High King, Ulidia Ulster, Ireland   d. ABT 845 in Drowned in River Callan, Armagh, County Armagh, Ireland
Mother: Gormflaith ingen Donnchad, Queen of Ireland, b. ABT 792 in County Meath, Ireland   d. 859 in County Donegal, Ireland

Family 1: Gormlaith Rapach Ingen Muire,    b. ABT 820 in Europe   
Family 2: Lann ingen Dúngaile - Queen of Ireland,    b. 810 in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales    d. 890 in Clonmacnoise, Offaly, Leinster, Ireland
Family 3: Máel Muire ingen Cináed,    b. ABT 834 in Perth, Perthshire, Scotland    d. 913 in Ulster, Ireland
  1. Niall III Glúndubh "the black-kneed" Uí Néill 170th Monarch of Ireland, b. ABT 854 in Aileach, County Donegal, Ireland     d. 15 SEP 919 in ford on the Liffey, west of Dublin, Leinster Province, Ireland
Sources:
  1. Title: A Short History of the Irish People from the Earliest Times to 1920 By Mary Teresa Hayden, George Aloysius Moonan
    Author: https://books.google.com/books?id=DdZCAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA68&lpg=PA68&dq=Fionnlaith+of+ireland&source=bl&ots=nZiUv7eZaq&sig=IptqamKyblOwkCOKVfFMOMbWofk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiitbzxtLPbAhW2FzQIHXuCDGIQ6AEIODAE#v=onepage&q=Fionnlaith%20of%20ireland&f=false
    Publication: Name: https://books.google.com/books?id=DdZCAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA68&lpg=PA68&dq=Fionnlaith+of+ireland&source=bl&ots=nZiUv7eZaq&sig=IptqamKyblOwkCOKVfFMOMbWofk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiitbzxtLPbAhW2FzQIHXuCDGIQ6AEIODAE#v=onepage&q=Fionnlaith%20of%20ireland&f=false;
  2. Title: Foundation for Medieval Genealogy: AEDH Finnliath (-Druimm Inasclainn 20 Nov 879)
    Publication: Name: http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/IRELAND.htm#AedhFinnliathdied879;
    Note: 1. NIALL . m ---. The name of Niall´s wife is not known. Niall & his wife had three children: a) AEDH Finnliath (-Druimm Inasclainn 20 Nov 879). The Fragmentary Annals of Ireland record in 855 "a raid by Aed son of Niall to plunder Ulaid" but adding that "the Ulaid routed Cenel Eogain, and Flaithbertach son of Niall and Conacan son of Colman were slain there." King of Ireland. The Fragmentary Annals of Ireland record in 862 that "Aed son of Niall, mortal enemy of Mael Sechlainn, took the kingship of Ireland after Mael Sechlainn…[and] held the kingship…for seventeen years." The Annals of Inisfallen record the death in 879 of "Aed son of Niall king of Temuir..” The Annals of Ulster record the death 20 Nov 879 of "Aed son of Niall king of Temair…at Druimm Inasclainn in the territory of Conaille." m firstly ---. The name of Aedh´s first wife is not known, but the dates of marriage of his daughters shown below indicate that they must have been born from an early marriage. m [secondly] (863, [divorced]) as her third husband, LAND, widow firstly of GAETHINE King of Loiches, and secondly of MAELSECHLAINN King of Ireland, daughter of DUNLANG King of Osraige & his wife ---. Her first marriage is confirmed by the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland which record in 863 that "Land, daughter of Dunlang…who was Mael Sechlainn´s wife previously…was the mother of Cennetig son of Gaethine king of Loiches." The Fragmentary Annals of Ireland name in 854 "Cerball son of Dunlang king of Osraige" and "Cerball´s sister, Land, daughter of Dunlang" as the wife of "Mael Sechlainn." Her third marriage is confirmed by the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland which record in 863 that "Aed son of Niall king of Ireland massacred the Norwegians…at Loch Febail," adding that "it was his wife who most incited Aed against the Norwegians, namely Land, daughter of Dunlang…who was Mael Sechlainn´s wife previously." [m thirdly as her first husband, MAEL MUIRE, daughter of KENNETH I King of Scotland & his wife --- (-913). The mid-12th century Banshenchas records that "Mael Muire daughter of Cinaed son of Alpin" married "Aed Finnliath and then later…Flann Sinna." The reliability of this information is unknown, although the inclusion of a record of Mael Muire´s death in the Annals of Ulster (see below) indicates that she had some connection with Ireland. If the information is correct, the chronology dictates that Aedh Finnliath must have divorced his known wife Land of Osraige before marrying Mael Muire. She married secondly Flann King of Ireland. The Annals of Ulster record the death in 913 of "Mael Muire daughter of Cinaed son of Ailpin.” Aedh & his first wife had two children: i) daughter . Her parentage and marriage are indicating by the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland which state in 862 that "Aed´s daughter was Amlaib´s wife." m (before 862) as his [second] wife, OLAF [Amlaib], son of --- (-after 871). ii) EITHNE (-916). The Fragmentary Annals of Ireland record that in "the Laigin drove away one of their chieftains…for he was of the stock of the Ciarraigne Luachra", that "came with his followers to the king of Ireland" who married him to "his daughter Eithne." The Annals of the Four Masters record the death in 916 of “Eithne daughter of Aedh son of Niall, queen of the men of Breagh…on the festival day of St Martin.” m ([869]) ---. Aedh & his --- wife had two children: iii) DOMNALL (-after 911). The Fragmentary Annals of Ireland record in 863 that "Muiredach son of Mael Duin king of in t-Airthir was killed by Domnall son of Aed son of Niall." The Annals of Inisfallen record that "Domnall son of Aed king of Ailech assumed the pilgrim´s staff” in 911 and that “Niall son of Aed took the kingship after him.” m ---. The name of Domnall´s wife is not known. Domnall & his wife had two children: (a) DONNCHAD (-killed 928). The Annals of Ulster record the death in 928 of "Donnchad son of Domnall son of Aed…killed by the Norsemen.” (b) FERGAL (-after 933). The Annals of Ulster record that "Fergal son of Domnall son of Aed and Sicfrith son of Uathmarán, the son of Domnall´s daughter” defeated “Muirchertach son of Niall” in 933. (c) daughter . Her parentage and marriage are confirmed by the Annals of Ulster which record that "Fergal son of Domnall son of Aed and Sicfrith son of Uathmarán, the son of Domnall´s daughter” defeated “Muirchertach son of Niall” in 933. m UATHMHARAN, son of [IVAR & his wife ---]. iv) NIALL Glundubh (-killed in battle Cill-Mosamhog, near Dublin 14 Sep or 17 Oct 919). The Annals of Inisfallen record that "Domnall son of Aed king of Ailech assumed the pilgrim´s staff” in 911 and that “Niall son of Aed took the kingship after him.” King of Ireland 916. The Annals of Inisfallen record that "Niall son of Aed took the kingship of Temuir” in 916. The Annals of the Four Masters record 915 as “the first year of Niall Glundubh son of Aedh Finnliath over Ireland in sovereignty.” The Annals of the Four Masters record the death 17 Oct 917 of “Niall Glundubh son of Aedh Finnliath king of Ireland” at the battle of “Ath-cliath…Cill-Mosamhog.” The Annals of Ulster name "Niall Glúndub son of Aed, king of Ireland” among those killed 14 Sep 919 by “the heathens…at Duiblinn.” The Annals of Inisfallen record the "battle of Áth Cliath” in 919 in which “Niall Glúndub son of Aed king of Ireland” was killed. m GORMLAITH, daughter of FLANN King of Ireland & his wife --- (-948). The Annals of the Four Masters record the reactions of “Gormlaith daughter of Flann” to the battle of “Ath-cliath…Cill-Mosamhog” in 917. The Annals of the Four Masters record the death in 946 of “Gormfhlaith daughter of Flann son of Maelseachlainn, queen of Niall Glundubh…after intense penance in her sins and transgressions.” The Annals of Ulster record the death in 948 of "Gormlaith daughter of Flann son of Mael Sechnaill.” Niall & his wife had three children: (a) MUIRCHERTACH (-killed in battle Ath-Fhirdiath 26 Mar 943). The Annals of the Four Masters record that “Muircheartach son of Niall” defeated “the foreigners” in 919. - see below. (b) CONAING (-937). The Annals of the Four Masters record that “Conaing son of Niall and the foreigners of Loch Eathach” won a battle “over the province of Ulidia” in 931. The Annals of Inisfallen record the death in 937 of "Conaing son of Niall.” The Annals of Ulster record the death in 937 of "Conaing son of Niall, heir designate of Ireland.” m ---. The name of Conaing´s wife is not known. Conaing & his wife had one child: (1) FERGAL (-937). The Annals of Inisfallen record the death in 937 of "Ferga son of Conaing, king of Ailech.” (c) MAEL MUIRE (-966). The Annals of Ulster record the death in 966 of "Mael Muire daughter of Niall son of Aed.” Aedh & his [third] wife had [one child]: v) [DOMNALL (-after 911). The 10th century Pictish Chronicle Cronica de Origine Antiquorum Pictorum records the death of "Doneualdus rex Britannorum", during its record of the early part of the reign of Constantine II King of Scotland, and the choice of "Duuenaldus filius Ede" to succeed him, "et Flann filius Maelsethnaill et Niall filius Ede." Some secondary sources show Donald as the son of Aedh King of Scotland. However, the subsequent references to the two Irish kings in the same passage suggest that the Chronicle is referring to the son of Aedh King of Ireland. If this hypothesis is correct, it is possible that Domnall´s claim to the Strathclyde throne was through Mael Muire, shown above as the possible second wife of his father, which would mean in turn that this Domnall was not the same person as the son of Aedh of the same name who is recorded in 863 (see above).]
  3. Title: From "Irish Pedigrees; or the Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation" by John O'Hart, Monarchs of Ireland, Kings of Ulster, and Princes of Tyrone: O'Neill (No.1) family pedigree
    Author: Library of Ireland
    Publication: Name: http://www.libraryireland.com/Pedigrees1/o-neill-1-heremon.php;
    Note: O'Neill family pedigree
    Page: Source for Niall Callie as Father. It is a correct and accurate source and provides additional information on the family pedigree, including historical accounts.
  4. Title: https://www.geni.com/people/Fionnlaith-815-King-of-Ireland/6000000001745428832
    Author: https://www.geni.com/people/Fionnlaith-815-King-of-Ireland/6000000001745428832
    Publication: Name: https://www.geni.com/people/Fionnlaith-815-King-of-Ireland/6000000001745428832;
  5. Title: The Early Scottish Church: The Ecclesiastical History of Scotland from the ... By Thomas Maclauchlan
    Author: https://books.google.com/books?id=PjQ1AQAAIAAJ&pg=PA285&lpg=PA285&dq=Fionnlaith+of+ireland&source=bl&ots=nyDsfmONZU&sig=J526-yZySeFbqSPrrm7PlDSxuSc&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiitbzxtLPbAhW2FzQIHXuCDGIQ6AEIPzAG#v=onepage&q=Fionnlaith%20of%20ireland&f=false
    Publication: Name: https://books.google.com/books?id=PjQ1AQAAIAAJ&pg=PA285&lpg=PA285&dq=Fionnlaith+of+ireland&source=bl&ots=nyDsfmONZU&sig=J526-yZySeFbqSPrrm7PlDSxuSc&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiitbzxtLPbAhW2FzQIHXuCDGIQ6AEIPzAG#v=onepage&q=Fionnlaith%20of%20ireland&f=false;
  6. Title: Wikiwand: Áed Findliath
    Publication: Name: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/%C3%81ed_Findliath/wiki/%C3%81ed_Findliath;
    Note: Áed mac Neíll (died 879), called Áed Findliath ("fair-grey Áed"; Modern Irish: Aodh Fionnadhliath) to distinguish him from his paternal grandfather Áed Oirdnide, was king of Ailech and High King of Ireland. A member of the northern Uí Néill kindred of the Cenél nEógain, Áed was the son of Niall Caille. Background From the death of Áed Allán in 743 until the overthrow of Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill by Brian Boru in 1002, the succession to the High Kingship of Ireland alternated between northern and southern branches of the Uí Néill with the north represented by members of the Cenél nÉogain, Áed's paternal kindred, and the south by the Clann Cholmáin, his mother's kin. Francis John Byrne describes this as "a fragile convention, marked by watchful jealousy rather than friendly accord." During the reign of Máel Sechnaill mac Maíl Ruanaid, who succeeded Áed's father as High King, the balance of power between north and south which had ensured the alternating succession appeared to be tipping in favour of the southern Clann Cholmáin kindred. The weakness of the Kings of Munster following the death of the powerful Feidlimid mac Crimthainn in 847 led to repeated attacks on Munster by Máel Sechnaill in the 850s and a submission by the kings of Munster in 858. In 859, Osraige was made subject to the Uí Néill, and this led to open warfare between Máel Sechnaill and Áed. Origins and family Áed was the son of Niall Caille and Gormlaith. His mother, Gormflaith ingen Donncadha, is called "Gormlaith of the dazzling white complexion" by the Banshenchas. His maternal grandfather was Donnchad Midi, his paternal grandfather Áed Oirdnide. His father, his mother's brother, Conchobar mac Donnchada, and both of his grandfathers had been counted as High Kings of Ireland. The names of three of Áed's wives are recorded, although the order of his marriages is perhaps uncertain. His first wife may have been Gormlaith Rapach, "the harsh", daughter of Muiredach mac Eochada, king of Ulster. The Banshenchas say that Domnall mac Áeda was her son, and Eithne, who married Flann Sinna, may have been her daughter. Áed's second wife, Land ingen Dúngaile (sister of Cerball mac Dúnlainge, king of Osraige) was the widow of his predecessor as High King, Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid, a grandson of Donnchad Midi. His third known wife was Máel Muire, probably the daughter of Cináed mac Ailpín, the king of the Picts in Britain. She was the mother of Niall Glúndub. On Áed's death she married his successor Flann Sinna. Other children of Áed included Domnall Dabaill (ancestor of Domnall Ua Lochlainn); a son named Máel Dub, reputed a saint; and Máel Dúin, who ruled Ailech as Áed's deputy until his early death in 867. Early years Following the death of Neill Caille in 845, Áed's uncle Máel Dúin mac Áeda assumed the kingship of Ailech. When Áed succeeded him is not recorded, but it might have been in 855. Áed is mentioned for the first time in the annals this year, as the Annals of Ulster records that he made a foray against the Ulaid, and he left behind dead Coinnecán son of Colmán and Flaithbertach son of Niall, and a large number besides. Presumably Flaithbertach was his own brother, and this foray was made to secure Áed's position as king of Ailech. Áed came into power at a critical period in the history of Ireland. Raids by Norse Vikings had taken place for half a century, and the Norse settlements now seemed to have become permanent establishments more than just bases for raids. They also now had an effective leadership under Amlaíb Conung and Ímar. At this time, both the contemporary annalists as well as modern historians refer to them not just as Vikings, foreigners or pagans, but also Norse-Irish or Norse-Gaels. Áed Findliath has been described as one of the Irish high-kings who most effectively fought the Norse expansion in Ireland. He did indeed win some crucial battles against the Norse-gaels; the first recorded victory is in 856, at the battle of Glenn Foichle, six years prior to him becoming high-king. The reigning High-King at the time, Mael Sechnaill, seemed more concerned with the internal Irish power struggle, particularly in Munster, than with engaging the Norse. There is however one reference in 856 to him fighting against "pagans" (Vikings) with the support of the Norse-Gaels. This could probably be interpreted as an alliance between the Norse settlers and the established Irish society against marauders. In 858, Máel Sechnaill finally managed to establish control over Munster, and in 859 he also made a peace settlement with Cerball mac Dúnlainge king of Osraige (forced upon him by Cerball, who had allied himself with Amlaíb and Ímar and ravaged Míde). Máel Sechnaill now turned his attention to the north, where the growing power of Áed Findliath had become a threat against him as head of Uí Néill. In 860 he brought an army consisting of forces from all of the southern part of Ireland to Armagh. While they were camped there, Áed Findliath attacked. The outcome of the battle seem to have been some sort of draw. By now it was Áed Findliath who sought an alliance with the Norse Dublin. In 861 as well as 862 he plundered Míde in co-operation with Norse forces, in 862 he also had the support of Flann mac Conaing, king of Brega. King of Tara Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid died 20 November 862, and he was on that occasion described in the Annals of Ulster as ri h-Erenn uile, king of all Ireland. That was a title that would never be used about Áed Findliath, even though he assumed the kingship of Tara following Máel Sechnaill's death, and has also been counted in the lists of High Kings of Ireland. His kingship was disputed throughout his 17-year-long reign, and he did not even have support from the southern clans of Uí Néill. The annals show that the Taillten Fair on was not held in six of those 17 years, which is a strong indication of strife and unrest. The Norse of Dublin had, by the beginning of Áed's reign, become an important, if not very trustworthy, ally in the struggle for power in Míde. Máel Sechnaill's successor as head of Clann Cholmain and king of Míde, Lorcán mac Cathail, allied himself with Amlaib, Ímar and Auisle against Flann 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, king of Lagore (southern Brega) and presumably an ally of Flann against Lorcán, was captured and drowned near Clonard on Amlaibhs order. Áed led a host to Míde, captured Lorcán and blinded him. Áed now had some notable victories against the Norse. He defeated the Vikings at Lough Foyle in 866 and uprooted their settlements. In 866 Amlaíb and Auslie left Ireland with the larger part of the Norse forces, and in co-operation with the Norse-gaels from present day Scotland they attacked the picts. Áed seized this opportunity, plundering and burning all the Norse bases (longphorts) in the northern part of Ireland. In 868 Áed again was confronted by a coalition of his Irish rivals and the Norse-Gaels. According to the Annals of Ulster he defeated "the Uí Neíll of Brega, and the Laigin, and a large force of the foreigners" in a battle at a place called Cell Ua nDaigri. Flann of Brega was killed in this battle. This battle has later been presented as a decisive victory over the Norse. Amlaibh and Ímar was, however, very active in Ireland during the following years and did not in any way seem to be seriously weakened, neither in ambition nor in strength. It is probably more accurately to regard this battle as a victory over the southern Uí Neíll and Leinster. In 870 Áed followed up his victory from 868 by invading Leinster with the support of his new ally Cerball of Osraige. He again invaded Leinster in 874. Áed Findliath died on 20 November 879, at Druim Inasclainn: in the territory of Conaille. On that occasion he was described as "king of Tara" (rex Temorie), even if he in a poem referred by the annalist also is called "over-king of the Irish" (airdri Gaidhel). He was buried at either Armagh or alternatively Dromiskin.
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