Domhnall Mac Murchada High King of Ireland

• Preferred Name: Domhnall Mac Murchada High King of Ireland^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}
  
• Gender: M
  
• FSID: LCPJ-GVY
  
• Accedence: 743
  
• Birth: 698 in Tara, County Meath, Ireland at LATI: N3.5823 LONG: E6.6249
  
• http://familysearch.org/v1/TitleOfNobility: 161st High King of Ireland
  
• Burial: 763 in Durrow Abbey, County Offaly, Ireland at LATI: N3.3272 LONG: E7.525 with note: Durrow Abbey is a historic site in Durrow, County Offaly in Ireland.[2] Durrow was probably founded by Columba in the 580s.[3] In the Vita Columbae, Laisrén, who would become the third abbot of Iona, acts as a leader of the monastery.[4] Not much is known about the early history of Durrow, although Bede says it was an important centre from which more monasteries were founded.[5] Durrow appears to have courted the favour of Clann Cholmáin, and in 763 Domnall Midi was apparently buried there.[6] Durrow appears in the Annals for the year 764, where men from the community of Durrow go to battle against those of Clonmacnoise, as part of a Clann Cholmáin succession struggle.[7] The men of Durrow also participated in a raid into Munster alongside Donnchad Midi in 776.[8]
  
• Death: 20 NOV 763 in Durrow, County Offaly, Ireland at LATI: N3.3419 LONG: E7.5097
  
• http://familysearch.org/v1/TitleOfNobility: High King of Ireland
  
• Notes:

  === Life Sketch ===
  Wikipedia
  
  Domhnall Mac Murchad (born c. 700, died 20 November 763), called Domnall Midi (Donald of Meath), was High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Clann Cholmáin branch of the Uí Néill. Clann Cholmáin's pre-eminence among the southern Uí Néill, which would last until the rise of Brian Bóruma and the end of the Uí Néill dominance in Ireland, dates from his lifetime.
  
  Domnall was chief of Clann Cholmáin for almost fifty years, and High King of Ireland for twenty. In spite of this, and his importance as a dynast, the Irish annals contain relatively few reports of his activities. He was a patron of the Columban churches, particularly Durrow Abbey, where he is buried.
  
  Domnall was a son of Murchad mac Diarmat. He had at least one sibling, a brother named Coirpre who died in 749, and it is likely that the Bressal mac Murchad who was killed in 764 was also his brother. Domnall's father ruled as king of Uisnech from the death of his father, Diarmait Dian, in 689 until his own death in 715. He was killed by Conall Grant of the Síl nÁedo Sláine branch of the southern Uí Néill. A year earlier Murchad drove out Conall's nephew Fogartach mac Néill, probably the chief king among the southern Uí Néill, who was exiled to Britain. The notice of Murchad's death calls him "king of the Uí Néill", meaning that he was the southern deputy of then-High King Fergal mac Máele Dúin of the northern Cenél nEógain.[1]
  
  King of Uisnech, King of Mide
  According to later king lists such as those in the Book of Leinster, Domnall succeeded his father as king of Uisnech on the latter's death. If this is correct, the Irish annals take no notice of him, and it is not until 730 that he is first mentioned.[2] During this time, the internecine conflict within the Síl nÁedo Sláine continued. Fergal mac Máele Dúin had died in battle in Leinster in 722. Fogartach mac Néill, who had returned to Ireland in 716 and was once again chief king among the southern Uí Néill, later Fergal's deputy, succeeded him. Fogartach was killed in battle against his Síl nÁedo Sláine kinsman Cináed mac Írgalaig in 724.[3] Cináed was killed in 728 fighting against Flaithbertach mac Loingsig of the northern Cenél Conaill who became High King after this victory.[4]
  
  In the early 730s war broke out among the northern Uí Néill. Flaithbertach was defeated in 732 by Fergal's elder son Áed Allán and the Cenél Conaill were again defeated by Áed in 733 when Fergus, son of Congal Cendmagair, was killed.[5] Flaithbertach was again defeated by Áed in 734. The Annals of Ulster, which rarely record the beginnings of the reigns of high kings in this period, record that Áed was inaugurated later in 734. Flaithbertach had been deposed, although he survived and entered religion, dying in 765, having outlived two successors.[6]
  
  Perhaps taking advantage of this strife, the King of Munster, Cathal mac Finguine, invaded the midlands in 733. Cathal encamped at Tailtiu, where the Uí Néill high kings traditionally held their main óenach. He was attacked there by Domnall and driven off although he later defeated the minor Uí Néill kindred of Clann Cholmáin Bicc led by Fallomon mac Con Congalt at the Hill of Ward, the site of another major Uí Néill óenach.[7]
  
  Áed Allán's reign was remembered as a time of war.[8] He began by attacking his traditional enemies, the Ulaid, in 735. Áed Róin, the King of Ulster, was killed at a battle near Faughart.[9] The war among the Síl nÁedo Sláine continued in 737 and that same year Áed met with Cathal mac Finguine at Terryglass. Exactly what was agreed there is unknown, but the annals also state that the law of Saint Patrick was in force throughout Ireland.[10] It may be that Áed and Cathal agreed on an alliance against Leinster. Áed's father Fergal had been killed campaigning there, and the annals are full of Cathal's generally unsuccessful campaigns against the Leinstermen. In the following Áed and Cathal separately attacked Leinster. Áed's invasion led to the battle of Áth Senaig, fought on 14 September 738 near Ballyshannon, County Kildare, also called the battle of the groans. This was a crushing defeat for Leinster. Their king, Áed mac Colggen, was killed, as was Bran Becc mac Murchado. The Annals of Ulster say: "so many fell in this great battle that we find no comparable slaughter in a single onslaught and fierce conflict throughout all preceding ages."[11] Later Cathal campaigned in Leinster and apparently took hostages and tribute from the new king, perhaps Fáelán mac Murchad.[12]
  
  In 739 the Annals of Ulster record that some of Domnall's household were burned to death in a banqueting hall at the unidentified Bodbráith.[13] The enemy are not named. The following year Domnall, it is reported, "went off into clerical life".[14]
  
  King of Tara
  In 743 Domnall defeated and killed Áed Allán and a number of kings of the Airgíalla, perhaps at Mag Sered near Kells, although some annals place the battle in modern County Longford, either location suggesting that Áed was the aggressor.[15] The annals offer no explanation as to why the two were at war, but it has been suggested that Áed's expansion into the lands of the Conailli Muirthemne (in modern County Louth) or the killing of Conaing mac Amalgado, king of Brega, supposedly strangled by Áed in 742, may have been connected to Domnall's return.[16]
  
  Having defeated Áed, the Annals of Ulster state that Domnall again entered the religious life in 744.[17] When Flaithbertach's son Áed Muinderg died in 747, the Annals of Ulster call him "king of the North", suggesting that he was Domnall's deputy among the northern Uí Néill.[18] Domnall seems also to have had a deputy in the south. His distant kinsman Fallomon mac Con Congalt of Clann Cholmáin Bicc may have been king of Mide in 733, and is definitely styled as such at his death in 766.[19]
  
  Other than this, very little is recorded of Domnall during the twenty years in which he is reckoned to have been High King of Ireland. Unlike Áed Allán, he maintained good relations with the Uí Dúnlainge kings of Leinster.[20] In 753 he is said to have imposed the "law of Columba" on behalf of Sléibéne, Abbot of Iona. Domnall's support for Iona, a policy followed by his descendants, caused the principal Columban church to move to Kells during the Viking Age.[21]
  
  There is only one report of Domnall at war, this in 756. The Annals of Ulster report that Domnall led an army from Leinster into Conailli Muirthemne. This again suggests that he saw the presence of the Cenél nEógain on the eastern coast as a threat to his family's power and emphasizes his good relations with the kings of Leinster.[22]
  
  Domnall died in 763 and was buried at Durrow Abbey in present-day County Offaly.[23] Although he enjoyed good relations with Iona and was seemingly devout, he was not well regarded by all Irish churchmen. The Félire Óengusso, written at Tallaght in the borderlands of Leinster, apparently includes him among the oppressive secular rulers whom the authors held in contempt.[24]
  
  Successors, descendants and family[edit]
  According to the lists of High Kings and the evidence of the annals, Domnall was followed as High King by Niall Frossach, Áed Allán's younger brother.[25] The succession to the leadership of Clann Cholmáin was disputed.[26]
  
  Domnall had at least five sons and at least one daughter.[27] His only recorded wife is Ailbíne ingen Ailell.[28] His son Donnchad Midi[29] was also High King. His son, Muiredach, who died in 802, was named king of Mide in the report of his death.[30] Domnall's son Diarmait Dub died in 764, leading an army raised from the lands of Durrow Abbey. His opponent, his uncle or nephew Bressal mac Murchado, was leading the forces of the monastery of Clonmacnoise.[31] Domnall's son Murchad, died in battle in 765, fighting against Donnchad.[32] Domnall's son Indrechtach died in 797, soon after his brother Donnchad.[33]
  
  Domnall's daughter Eithne was killed, with her husband Bran Ardchenn, King of Leinster, on 6 May 795 at Cell Cúile Dumai, near modern Abbeyleix, County Laois, by Fínsnechta Cetharderc, a rival for the kingship of Leinster.[34]
  
  Domnall's later descendants included the High Kings Conchobar mac Donnchad, Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid, Flann Sinna, Donnchad Donn and Máel Sechnaill mac Domnall.[35]
  
  Fun Facts
  Domnall Midi
  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  
  Ireland in the 8th century. The kingdoms of Uisnech and Mide are not shown; they lie underneath the words "Southern Uí Néill".
  Domhnall Mac Murchada
  
  === Domhnall, son of Murchadh, son of Diarma ===
  Domhnall, son of Murchadh, son of Diarmaid, son of Airmeadhach Caoch, son of Conall Guithbhinn, son of Suibhne, son of Colman Mor, son of Diarmaid, son of Bearghus Ceirrbheoil, son of Conall Creamhthainne, son of Niall Naoighiallach, of the race of Eireamhon, held the sovereignty of Ireland forty-two years. Ailpin, daughter of Comhghall, of the Dealbhna Mor, was mother of Domhnall, son of Murchadh, king of Ireland. It was in his reign that Colman, bishop of Laosan, was slain by the Ui Turtaire, and Cormac, bishop of Ath Truim, died. It was about this tiem that the form of a serpent was seen in motion in the air; and Seachnasach, son of Colgan, king of Ui Cinnsealaigh died; and Caitheasach, son of Oilioll, king of the Cruithinigh, was slain at Raith Beitheach by the Leinstermen. It was in the reign of this king aht the Suairleach, bishop of Fobhar, died, also Osbhran, bishop of Cluain Chreamhuidh. [The History of Ireland Book II pp149-151]
  
  _________________________________
  
  M758.6
  
  After Domhnall, son of Murchadh, son of Diarmaid, had been twenty years in dovereignty over Ireland, he died. He was the first king of Ireland of the Clann Colmain, and he was buried at Dearmhagh Durrow with honour and veneration. Of him was said:
  Until the hour that Domhnall
  was brough to Dearmhagh
  There was no avenging conflict
  or battle on the plain of Breaghmhagh.
  [Annals of the Four Masters I:361]
  
  ____________________________________
  
  U763.1
  
  Death of Domnall son of Murchad son of Diarmait Guthbinn son of Airmedach Caech son of Conall son of Suibne son of Colman Mor son of Diarmait son of Fergus Cerrbel, king of Temair, on the twelfth of the Kalends of December. [Annals of Ulster p217]
  
  === THE PLANTAGENET ANCESTRY (GS NUMBER Q940 ===
  THE PLANTAGENET ANCESTRY (GS NUMBER Q940 D2T) P.86, 87;
  
  === King of Ireland 743-763. Domnall's ance ===
  King of Ireland 743-763. Domnall's ancestry goes back to Niall ofthe Nine Hostages, first of the High Kings of Ireland, reigned445-452. However, not all the names in the ancestral line are known,so the ancestry can't be provided here. Morby's "Dynasties of theWorld", p. 75, provides a list of the Kings of Ireland and how theyare related to one another.
  
  ===
  Please reference all sources for downlo ===
  
  Please reference all sources for downloaded data!
  
  === acceded ===
  acceded
  
  === https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domnall_Mi ===
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domnall_Midi
  
  Domhnall Mac Murchada (born c. 700, died 20 November 763), called Domnall Midi (Donald of Meath), was High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Clann Cholmáin branch of the Uí Néill. Clann Cholmáin's pre-eminence among the southern Uí Néill, which would last until the rise of Brian Bóruma and the end of the Uí Néill dominance in Ireland, dates from his lifetime.
  
  Domnall was chief of Clann Cholmáin for almost fifty years, and High King of Ireland for twenty. In spite of this, and his importance as a dynast, the Irish annals contain relatively few reports of his activities. He was a patron of the Columban churches, particularly Durrow Abbey, where he is buried.
  
  Domnall was a son of Murchad mac Diarmato. He had at least one sibling, a brother named Coirpre who died in 749, and it is likely that the Bressal mac Murchado who was killed in 764 was also his brother. Domnall's father ruled as king of Uisnech from the death of his father, Diarmait Dian, in 689 until his own death in 715. He was killed by Conall Grant of the Síl nÁedo Sláine branch of the southern Uí Néill. A year earlier Murchad drove out Conall's nephew Fogartach mac Néill, probably the chief king among the southern Uí Néill, who was exiled to Britain. The notice of Murchad's death calls him "king of the Uí Néill", meaning that he was the southern deputy of then-High King Fergal mac Máele Dúin of the northern Cenél nEógain.[1]
  
  King of Uisnech, King of Mide[edit]
  According to later king lists such as those in the Book of Leinster, Domnall succeeded his father as king of Uisnech on the latter's death. If this is correct, the Irish annals take no notice of him, and it is not until 730 that he is first mentioned.[2] During this time, the internecine conflict within the Síl nÁedo Sláine continued. Fergal mac Máele Dúin had died in battle in Leinster in 722. Fogartach mac Néill, who had returned to Ireland in 716 and was once again chief king among the southern Uí Néill, later Fergal's deputy, succeeded him. Fogartach was killed in battle against his Síl nÁedo Sláine kinsman Cináed mac Írgalaig in 724.[3] Cináed was killed in 728 fighting against Flaithbertach mac Loingsig of the northern Cenél Conaill who became High King after this victory.[4]
  
  In the early 730s war broke out among the northern Uí Néill. Flaithbertach was defeated in 732 by Fergal's elder son Áed Allán and the Cenél Conaill were again defeated by Áed in 733 when Fergus, son of Congal Cendmagair, was killed.[5] Flaithbertach was again defeated by Áed in 734. The Annals of Ulster, which rarely record the beginnings of the reigns of high kings in this period, record that Áed was inaugurated later in 734. Flaithbertach had been deposed, although he survived and entered religion, dying in 765, having outlived two successors.[6]
  
  Perhaps taking advantage of this strife, the King of Munster, Cathal mac Finguine, invaded the midlands in 733. Cathal encamped at Tailtiu, where the Uí Néill high kings traditionally held their main óenach. He was attacked there by Domnall and driven off although he later defeated the minor Uí Néill kindred of Clann Cholmáin Bicc led by Fallomon mac Con Congalt at the Hill of Ward, the site of another major Uí Néill óenach.[7]
  
  Áed Allán's reign was remembered as a time of war.[8] He began by attacking his traditional enemies, the Ulaid, in 735. Áed Róin, the King of Ulster, was killed at a battle near Faughart.[9] The war among the Síl nÁedo Sláine continued in 737 and that same year Áed met with Cathal mac Finguine at Terryglass. Exactly what was agreed there is unknown, but the annals also state that the law of Saint Patrick was in force throughout Ireland.[10] It may be that Áed and Cathal agreed on an alliance against Leinster. Áed's father Fergal had been killed campaigning there, and the annals are full of Cathal's generally unsuccessful campaigns against the Leinstermen. In the following Áed and Cathal separately attacked Leinster. Áed's invasion led to the battle of Áth Senaig, fought on 14 September 738 near Ballyshannon, County Kildare, also called the battle of the groans. This was a crushing defeat for Leinster. Their king, Áed mac Colggen, was killed, as was Bran Becc mac Murchado. The Annals of Ulster say: "so many fell in this great battle that we find no comparable slaughter in a single onslaught and fierce conflict throughout all preceding ages."[11] Later Cathal campaigned in Leinster and apparently took hostages and tribute from the new king, perhaps Fáelán mac Murchado.[12]
  
  In 739 the Annals of Ulster record that some of Domnall's household were burned to death in a banqueting hall at the unidentified Bodbráith.[13] The enemy are not named. The following year Domnall, it is reported, "went off into clerical life".[14]
  
  King of Tara[edit]
  In 743 Domnall defeated and killed Áed Allán and a number of kings of the Airgíalla, perhaps at Mag Sered near Kells, although some annals place the battle in modern County Longford, either location suggesting that Áed was the aggressor.[15] The annals offer no explanation as to why the two were at war, but it has been suggested that Áed's expansion into the lands of the Conailli Muirthemne (in modern County Louth) or the killing of Conaing mac Amalgado, king of Brega, supposedly strangled by Áed in 742, may have been connected to Domnall's return.[16]
  
  Having defeated Áed, the Annals of Ulster state that Domnall again entered the religious life in 744.[17] When Flaithbertach's son Áed Muinderg died in 747, the Annals of Ulster call him "king of the North", suggesting that he was Domnall's deputy among the northern Uí Néill.[18] Domnall seems also to have had a deputy in the south. His distant kinsman Fallomon mac Con Congalt of Clann Cholmáin Bicc may have been king of Mide in 733, and is definitely styled as such at his death in 766.[19]
  
  Other than this, very little is recorded of Domnall during the twenty years in which he is reckoned to have been High King of Ireland. Unlike Áed Allán, he maintained good relations with the Uí Dúnlainge kings of Leinster.[20] In 753 he is said to have imposed the "law of Columba" on behalf of Sléibéne, Abbot of Iona. Domnall's support for Iona, a policy followed by his descendants, caused the principal Columban church to move to Kells during the Viking Age.[21]
  
  There is only one report of Domnall at war, this in 756. The Annals of Ulster report that Domnall led an army from Leinster into Conailli Muirthemne. This again suggests that he saw the presence of the Cenél nEógain on the eastern coast as a threat to his family's power and emphasizes his good relations with the kings of Leinster.[22]
  
  Domnall died in 763 and was buried at Durrow Abbey in present-day County Offaly.[23] Although he enjoyed good relations with Iona and was seemingly devout, he was not well regarded by all Irish churchmen. The Félire Óengusso, written at Tallaght in the borderlands of Leinster, apparently includes him among the oppressive secular rulers whom the authors held in contempt.[24]
  
  Successors, descendants and family[edit]
  According to the lists of High Kings and the evidence of the annals, Domnall was followed as High King by Niall Frossach, Áed Allán's younger brother.[25] The succession to the leadership of Clann Cholmáin was disputed.[26]
  
  Domnall had at least five sons and at least one daughter.[27] His only recorded wife is Ailbíne ingen Ailello.[28] His son Donnchad Midi[29] was also High King. His son, Muiredach, who died in 802, was named king of Mide in the report of his death.[30] Domnall's son Diarmait Dub died in 764, leading an army raised from the lands of Durrow Abbey. His opponent, his uncle or nephew Bressal mac Murchado, was leading the forces of the monastery of Clonmacnoise.[31] Domnall's son Murchad, died in battle in 765, fighting against Donnchad.[32] Domnall's son Indrechtach died in 797, soon after his brother Donnchad.[33]
  
  Domnall's daughter Eithne was killed, with her husband Bran Ardchenn, King of Leinster, on 6 May 795 at Cell Cúile Dumai, near modern Abbeyleix, County Laois, by Fínsnechta Cetharderc, a rival for the kingship of Leinster.[34]
  
  Domnall's later descendants included the High Kings Conchobar mac Donnchada, Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid, Flann Sinna, Donnchad Donn and Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill.[35]
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Name - Description: Domnall Midi O'Néill King of Ireland
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Name - Description: Domnall Midi Macmurchad
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Name - Description: Domnall Midi O'Neill King Of Ireland And Mide
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Name - Description: Domnall mac ri Midi Murchada
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Name - Description: Domnall mac Murchada ri Midi
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Name - Description: King Of Meath & Tara Domnall
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Name - Description: Domnall Midi King of Ireland O'N�ill
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Also Known As - Description: Domnall Midi O'Néill of Meath
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Also Known As - Description: High King Domnall Midi mac Murchad Midi, Ard rí na h'Éireann (161st) of Ireland
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Also Known As - Description: King Of Mide (Meath).
  
  FamilySearch showed this additional information:
  Also Known As - Description: Domhnall mac Murchada High King of Ireland
  
  ===
  [From the working files of David Porter ===
  
  [From the working files of David Porter of Mountain View, CA]

• m. 733 in County Meath, Ireland

1. Donnchad Mac Domnaill High King of Ireland, b. 733 in Brega, Ireland     d. 6 FEB 797 in Clonard, County Meath, Irland
2. Eithne Inghean Domnaill, b. ABT 737 in Brega, Southern Uí Neill, Ireland     d. 6 MAY 795 in Cell Cúile Dumai, Ireland

1. Title: Legacy NFS Source: Domnall Midi High King - death:
   Author: Stewart Baldwin, The Henry Project The ancestors of king Henry II of England, Recipient: usenet newsgroup soc.genealogy.medieval, Compiler Address: sbald@auburn.campus.mci.net, Url: http://sbaldw.home.mindspring.com/hproject/henry.htm, Baldwin, Stewart, Page number: d 763
   Note: death: aka-name: Domnall Midi O'Néill King of Mide birth-name: Domnall Midi O'Néill King of Ireland aka-name: Domnall Midi O'Néill King of Mide death: birth-name: Domnall Midi O'Néill King of Ireland
   Page: Migrated from user-supplied source citation: urn:familysearch:source:2040401034
   
2. Title: Dictionary of Irish Biography
   Author: Sources AU; AFM; Ann Tig.; Chron. Scot.; Ann. Clon.; Frag. Ann.; Bk Leinster, i, 96, 197; vi, 1446; O'Brien, Corpus geneal. Hib., 125, 159, 425; M. C. Dobbs, ‘The Ban-Shenchus’, Rev. Celt., xlviii (1931), 186, 224; J. V. Kelleher, ‘The Táin and the Annals’, Ériu, xxii (1971), 113–15; Mac Niocaill, Ire. before vikings, 120, 126; Byrne, Ir. kings, 118, 156–7, 208, 276, 282; NHI, ix, 127, 130; Herbert, Iona, Kells & Derry, 64–5, 66, 69; Mac Shamhráin, Church & polity, 129, 130; Jaski, Early Ir. kingship, 220–21, 239; Charles-Edwards, Early Christ. Ire., 477–80, 570, 574–5, 579, 594; ODNB
   Publication: Name: https://www.dib.ie/biography/domnall-midi-a2671;
   Note: Domnall Midi (‘of Meath’) (d. 763), son of Murchad and king of Tara, belonged to the Clann Cholmáin dynasty of Uí Néill. Domnall's reign saw further consolidation of his dynasty's position in the midlands, and the forging of close links between the Southern Uí Néill (which by this time formed a distinct dynastic federation) and the Columban familia. His father Murchad Midi (qv) (d. 715), son of Diarmait son of Airmedach, is in the regnal lists as king of Uisnech. His mother, according to genealogical tradition, was Ailphin, daughter of Comgall king of Delbna; his only documented wife, Ailbéne daughter of Ailill king of Ard Cianachta, was the mother of Donnchad Midi (qv), his most prominent son. The mother(s) of his other sons are not recorded, but these included Murchad (or Muiredach, slain 765), Fiachu, Indrechtach, Fínshnechtae, and Diarmait Odar. Domnall Midi may well have succeeded his father directly as ruler of Clann Cholmáin, but can hardly have been effective till after his father's slayer, Clann Chernaig dynast Conall Grant, was dispatched in 718. Reckoning from that date, Domnall reached the forty-sixth year of his kingship, which accords with the length of reign assigned to him in the king-lists. It is possible that he was helped to power in the first instance by the then king of Tara, Fergal (qv) son of Máel-dúin. Domnall's early reign was inauspicious, although he seems to have supported the Southern Uí Néill cleric, Cilléne Droichtech, for the abbacy of Iona in 726. The first clear indication of his military prowess came in 733, when he repulsed the Munster overking Cathal (qv) son of Finguine from the ceremonial site of Tailtiu (Teltown, Co. Meath). In 740 Domnall took clerical orders; the ecclesiastical centre he entered is not named, but it seems likely that it was the Columban foundation of Durrow. Perhaps he combined some ecclesiastical role with his kingship; in any event, he remained politically active. Three years later, he defeated and slew the reigning king of Tara, Áed Allán (qv), along with his Cruthin allies, in an important battle at Seredmag (near Kells). Succeeding to the kingship of Tara, Domnall held that dignity for twenty years. He resumed his clerical role in 744, and his reign as overking on the whole was peaceful if not necessarily prosperous. It seems that his ecclesiastical connections influenced his politics: in 748 the adoption throughout Leth Cuinn (the northern half of Ireland) of Lex Uí Shuanaich, an ecclesiastical law emanating from Rahan, quite possibly had his support. There are stronger grounds for considering (despite the death of his protégé Cilléne Droichtech at Iona and the succession of Sléibíne (qv), a Northern Uí Néill candidate) that he was behind the promulgation of the Law of Colum Cille (qv) in 753. Such levying of ecclesiastical dues often coincided with natural disasters or social disturbance, and so may point to a time of difficulty in his reign. Parallel to this, his close contacts with the church doubtless facilitated the documentation of dynastic affairs; certainly, the Uí Néill record comes into sharper focus from this period onwards, even if that did not necessarily involve a coordinated revision of the annals as has been claimed. It may be valid to explain the relatively low level of military activity on Domnall's part in terms of a temporary satiation of Uí Néill power. There was some conflict with the Cruthin rulers of Airgialla, and Domnall's son Fiachu was slain by two dynasts of Fir Rois in north Co. Louth. It is probably significant that, unlike so many Uí Néill overkings, Domnall Midi never attacked the Uí Dúnlainge of northern Leinster. Achievement on his part of a modus vivendi with the latter dynasty seems all the more likely in view of his having recruited Leinster support in 756 for a campaign against the Northern Uí Néill king, Niall Frossach (qv). Domnall died, appropriately enough, at Durrow on 20 November 763. His immediate successor in the Uisnech kingship is named in the regnal list as Niall son of Diarmait son of Airmedach; but as Diarmait had died back in 689, the dynast in question was in all probability a son of Niall and so a first cousin of Domnall. This cousin seemingly enjoyed a brief reign before being slain by Domnall's son Murchad (or Muiredach), the latter in turn being slain two years later by his own brother, Donnchad Midi, who regained the kingship of Tara for his lineage. Contributed by Mac Shamhráin, Ailbhe
   
3. Title: Legacy NFS Source: Domnall Midi High King -
   Author: Irish Landed Gentry, 2nd Ed; John O'Hart {1887}, Page number: 153
   Note: Source Media Type: Book
   Page: Migrated from user-supplied source citation: urn:familysearch:source:2736743140
   
4. Title: Wikipedia - Domnall Midi
   Author: Seán Mac Airt; Gearóid Mac Niocaill, eds. (1983). The Annals of Ulster (to AD 1131). Translated by Mac Airt; Mac Niocaill. Dublin: Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. Retrieved 23 March 2008. Annals of Tigernach, CELT: Corpus of Electronic Texts, 1996, retrieved 23 March 2008 Óengus of Tallaght (1905). Stokes, Whitley (ed.). The Martyrology of Oengus the Culdee. Henry Bradshaw Society. Vol. 29. London. p. 27. Prologue (lines 233–238) Bhreathnach, Edel (2001), "Abbesses, Minor Dynasties and Kings in clericatu: Perspectives from Ireland, 700–850", in Brown, Michelle P.; Farr, Carol A. (eds.), Mercia: An Anglo-Saxon kingdom in Europe, Leicester: Leicester University Press, pp. 113–125, ISBN 0-8264-7765-8 Byrne, Francis John (1973), Irish Kings and High-Kings, London: Batsford, ISBN 0-7134-5882-8 Radner, Joan N., ed. (2004) [1975], Fragmentary Annals of Ireland, CELT: Corpus of Electronic Texts, retrieved 10 February 2007
   Publication: Name: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domnall_Midi;
   Note: Domhnall Mac Murchada (born c. 700, died 20 November 763), called Domnall Midi (Donald of Meath), was High King of Ireland. He belonged to the Clann Cholmáin branch of the Uí Néill. Clann Cholmáin's pre-eminence among the southern Uí Néill, which would last until the rise of Brian Bóruma and the end of the Uí Néill dominance in Ireland, dates from his lifetime. Domnall was chief of Clann Cholmáin for almost fifty years, and High King of Ireland for twenty. In spite of this, and his importance as a dynast, the Irish annals contain relatively few reports of his activities. He was a patron of the Columban churches, particularly Durrow Abbey, where he is buried. Contents 1 Origins and background 2 King of Uisnech, King of Mide 3 King of Tara 4 Successors, descendants and family 5 Notes 6 References Origins and background Domnall was a son of Murchad mac Diarmato. He had at least one sibling, a brother named Coirpre who died in 749, and it is likely that the Bressal mac Murchado who was killed in 764 was also his brother. Domnall's father ruled as king of Uisnech from the death of his father, Diarmait Dian, in 689 until his own death in 715. He was killed by Conall Grant of the Síl nÁedo Sláine branch of the southern Uí Néill. A year earlier Murchad drove out Conall's nephew Fogartach mac Néill, probably the chief king among the southern Uí Néill, who was exiled to Britain. The notice of Murchad's death calls him "king of the Uí Néill", meaning that he was the southern deputy of then-High King Fergal mac Máele Dúin of the northern Cenél nEógain.[1] King of Uisnech, King of Mide According to later king lists such as those in the Book of Leinster, Domnall succeeded his father as king of Uisnech on the latter's death. If this is correct, the Irish annals take no notice of him, and it is not until 730 that he is first mentioned.[2] During this time, the internecine conflict within the Síl nÁedo Sláine continued. Fergal mac Máele Dúin had died in battle in Leinster in 722. Fogartach mac Néill, who had returned to Ireland in 716 and was once again chief king among the southern Uí Néill, later Fergal's deputy, succeeded him. Fogartach was killed in battle against his Síl nÁedo Sláine kinsman Cináed mac Írgalaig in 724.[3] Cináed was killed in 728 fighting against Flaithbertach mac Loingsig of the northern Cenél Conaill who became High King after this victory.[4] In the early 730s war broke out among the northern Uí Néill. Flaithbertach was defeated in 732 by Fergal's elder son Áed Allán and the Cenél Conaill were again defeated by Áed in 733 when Fergus, son of Congal Cendmagair, was killed.[5] Flaithbertach was again defeated by Áed in 734. The Annals of Ulster, which rarely record the beginnings of the reigns of high kings in this period, record that Áed was inaugurated later in 734. Flaithbertach had been deposed, although he survived and entered religion, dying in 765, having outlived two successors.[6] Perhaps taking advantage of this strife, the King of Munster, Cathal mac Finguine, invaded the midlands in 733. Cathal encamped at Tailtiu, where the Uí Néill high kings traditionally held their main óenach. He was attacked there by Domnall and driven off although he later defeated the minor Uí Néill kindred of Clann Cholmáin Bicc led by Fallomon mac Con Congalt at the Hill of Ward, the site of another major Uí Néill óenach.[7] Áed Allán's reign was remembered as a time of war.[8] He began by attacking his traditional enemies, the Ulaid, in 735. Áed Róin, the King of Ulster, was killed at a battle near Faughart.[9] The war among the Síl nÁedo Sláine continued in 737 and that same year Áed met with Cathal mac Finguine at Terryglass. Exactly what was agreed there is unknown, but the annals also state that the law of Saint Patrick was in force throughout Ireland.[10] It may be that Áed and Cathal agreed on an alliance against Leinster. Áed's father Fergal had been killed campaigning there, and the annals are full of Cathal's generally unsuccessful campaigns against the Leinstermen. In the following Áed and Cathal separately attacked Leinster. Áed's invasion led to the battle of Áth Senaig, fought on 14 September 738 near Ballyshannon, County Kildare, also called the battle of the groans. This was a crushing defeat for Leinster. Their king, Áed mac Colggen, was killed, as was Bran Becc mac Murchado. The Annals of Ulster say: "so many fell in this great battle that we find no comparable slaughter in a single onslaught and fierce conflict throughout all preceding ages."[11] Later Cathal campaigned in Leinster and apparently took hostages and tribute from the new king, perhaps Fáelán mac Murchado.[12] In 739 the Annals of Ulster record that some of Domnall's household were burned to death in a banqueting hall at the unidentified Bodbráith.[13] The enemy are not named. The following year Domnall, it is reported, "went off into clerical life".[14] King of Tara In 743 Domnall defeated and killed Áed Allán and a number of kings of the Airgíalla, perhaps at Mag Sered near Kells, although some annals place the battle in modern County Longford, either location suggesting that Áed was the aggressor.[15] The annals offer no explanation as to why the two were at war, but it has been suggested that Áed's expansion into the lands of the Conailli Muirthemne (in modern County Louth) or the killing of Conaing mac Amalgado, king of Brega, supposedly strangled by Áed in 742, may have been connected to Domnall's return.[16] Having defeated Áed, the Annals of Ulster state that Domnall again entered the religious life in 744.[17] When Flaithbertach's son Áed Muinderg died in 747, the Annals of Ulster call him "king of the North", suggesting that he was Domnall's deputy among the northern Uí Néill.[18] Domnall seems also to have had a deputy in the south. His distant kinsman Fallomon mac Con Congalt of Clann Cholmáin Bicc may have been king of Mide in 733, and is definitely styled as such at his death in 766.[19] Other than this, very little is recorded of Domnall during the twenty years in which he is reckoned to have been High King of Ireland. Unlike Áed Allán, he maintained good relations with the Uí Dúnlainge kings of Leinster.[20] In 753 he is said to have imposed the "law of Columba" on behalf of Sléibéne, Abbot of Iona. Domnall's support for Iona, a policy followed by his descendants, caused the principal Columban church to move to Kells during the Viking Age.[21] There is only one report of Domnall at war, this in 756. The Annals of Ulster report that Domnall led an army from Leinster into Conailli Muirthemne. This again suggests that he saw the presence of the Cenél nEógain on the eastern coast as a threat to his family's power and emphasizes his good relations with the kings of Leinster.[22] Domnall died in 763 and was buried at Durrow Abbey in present-day County Offaly.[23] Although he enjoyed good relations with Iona and was seemingly devout, he was not well regarded by all Irish churchmen. The Félire Óengusso, written at Tallaght in the borderlands of Leinster, apparently includes him among the oppressive secular rulers whom the authors held in contempt.[24] Successors, descendants and family According to the lists of High Kings and the evidence of the annals, Domnall was followed as High King by Niall Frossach, Áed Allán's younger brother.[25] The succession to the leadership of Clann Cholmáin was disputed.[26] Domnall had at least five sons and at least one daughter.[27] His only recorded wife is Ailbíne ingen Ailello.[28] His son Donnchad Midi[29] was also High King. His son, Muiredach, who died in 802, was named king of Mide in the report of his death.[30] Domnall's son Diarmait Dub died in 764, leading an army raised from the lands of Durrow Abbey. His opponent, his uncle or nephew Bressal mac Murchado, was leading the forces of the monastery of Clonmacnoise.[31] Domnall's son Murchad, died in battle in 765, fighting against Donnchad.[32] Domnall's son Indrechtach died in 797, soon after his brother Donnchad.[33] Domnall's daughter Eithne was killed, with her husband Bran Ardchenn, King of Leinster, on 6 May 795 at Cell Cúile Dumai, near modern Abbeyleix, County Laois, by Fínsnechta Cetharderc, a rival for the kingship of Leinster.[34] Domnall's later descendants included the High Kings Conchobar mac Donnchada, Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid, Flann Sinna, Donnchad Donn and Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill.[35]
   
5. Title: Legacy NFS Source: Domnall Midi High King - birth:
   Author: Chronological birthyear estimator
   Note: birth: Chronological age estimator based on child's birthdate minus 20-25 years (for females), minus 30-35 years (for males) or minus a set # of years in those cases where an ancestor's birth date is known & a descendants' birth date is known (i.e. if five generations are known to have elapsed in a 150 year time interval, then the estimator is used for each generation, every 30 years). Also used for societies where children generally did not accede to kingships, etc., ascension date minus 30 years. Also used based on a known spousal birthdate, i.e. -2-4 years for females, +2-4 years for males. birth: Chronological age estimator based on child's birthdate minus 20-25 years (for females), minus 30-35 years (for males) or minus a set # of years in those cases where an ancestor's birth date is known & a descendants' birth date is known (i.e. if five generations are known to have elapsed in a 150 year time interval, then the estimator is used for each generation, every 30 years). Also used for societies where children generally did not accede to kingships, etc., ascension date minus 30 years. Also used based on a known spousal birthdate, i.e. -2-4 years for females, +2-4 years for males.
   Page: Migrated from user-supplied source citation: urn:familysearch:source:2040401032