Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Annals of the Four Masters (Author: Unknown)

Annal M1003

M1003.0

The Age of Christ, 1003.

M1003.1

The second year of Brian.

M1003.2

Aenghus, son of Breasal, successor of Cainneach, died on his pilgrimage at Ard-Macha.

M1003.3

Dubhshlaine Ua Lorcain, Abbot of Imleach-Ibhair, died.

M1003.4

Eochaidh Ua Flannagain, airchinneach of the Lis-aeidheadh of Ard-Macha, and of Cluain-Fiachna, the most distinguished historian of the Irish, died.

M1003.5

An army was led by Brian and Maelseachlainn into North Connaught, as far as Traigh-Eothaile, to proceed around Ireland; but they were prevented by the Ui-Neill of the North.

M1003.6

Domhnall, son of Flannagan, lord of Feara-Li, died.

M1003.7

Iarnan, son of Finn, son of


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Duibhghilla, was slain by Corc, son of Aedh, son of Duibhghilla, in the doorway of the oratory of Gailinne, by treachery. Two of his own people slew this Corc immediately, by which the name of God and Mochonog was magnified.

M1003.8

Brian, son of Maelruanaidh, lord of West Connaught, was slain by his own people.

M1003.9

The two O'Canannains were slain by O'Maeldoraidh.

M1003.10

Muireadhach, son of Diarmaid, lord of Ciarraighe-Luachra, died.

M1003.11

Naebhan, son of Maelchiarain, chief artificer of Ireland, died.

M1003.12

The battle of Craebh-tulcha, between the Ulidians and the Cinel-Eoghain, in which the Ulidians were defeated. In this battle were slain Eochaidh, son of Ardghair, King of Ulidia, and Dubhtuinne, his brother; and the two sons of Eochaidh, i.e. Cuduiligh and Domhnall; Gairbhidh, lord of Ui-Eathach; Gillapadraig, son of Tomaltach; Cumuscach, son of Flathrai; Dubhshlangha, son of Aedh; Cathal, son of Etroch; Conene, son of Muircheartach; and the most part of the Ulidians in like manner; and the battle extended as far as Dun-Eathach and Druim-bo. Donnchadh Ua Loingsigh, lord of Dal-Araidhe, and royal heir of Ulidia, was slain on the following day by the Cinel-Eoghain. Aedh, son of Domhnall Ua Neill, lord of Oileach, and heir apparent to the sovereignty of Ireland, fell in the heat of the conflict, in the fifteenth year of his reign, and the twenty-ninth of his age.

M1003.13

A battle between Tadhg Ua Ceallaigh with the Ui-Maine, and the men of West Meath assisting the Ui-Maine on the one side, and the Ui-Fiachrach Aidhne aided by West Connaught on the other, wherein fell Gillaceallaigh, son of Comhaltan Ua Cleirigh, lord of Ui-Fiachrach; Conchobhar, son of Ubban; Ceannfaeladh, son of Ruaidhri, and many others. Finn, son of Marcan, Tanist of Ui-Maine, fell in the heat of the conflict.

M1003.14

Domhnall, son of Flannagan, died.

M1003.15

Madadhan, son of Aenghus, chief of Gaileanga-Beaga and Feara-Cul, was slain.


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Annal M1004

M1004.0

The Age of Christ, 1004.

M1004.1

The third year of Brian.

M1004.2

Domhnall, son of Maicniadh, Abbot of Mainstir-Buithe, a bishop and holy senior, died.

M1004.3

St. Aedh, lector of Frefoit, bishop, wise man, and pilgrim, died after a good life at Ard-Macha, with great honour and veneration. In lamentation of him was said:

    1. The wise man, the archbishop,
      The saint of God of comely face,—
      Apostleship has departed from us,
      Since Aedh departed from the side of Teamhair,
      Since Aedh of sweet Breaghmhagh liveth not,
      Of bright renown, in sweet verses sung;
      A loss is the gem, shining and pleasant,
      The learning of Ireland has perished in him.

M1004.4

Maelbrighde Ua Rimheadha, Abbot of Ia, died.

M1004.5

Domhnall, son of Niall, Abbot of Cill-Lamhraighe, died.

M1004.6

Foghartach, Abbot of Leithghlinn and Saighir, died.

M1004.7

Muireadhach, lord of Conaille, was slain by the Mughdhorna.

M1004.8

Gillacomhghaill, son of Ardghar, and his son, and two hundred along with them, were slain by Maelruanaidh, son of Ardghar, contending for the kingdom of Ulidia.

M1004.9

A hosting by Brian, son of Ceinneidigh, with the men of the south of Ireland, into Cinel-Eoghain and Ulidia, to demand hostages. They proceeded through Meath, where they remained a night at Tailltin. They afterwards marched northwards, and remained a week at Ard-Macha; and Brian left twenty ounces of gold as an offering upon the altar of Ard-Macha. After that they went into Dal-Araidhe, and carried off the pledges of the Dal-Araidhe and Dal-Fiatach in general.

M1004.10

Ingeirci, lord of Conailli, was slain.

M1004.11

Ath-cliath was burned by the people of South Breagha, by secrecy.

M1004.12

Leath-Chathail was plundered by Flaithbheartach Ua Neill; and Aedh, son of Tomaltach, lord of


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Leath-Chathail, was slain by him.

M1004.13

A battle was gained at Loch-Bricrenn, by Flaithbheartach, over the Ui-Eathach and the Ulidians,where Artan, royal heir of Ui-Eathach, was slain.

Annal M1005

M1005.0

The Age of Christ, 1005.

M1005.1

The fourth year of Brian.

M1005.2

Finghin, Abbot of Ros-Cre, died.

M1005.3

Dunchadh, son of Dunadhach, lector of Cluain-mic-Nois, and its anchorite afterwards, head of its rule and history, died; he was the senior of the race of Conn-na-mbocht.

M1005.4

Maelruanaidh, son of Aedh Ua Dubhda, lord of Ui-Fiachrach-Muirisge, and his son, i.e. Maelseachlainn, and his brother, i.e. Gebhennach, son of Aedh, died.

M1005.5

A great prey was made by Flaithbheartach, son of Muircheartach, lord of Aileach, in Conaille-Muirtheimhne; but Maelseachlainn, King of Teamhair, overtook him and his party, and they lost two hundred men by killing and capturing, together with the lord of Ui-Fiachrach Arda-sratha.

M1005.6

Cathal, son of Dunchadh, lord of Gaileanga-Mora, was slain.

M1005.7

Echmhilidh Ua hAitidhe, lord of Ui-Eathach, was slain by the Ulidians themselves.

Extract from the Book of Cluain-mic-Nois, and the Book of the Island, i.e. the Island of the Saints, in Loch Ribh.

A great army was led by Brian, son of Ceinneidigh, into Cinel-Conaill and Cinel-Eoghain, to demand hostages. The route they took was through the middle of Connaught, over Eas-Ruaidh, through the middle of Tir-Conaill, through Cinel-Eoghain, over Feartas Camsa, into Dal-Riada, into Dal-Araidhe, into Ulidia, into Conaille-Muirtheimhne; and they arrived, about Lammas, at Bealach-duin. The Leinstermen then proceeded southwards across Breagha


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to their territory, and the foreigners by sea round eastwards southwards? to their fortress. The Munstermen also and the Osraighi went through Meath westwards to their countries. The Ulidians rendered hostages on this occasion; but they Brian Borumha and his party did not obtain the hostages of the races of Conall and Eoghan.

M1005.9

Mael-na-mbo, lord of Ui-Ceinnsealaigh, was killed by his own tribe.

M1005.10

Maelruanaidh, son of Ardghar, King of Ulidia, was slain by Madadhan, son of Domhnall, after being one-half year in the government of the province. Madadhan, son of Domhnall, King of Ulidia, was killed by the Torc, i.e. Dubhtuinne, in the middle of Dun-Leathghlaise, in violation of the guarantees of the saints of Ireland. Dubhtuinne, i.e. the Torc, King of Ulidia, was slain, through the miracles of God and Patrick, by Muireadhach, son of Madadhan, in revenge of his father.

M1005.11

Muiregen Bocht, of Both-Domhnaigh, successor of Patrick, died; seventy years his age.

Annal M1006

M1006.0

The Age of Christ, 1006.

M1006.1

The fifth year of Brian.

M1006.2

Ceannfaeladh, airchinneach of Druim-mor-Mocholmog;

M1006.3

Caicher, son of Maenach, Abbot of Mungairid;

M1006.4

and Ceallach Ua Meanngorain, airchinneach of Corcach, died.

M1006.5

Fiachra Ua Focarta, priest of Cluain-fearta-Brenainn, died. Of him was said:

    1. Of all I traversed of Ireland,
      Both field and church,
      I did not get cold or want,
      Till I reached the fair Cluain-fearta.
      O Christ, we would not have parted in happiness,
      Were it not for Fiachra of the sweet language.

M1006.6

Tuathal Ua Maoilmacha, a learned man, and comharba of Patrick in Munster;

M1006.7

and Robhartach Ua hAilghiusa, anchorite of Cluain-mic-Nois, died; he was of the tribe of Breaghmhaine.

M1006.8

Trenfhear Ua Baigheallain, lord of Dartraighe,


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was slain by the Cinel-Conaill on Loch-Eirne.

M1006.9

Cuconnacht, son of Dunadhaigh, chief of Sil-Anmchadha, was slain by Murchadh, son of Brian Borumha. Ua Dunghalaigh, lord of Muscraighe-thire, slew him in the vicinity of Lothra.

M1006.10

Muireadhach, son of Crichan, resigned the successorship of Colum Cille for the sake of God.

M1006.11

The renewal of the fair of Tailltin by Maelseachlainn; and Feardomhnach was appointed to the successorship of Colum Cill, by advice of the men of Ireland.

M1006.12

The Great Gospel of Colum Cille was stolen at night from the western Erdomh of the great church of Ceanannus. This was the principal relic of the western world, on account of its singular cover; and it was found after twenty nights and two months, its gold having been stolen off it, and a sod over it.

M1006.13

An army was led by Flaithbheartach Ua Neill into Ulidia, and carried off seven hostages from them, and slew the lord of Leath-Chathail, i.e. Cuuladh, son of Aenghus.

M1006.14

Domhnall, son of Dubhtuinne, King of Ulidia, was slain by Muireadhach, son of Madudhan, and Uarghaeth of Sliabh Fuaid.

M1006.15

Airmeadhach, son of Cosgrach, Bishop and scribe of Ard-Macha, died.

Annal M1007

M1007.0

The Age of Christ, 1007.

M1007.1

The sixth year of Brian.

M1007.2

Muireadhach, a distinguished bishop, son of the brother of Ainmire Bocht, was suffocated in a cave, in Gaileanga of Corann.

M1007.3

Feardomhnach, successor of Colum Cille in Kells and Fachtna successor of Finnen of Cluain-Iraird, died.

M1007.4

Finshnechta Ua Fiachra, Abbot of Teach-Mochua;

M1007.5

and Tuathal O'Conchobhair, successor of Finntan, died.

M1007.6

Maelmaire Ua Gearagain, successor of Cainneach; and Ceileachair, son of Donncuan, son of Ceinneidigh, Abbot of Tir-da-ghlas, died.

M1007.7

A victory was gained by Aenghus, son of Carrach, over the Feara-Ceall, wherein fell Demon Gatlach Ua Maelmhuaidh.

M1007.8

Great frost and


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snow from the eighth of the Ides of January till Easter.

M1007.9

Muireadhach, son of Dubhtuinne, King of Ulidia, was slain.

Annal M1008

M1008.0

The Age of Christ, 1008.

M1008.1

The seventh year of Brian.

M1008.2

Cathal, son of Carlus, successor of Cainneach;

M1008.3

Maelmuire Ua hUchtain, comharba of Ceanannus, died.

M1008.4

Echthighearn Ua Goirmghilla, died.

M1008.5

Dubhchobhlaigh, daughter of the King of Connaught, and wife of Brian, son of Ceinneidigh, died.

M1008.6

Tadhg Dubhshuileach, son of the King of Connaught, was slain by the Conmaicni.

M1008.7

Gussan, son of Ua Treassach, lord of Ui-Bairrche, died.

M1008.8

Madudhan, lord of Sil-Anmchadha, was slain by his brother.

M1008.9

An army was led by Flaithbheartach Ua Neill against the men of Breagha, and carried off a great cattle spoil.

M1008.10

A battle was gained over the Conmaicni by the men of Breifne. A battle was gained over the men of Breifne by the Connaughtmen.

M1008.11

Clothna, son of Aenghus, chief poet of Ireland in his time, died.

M1008.12

Gusan, son of Treasach, lord of Ui-Bairche, died.

Annal M1009

M1009.0

The Age of Christ, 1009 rectè 1010.

M1009.1

The eighth year of Brian.

M1009.2

Conaing, son of Aedhagan, a bishop, died at Cluain-mic-Nois; he was of the tribe of the Mughdhorna-Maighen.

M1009.3

Crunnmhael, a bishop, died.

M1009.4

Scannlan Ua Dunghalain, Abbot of Dun-Leathghlaise, was blinded.

M1009.5

Diarmaid, successor of Bearrach;

M1009.6

Muireadhach, son of Mochloingseach, airchinneach of Mucnamh;

M1009.7

Maelsuthain Ua Cearbhaill, one of the family of Inis-Faithleann, chief doctor of the western world in his time, and lord of Eoghanacht of Loch-Lein, died after a good life.

M1009.8

Marcan, son of Ceinneidigh, head of the clergy of Munster, died. The comharba of Colum, son of Crimhthainn, i.e. of Tir-da-ghlas, Innis-Cealtra and Cill-Dalua, died.

M1009.9

Cathal, son of Conchobhar, King of Connaught, died after penance; he was the grandson of Tadhg of the Tower.

M1009.10

Dearbhail,


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daughter of Tadhg, son of Cathal, died.

M1009.11

Cathal, son of Dubhdara, lord of Feara-Manach, died.

M1009.12

Muireadhach Ua hAedha, lord of Muscraighe, died.

M1009.13

An army was led by Brian to Claenloch of Sliabh-Fuaid, and he obtained the hostages of the Cinel-Eoghain and Ulidians.

M1009.14

Aedh, son of Conn, royal heir of Oileach; and Donncuan, lord of Mughdhorna, were slain.

Annal M1010

M1010.0

The Age of Christ, 1010 rectè 1011.

M1010.1

The ninth year of Brian.

M1010.2

Muireadhach, son of Crichan, successor of Colum-Cille and Adamnan, a learned man, bishop, and virgin, rector of Ard-Macha, and intended successor of Patrick, died after the seventy-fourth year of his age, on the fifth of the Calends of January, on Saturday night precisely; and he was buried with great honour and veneration in the great church of Ard-Macha, before the altar.

M1010.3

Flann Ua Donnchadha, successor of Oenna, died.

M1010.4

Flaithbheartach Ua Cethenen,successor of Tighearnach, a venerable senior and distinguished bishop, was mortally wounded by the men of Breifne; and he afterwards died in his own church at Cluain-Eois.

M1010.5

Dubhthach, son of Iarnan, airchinneach of Dearmhach;

M1010.6

Dalach of Disert-Tola, successor of Feichin and Tola, and a distinguished scribe;

M1010.7

and Fachtna, successor of Finnen of Cluain-Iraird, died.

M1010.8

An army was led by Brian to Magh-Corrann, and he took with him the lord of Cinel-Conaill, i.e. Maelruanaidh Ua Maeldoraidh, in obedience, to Ceann-Coradh.

M1010.9

Maelruanaidh Ua Domhnaill, lord of Cinel-Luighdheach, was slain by the men


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of Magh-Ithe.

M1010.10

Oenghus Ua Lapain, lord of Cinel-Enda, was slain by the Cinel-Eoghain of the Island.

M1010.11

Murchadh, son of Brian, with the men of Munster, the Leinstermen, with the Ui-Neill of the South, and Flaithbheartach, son of Muircheartach, lord of Oileach, with the soldiers of the North, to plunder Cinel-Luighdheach, and they carried off three hundred and a great prey of cattle.

M1010.12

Domhnall, son of Brian, son of Ceinneidigh, son of the king of Ireland, died.

M1010.13

An army was led by Flaithbheartach Ua Neill to Dun-Eathach; and he burned the fortress, and demolished the town, and he carried off pledges from Niall, son of Dubhthuinne.

M1010.14

Aedh, son of Mathghamhain, royal heir of Caiseal, died.

M1010.15

Faelan, son of Dunlaing lord of Ui-Buidhe, died.

Annal M1011

M1011.0

The Age of Christ, 1011 rectè 1012.

M1011.1

The tenth year of Brian.

M1011.2

A great malady, namely, lumps and griping, at Ard-Macha, from Allhallowtide till May, so that a great number of the seniors and students died, together with Ceannfaeladh of Sabhall, bishop, anchorite, and pilgrim; Maelbrighde Mac-an-Ghobhann, lector of Ard-Macha; and Scolaighe, son of Clercen, a noble priest of Ard-Macha. These and many others along with them died of this sickness.

M1011.3

Martin, Abbot of Lughmhadh;

M1011.4

Cian, successor of Cainneach;

M1011.5

Caenchomrac Ua Scannlain, airchinneach of Daimhinis;

M1011.6

Maclonain, Abbot of Ros-Cre;

M1011.7

and Connmhach Ua Tomhrair, priest and chief singer of Cluain-mic-Nois,died.

M1011.8

An army was led by Flaithbheartach, son of Muircheartach, into Cinel-Conaill, until he arrived at Magh-Cedne; he carried off a great prey of cows, and returned safe to his house. An army was led by Flaithbheartach, son of Muircheartach, a second time into Cinel-Conaill, until he reached Druim-cliabh and Tracht-Eothaile, where Niall, son of Gillaphadraig, son of Fearghal, was slain, and


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Maelruanaidh Ua Maeldoraidh was defeated; but no other one was lost there. An army was led, in their absence, by Maelseachlainn into Tir-Eoghain, as far as Magh-da-ghabhal, which they burned; they preyed as far as Tealach-Oog, and, having obtained spoils, they returned back to his house. An army was afterwards led by Flaithbheartach, till he arrived at Ard-Uladh, so that the whole of the Ardes was plundered by him; and he bore off from thence spoils the most numerous that a king had ever borne, both prisoners and cattle without number.

M1011.9

A battle was gained over Niall, son of Dubhtuinne, i.e. the battle of the Mullachs, by Niall, son of Eochaidh, son of Ardghar, where many were slain, together with Muircheartach, son of Artan, Tanist of Ui-Eathach; and he afterwards deposed Niall, son of Dubhthuinne.

M1012.10

Ailell, son of Gebhennach, royal heir of Ui-Maine, died.

M1011.11

Crinan, son of Gormladh, lord of Conaille, was killed by Cucuailgne.

Annal M1012

M1012.0

The Age of Christ, 1012.

M1012.1

The twelfth year of Brian.

M1012.2

Mac-Maine, son of Cosgrach, comharba of Cill-Dalua, died.

M1012.3

The Prior of Saighir was killed.

M1012.4

Cian Ua Geargain, successor of Cainneach, and

M1012.5

Dearbhail, daughter of Conghalach, son of Maelmithigh, i.e. daughter of the King of Ireland, died.

M1012.6

Domhnall, i.e. the Cat, royal heir of Connaught, was killed by Maelruanaidh Ua Maeldoraidh; and Magh-Aei was totally plundered and burned by him, after defeating and slaughtering the Connaughtmen.

M1012.7

A great depredation was committed by Ualgharg Ua Ciardha, lord of Cairbre, and the son of Niall O'Ruairc, and the men of Teathbha in Gaileanga; but a few good men of the household of Maelseachlainn overtook them, and being at that time intoxicated after drinking, they imprudently gave them battle, through pride. There were


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slain in it Donnchadh, son of Maelseachlainn; Dubhtaichligh Ua Maelchallann, lord of Dealbhna Beag; Donnchadh, son of Donnchadh Finn, royal heir of Teamhair; Cearnachan, son of Flann, lord of Luighne; Seanan Ua Leochain, lord of Gaileanga; and many others along with them. Maelseachlainn after-wards overtook them with his forces, and the spoils were left behind to him; and Ualgharg Ua Ciardha, lord of Cairbre, and many others besides them, were slain.

M1012.8

Great forces were led by Maelseachlainn into the territory of the foreigners, and he burned the country as far as Edar; but Sitric and Maelmordha overtook one of his preying parties, and slew two hundred of them, together with Flann, son of Maelseachlainn; the son of Lorcan, son of Echthigern, lord of Cinel-Meachair; and numbers of others. This was the defeat of Draighnen; in commemoration of which this quatrain was composed:

    1. Not well on Monday on the expedition did the Meathmen go to overrun;
      The foreigners, it was heard, were joyful of the journey at the Draighnen.

M1012.9

An army was led by Flaithbheartach, lord of Aileach, to Maighen-Attaed, by the son of Ceanannus; and Maelseachlainn left the hill undisputed to him.

M1012.10

Gillamochonna, son of Foghartach, lord of South Breagha, plunderer of the foreigners, and flood of the glory of the east of Ireland, died.

M1012.11

A depredation by Murchadh, son of Brian, in Leinster; he plundered the country as far as Gleann-da-locha and Cill-Maighneann, and burned the whole country, and carried off great spoils and innumerable prisoners.

M1012.12

A great fleet of the foreigners arrived in Munster, so that they burned Corcach; but God immediately took vengeance of them for that deed, for Amhlaeibh, son of Sitric, i.e. the son of the lord of the foreigners, and Mathghamhain, son of Dubhghall, and many others, were slain by Cathal, son of Domhnall, son of Dubhdabhoireann.

M1012.13

Muircheartach, son of Aedh O'Neill, was slain by the Dal-Riada, with a number of others along with him.

M1012.14

A great war between the foreigners and the Gaeidhil.

M1012.15

An army was led by Brian to Ath-an-chairthinn, and he there encamped, and laid siege to the foreigners for three months.

M1012.16

Many fortresses were erected by


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Brian, namely, Cathair-Cinn-coradh, Inis-Gaill-duibh, and Inis-Locha-Saighleann, &c.

M1012.17

The Leinstermen and foreigners were at war with Brian; and Brian encamped at Sliabh Mairge, to defend Munster; and Leinster was plundered by him as far as Ath-cliath.

M1012.18

A great depredation upon the Conailli by Maelseachlainn, in revenge of the profanation of the Finnfaidheach, and of the breaking of Patrick's crozier by the Conailli, i.e. by the sons of Cucuailgne.