Muiredach mac Brain (died 818)
Encyclopedia
Muiredach mac Brain was a King of Leinster of the Uí Muiredaig sept of the Uí Dúnlainge
branch of the Laigin. This sept had their royal seat at Maistiu (Mullaghmast) in South Kildare. He was the son of Bran Ardchenn
mac Muiredaig (died 795), a previous king. He ruled from 805 to 806 and again from 808 to 818.
Though not listed in the king list in the Book of Leinster, he is mentioned in the Irish annals. He is given the title leth-ri (co-ruler) at his death obit in 818 and ruled in conjunction with Muiredach mac Ruadrach
(died 829) of the Uí Fáeláin sept.
In 795 his father, Bran, had been assassinated by his successor Fínsnechta Cethardec
mac Cellaig (died 808) of the Uí Dúnchada sept as a direct challenge to the high-king. In 805 Fínsnechta was deposed by the high king Áed Oirdnide (died 819) of the Cenél nEógain
who installed the two Muiredachs as kings instead. Finsnechta took refuge with Muirgius mac Tommaltaig
(died 815), the King of Connacht who then aided him in recovering his throne in 806.
Upon the death of Finsnechta, the two Muiredachs then became the rulers. In 814 a battle is recorded between the Uí Cheinnselaig of south Leinster and the sons of Bran, who were the victors. These were probably Muiredach and his brother Cellach mac Brain
(died 834). Upon the death of Muiredach mac Brain, Muiredach mac Ruadrach became sole ruler.
Muiredach's sons, Tuathal mac Muiredaig
(died 854) and Dúnlaing mac Muiredaig
(died 869) were also kings of Leinster. Another son Artúr mac Muiredaig (died 847) was king of western Liffey, Iarthair Liffey.
Uí Dúnlainge
The Uí Dúnlainge, from the Old Irish "grandsons of Dúnlaing", were an Irish dynasty of Leinster kings who traced their descent from Dúnlaing mac Énda Niada. He was said to be a cousin of Énnae Cennsalach, eponymous ancestor of the rival Uí Chennselaig....
branch of the Laigin. This sept had their royal seat at Maistiu (Mullaghmast) in South Kildare. He was the son of Bran Ardchenn
Bran Ardchenn
Bran Ardchenn mac Muiredaig was a King of Leinster of the Uí Muiredaig sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. He was the son of Muiredach mac Murchado , a previous king. This sept had their royal seat at Maistiu in South Kildare. He ruled from 785-795.Bran was a rival of Ruaidrí mac...
mac Muiredaig (died 795), a previous king. He ruled from 805 to 806 and again from 808 to 818.
Though not listed in the king list in the Book of Leinster, he is mentioned in the Irish annals. He is given the title leth-ri (co-ruler) at his death obit in 818 and ruled in conjunction with Muiredach mac Ruadrach
Muiredach mac Ruadrach
Muiredach mac Ruadrach was a King of Leinster of the Uí Fáeláin sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. This sept had their royal seat at Naas in the eastern part of the Liffey plain, Airthir Liphi. He was the son of Ruaidrí mac Fáeláin , a previous king...
(died 829) of the Uí Fáeláin sept.
In 795 his father, Bran, had been assassinated by his successor Fínsnechta Cethardec
Fínsnechta Cethardec
Finsnechta Cethardec mac Cellaig was a King of Leinster of the Uí Dúnchada sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. He was the son of Cellach mac Dúnchada , a previous king. He ruled from 795 to 808...
mac Cellaig (died 808) of the Uí Dúnchada sept as a direct challenge to the high-king. In 805 Fínsnechta was deposed by the high king Áed Oirdnide (died 819) 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...
who installed the two Muiredachs as kings instead. Finsnechta took refuge with Muirgius mac Tommaltaig
Muirgius mac Tommaltaig
Muirgius mac Tommaltaig was a King of Connacht from the Uí Briúin branch of the Connachta. He was the great-grandson of Indrechtach mac Muiredaig Muillethan , a previous king. The death of his father Tommaltach mac Murgail is recorded in the annals where he is called king of Mag nAi. Muirgius...
(died 815), the King of Connacht who then aided him in recovering his throne in 806.
Upon the death of Finsnechta, the two Muiredachs then became the rulers. In 814 a battle is recorded between the Uí Cheinnselaig of south Leinster and the sons of Bran, who were the victors. These were probably Muiredach and his brother Cellach mac Brain
Cellach mac Brain
Cellach mac Brain was a King of Leinster of the Uí Muiredaig sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. This sept had their royal seat at Maistiu in South Kildare. He was the son of Bran Ardchenn mac Muiredaig , a previous king and brother of Muiredach mac Brain...
(died 834). Upon the death of Muiredach mac Brain, Muiredach mac Ruadrach became sole ruler.
Muiredach's sons, Tuathal mac Muiredaig
Túathal mac Máele-Brigte
Tuathal mac Máele-Brigte was a King of Leinster of the Uí Muiredaig sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. This sept had their royal seat at Maistiu in South Kildare. He was possibly the son of Muiredach mac Brain , a previous king...
(died 854) and Dúnlaing mac Muiredaig
Dúnlaing mac Muiredaig
Dúnlaing mac Muiredaig was a King of Leinster of the Uí Muiredaig sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. This sept had their royal seat at Maistiu in South Kildare. He was the son of Muiredach mac Brain , a previous king. He ruled from 863 to 869.There is much confusion in the king lists...
(died 869) were also kings of Leinster. Another son Artúr mac Muiredaig (died 847) was king of western Liffey, Iarthair Liffey.