8 February 1072 AD: Diarmait mac Maíl na mBó, king of Leinster, died on this day. He was one of the most colourful and dynamic Irish kings of the 11th Century and an ambitious ruler of his own province that wished to rule over all of Ireland. While he never achieved that lofty aim it was not for want of trying. He was of the Uí Cheinnselaigh, who had their base around the monastical centre of Ferns in Co Wexford. His family had long been excluded from the kingship of the Laigin and he was the first member of this ancient sept to hold the position in centuries. By the time Diarmait acceded to the kingship in 1042 his familial domains included sway over the Viking towns of Wexford and Waterford and with it access to Trade and Fleets that enhanced his power and wealth.

However his breaktrough into the world of being a serious player in provincial politics and international affairs came in 1052 when he captured the city of Dublin and declared himslef king – a feat not even Brian Boru had accomplished. The acquisition of one of the main trading entrepots of north western Europe meant that King Diarmait had direct control over a powerful fleet of warships and merchantmen.

These vessels plyed their way up and down the Irish Sea and interlinked into a vast trading network that streched to Spain and North Africa to the south and across to the great rivers of Russia to the East. With this kind of naval power at his disposal he was not averse to using it and after installing his son Murchad as King of Dublin he had his offspring invade the Norse held Isle of Man in 1061 and put it under his rule.

Diarmait also became involved in the internal politics of Wales and Saxon England. He supported many of the Welsh Princes in their efforts to gain dominance in that Country. He most notably supported the attempts of Cynan ab Iago of Gwynedd to restore himself to power in north Wales, possibly in return for some kind of payoff in trade or suzerainty. In the winter of 1051/52 he had no less a visitor than Harold Godwinesson, the future King Harold of England,who sought refuge here agianst his enemies at home. After that King’s defeat and death at Hastings in 1066 his sons fled here and King Diarmait provided them with a fleet of sixty six ships to raid the coast of England and try to regain their Country for the Saxons. While they did not prevail the fact that the king of Leinster was where these hapless sons of the late king turned for help is indicative of his power and prestige at this time.

The King of Leinster was also active in engaging with his royal rivals within Ireland too. He allied with the Ulaid of the North and raided into Connacht and Meath. However it was in Munster he had his greatest success amongst the Gaels. He backed Turlough O’Brien as puppet king of that province, forcing the previous incumbent King Donnach to depart on a pilgrimage to Rome where he died. In 1067 he led a huge expedition into Connacht consisting of the men of Laigin, the Munstermen under Turlough O’Brien and a contingent from the kingdon of Breffni. A great battle was fought in which fell Aed O’Connor, the most powerful king of the western province. With this Victory there was no doubt that Diarmait mac Maíl na mBó was the most powerful king in Ireland and in effect an Ard Rí na hÉireann.

But while Fortune had favoured Diarmait for most of his life in 1070 tragedy struck when his beloved son Murchad died in battle against the men of Meath while on a raid. In 1072 it was Diarmait’s turn to go the way of all flesh when he too fell in battle against the warriors of the middle kingdom in the battle of Odba. His slayer was Conchobor ua Mael Sechnaill, of the traditional kings of Mide. Ironically his killer was himself treacherously slain the following year by his own nephew in an internal power struggle.

The Annals of the Four Masters recorded Diarmait’s death as follows:

Diarmaid, son of Mael-na-mbo, King of Leinster, of the foreigners of Ath-cliath, and of Leath-Mogha-Nuadhat, was slain and beheaded in the battle of Odhbha, on Tuesday, the seventh of the Ides of February, the battle having been gained over him by Conchobhar O'Maeleachlainn, King of Meath. There were also slain many hundreds of the foreigners and Leinstermen, along with Diarmaid, in that battle. In it was killed Gillaphadraig O'Fearghaile, lord of the Fortuatha, &c.

It was Diarmait’s career and his relative success in gaining hegmony over most of Ireland that coined the phrase rí Érenn co fressabra that is ‘king of Ireland with Opposition’ and indeed that is a fair summary of where he stood when he fell beneath the weapons of his enemies.

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This day in Irish History:
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COUNTRY FIRST

Excellent summary of his achievements. Diarmait was always someone I admired as an historical figure. One could say that the Uí Bhriain who succeeded him as contenders for the high-kingship imitated lot of his achievements, such as making themselves governors of Dublin, when they were trying to obtain the high-kingship. He certainly added new flavour to the struggle.

He shouldn't be forgotten.
We could get a bit more gratitude from them English people, standing beside them in their hour of need etc

Great story, one thing hasnt changed anyway.
938 years later and people in Ireland are still calling themselves foreigners.

I would say that the following entries in the Four Masters for 1067 suggest that Diarmaid Mac Mael-na-mbo was in fact repulsed by Aedh Ua Conchobhair only to be defeated and killed at the battle of Turlach Adhnaigh by Art Uallach Ua Ruairc.

"Mor-shluaichcedh Leithe Mochca lá Diarmaid, mac Maoil na m-Bó, la rígh Laighen, la Murchadh, & lá Toirrdhealbhach ua Briain, la rígh Mumhan, h-i c-Connachtaibh, co t-tarad Aodh Ua Conchobhair, ri Connacht caith ettarnaidh for a c-cionn, go ro marbhadh ann Ua Conchobhair, tigherna Ciarraighe Luachra, & daoine iomdha immaille friss.

Cath Turlaigh Adhnaigh, eitir Aodh an Ghae Bherrnaigh Ua Concobhair, rí Connacht, & Aodh mac Airt Uallaigh Uí Ruairc go f-Feraibh Breifne ime, du i t-torchair Aodh Ua Concobhair, rí cóiccidh Connacht……."

However, Toirdhealbhach Ua Briain subsequently effectively controlled Connacht until his death.

What I find remarkable is the enduring nature of the relationship between Diarmait and Toirdhealbhach in an age when few political alliances lasted long.

excellent stuff catalpa, keep it up. ignore steve the leftist.

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It underlines how - contrary to some Unionist historography- Ireland had a civilisation long before the arrival of the Anglo-Normans.

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That is fascinating. You know what. Wouldn't it be great if we had story tellers travelling around Ireland, and telling these type of tales, like we had in older times. I suppose nowadays they would have to book into a theatre or pub or something but it would be great. Much better than the telly. Keep it coming, if you can Catalpa, love it.

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Thank you for the kind comments folks.

Ireland has one of the best recorded Histories in the World that we can be rightly proud of.

Setting events to specific calender dates is rare but I try to dig out the ones we do have on record and post them on my blog.

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Which owed much to travel and intermarriage between, Vikings and Native Irish, Welsh and Native Irish, Scottish and Native Irish, Irish/Scottish )later Noramn Gaelic marriages eg in Galloway....linked to Ulaid) and Native Irish etc etc, there was Viking and Norman influence and intermarriage long before 1167 or 1169.
Plus hegemony in Ireland was not achieved without the coalition with the Vikings/ or subjugation of them. They still needed to be paid for their fleets.
Food for thought,