Brian Bóruma ( Boru Brian) (d. 1014) king of Munster, was among the most successful of all early Irish monarchs. Succeeding to the kingship of
Dál Cais on the death of his brother Mathgamain in 976, he managed in the course of a long reign, by a combination of military skill and political astuteness, to enforce his authority over much of the country. In so doing, he became the first ruler outside the
Uí Néill to make a bid for the overlordship of Ireland, thereby indicating that the
high kingship was in fact a prize to be won by the most powerful claimant. The pursuit of this prize was to occupy a large number of able rulers in the centuries following Brian's death.
However, the road to success chosen by Brian was not in itself new. On assuming power, he immediately set about consolidating his authority in his home base, Munster, by bringing those responsible for the slaying of Mathgamain to justice. To this end, he attacked the
Vikings of Limerick and the Uí Fhidgeinte, and subsequently engaged the
Eóganacht Raithlind in battle. Osraige was next to claim his attention and a series of punitive expeditions by Brian forced the submission of a number of that territory's kings. Rocked by internal dynastic struggles, the Leinstermen, against whom Brian next advanced, were similarly unable to halt his march. But his progress was checked somewhat by the opposition of
Máel Sechnaill II (Malachy), who was equally anxious to exert control over Leinster. Both rulers were also involved in a struggle for dominance over Connacht. They were eventually forced to come to terms in 997. Though Brian and Máel Sechnaill joined forces to defeat the Dublin Norse at the battle of Glenn Máma two years later, the truce agreed between them soon broke down. Brian remained in control, forcing Máel Sechnail to submit, thereby conceding the title of high king, in 1002.
Brian's position in the southern half of the country being now relatively secure, he turned his attention northwards and engaged in a number of campaigns to bring the kingdoms of
Ceneél nEógain,
Cenél Conaill, and
Ulaid into line. Despite giving hostages to Brian, the northern rulers maintained a certain independence and Flaithbertach Ua Néill, king of Cenél nEógain, attacked Brian's ally, Máel Sechnaill, in 1013. Around this time too the Leinstermen sought to throw off Munster dominance and gathered together Norse allies in preparation for battle against Brian. It was at the subsequent encounter in
Clontarf in 1014 that Brian was slain.
Annalistic records and the heroic biography in
Cogadh Gaedhel re Gallaibh claim that the Munster king was buried with full pomp and ceremony at
Armagh. Although undoubtedly a tribute to Brian's stature, this is also indicative of his skill as a politician during his lifetime. Recognizing the importance of controlling the church, Brian intervened continuously in ecclesiastical affairs. He took care to dominate important churches in Munster and elected members of his own immediate family to high office in them. His brother Marcán, for example, was abbot of Killaloe, Holy Island, and Terryglass. Brian also cultivated close relations with Armagh, as the church which claimed primacy and one intimately associated with the dynasty of Uí Néill. In 1005, when journeying northwards, he bestowed 20 ounces of gold upon the clergy of Armagh, and in 1012 he granted complete immunity to Patrick's churches. Furthermore, he is given the title
imperator Scottorum by his confessor, Máel Suthain, in the Book of
Armagh.
Brian's influence in ecclesiastical circles certainly contributed to his considerable success. The real key to that success, however, was his skill as a military strategist. From the beginning, he made extensive use of naval power, particularly in his campaigns against Connacht and
Mide. He also had recourse to Norse allies; the Vikings of Waterford, for example, were active against Máel Sechnaill on his behalf. Moreover, he engaged in the building of fortifications for defence purposes. Being so closely linked to his personal ability as a military commander and as a politician, his power to a large extent died with him. Nevertheless, his descendants continued for generations to bask in his glory.
Bibliography
Ó Corráin, Donncha , Ireland before the Normans (1972)
Máire Ní Mhaonaigh
