Eógan Mór

Eógan Mór [Ir., big, the great]. Legendary king of Munster, also known as Mug Nuadat, Eógan Fitheccach, and Eógan Taídlech. Although the Eóganacht dynasty descended from him, it is named for his grandson Eógan (3), son of Eógan Mór's son Ailill Aulomm. His wife was Béare, the Castilian princess, for whom the Beare peninsula is named; his fairy mistress was Étaín of Inis Grecraige. Eógan Mór contended often with Conn Cétchathach [of the Hundred Battles], with whom he divided Ireland along the Eiscir Riada, running from Galway Bay to Dublin. The southern portion was known as Leth Moga [Mug's half] and the northern Leth Cuinn[Conn's half]. This did not end the dispute, however. Conn invaded Leth Moga and drove Eógan Mór from the country. For a period he was in Spain. Undaunted, he returned, raised an army and faced Conn once more at the Battle of Mag Léna, where he was slain. Mag Léna is coextensive with the modern village of Kilbride, near Tullamore, Co. Offaly. An attributed son was Fiachna(2).