Ancient Religion: Biographies

The Oxford Companion to Irish History A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology Further reading

Mac Carthaig, Cormac

The Oxford Companion to Irish History | 2007 | Copyright

Mac Carthaig, Cormac (d. 1138). King of Munster from 1124, Cormac succeeded in restoring Eóganacht fortunes by curbing the power of the Uí Briain (see dál cais), and by challenging the supremacy of the Connacht king, Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair (Turlough O'Connor). Though he suffered setbacks in his struggle against the latter, most notably in 1127 when Ua Conchobair removed the kingship from him and banished him to Lismore, his authority over the Uí Briain remained secure. Indeed, it was Toirdelbach and Conchobar Ua Briain who restored Cormac to power by agreeing to accept him as consensus king of Munster. However, this alliance came to an end in 1134 and the Uí Briain, with the aid of the Leinster king Diarmait Mac Murchada ( Dermot Mac Murrough), turned upon Cormac. He was murdered at their behest in 1138. Monuments to his notable career include Cormac's chapel, and the political propaganda tract Caithréim Chellacháin Chaisil, written during his reign.

Máire Ní Mhaonaigh

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