Dermot McMurrough

Dermot McMurrough or Diarmiud mac Murchada , 1110-71, Irish king of Leinster. He became involved in a complicated feud, partly because he abducted a neighbor's wife, and in 1166 was defeated and banished by the High King Rory O'Connor . Dermot appealed for help to Henry II of England, who refused him direct support but allowed him to enlist a force led by Richard de Clare, 2d earl of Pembroke , and other Norman barons in Wales. After Pembroke had invaded (1170) and won much of E Ireland, including Dublin, he married Dermot's daughter, Eva. He was a patron of the compilation of the valuable Irish manuscript, the Book of Leinster.

Dermot McMurrough (or Diarmuid MacMurragh) (c.1110–71) King of Leinster in Ireland (1126–71). In 1166, after feuding with his neighbours, he was defeated and banished by the Irish High King. He sought support from HENRY II of England and obtained the aid of Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke (‘Strongbow’), offering him his daughter in marriage and the succession of Leinster. Dermot regained his kingdom in 1170 and after his death Leinster became an English fief and Henry II began to establish English dominance in Ireland.