GCML06 Brian Boru

Born in Killaloe, he was the younger of two sons of Cennetig, head of Dal Cais, one of the royal tribes of Munster. His brother Mahon was the King of Munster. It was a time of great conflict between warring kingdoms and invading Norsemen. The Vikings had arrived in Ireland two centuries before, initially plundering treasure from the monasteries and stealing the harvest from the native population. There was much resistance and many battles. Brian, together with his brother Mahon attacked many Norse settlements. When Mahon was murdered by the Norse leader Ivar, Brian was much grieved and sought revenge by killing Ivar. Soon after, he succeeded his brother as head of Dal Cais in 978 and established himself as the King of Munster at Cashel. At this time, Malachy the Second was King of Meath. (According to tradition, Tara in the county of Meath was the seat of the High King of Ireland. There also stands the Lia Foil, or the “Stone of Destiny” on which the High Kings of Ireland were crowned. Legend suggests that the stone was required to roar three times if the chosen one was the true king.)Brian’s ultimate goal was to unite Ireland under one High King, so he challenged Malachy to battle. Malachy, foreseeing defeat, handed over his lands peacefully, recognising Brian as High King of Ireland. During the resulting peace, Brian rebuilt churches replacing lost books and artefacts. This time of harmony was not to last long though, by 1013 Leinstermen together with the Vikings of Dublin revolted against Brian.

Thus ensued the great battle near Clontarf in 1014. Brian gathered his men together and delivered an inspiring speech before leading them into battle. It was a brutal battle, over 10,000 men died. Brian Boru, his eldest son and his grandson also lost their lives. It is said that Brian was slain by the Isle Of Man Viking, Brodir, while he was praying in his tent.

A period of relative peace followed with integration between the Vikings and the Celtic chieftains, with more emphasis on trade. Although Brian had not achieved his ultimate aim of producing a single enduring High King of Ireland, his fame lives on and his image as a heroic warrior on horseback is ingrained in our sense of national heritage.