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Royal Court of Ireland

[size=+2]The Kingdom of Ireland[/size]

UaBriain.gif
Kingdom.gif
The Kingdom of Ireland consists of the four larger provinces of Ulster, Munster, Leinster, and Connacht. The principal royal residence is in Belfast, in Ulster. Limerick, in Munster, is the center of the power of the royal family.
 
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The Royal House

[size=+1]The Royal House of Ua Briain[/size]

The King of Ireland is a descendant of Brian Boroimhe, King of Thomond, who successfully exerted his rule over the fractious Irish clans. The clan name of the royal house is Ua Briain, commonly rendered in English as O’Brien.

Ciaran Ua Briain, High King of Ireland, King of Thomond, b. 1419.

Fainne, Queen Dowager of Ireland, Princess of Connacht, Ui Conchobhair, b. 1405, mother of the High King.

The High King's brothers and sisters:

Diarmait, Prince of Ireland, b. 1421.
Cormak, Prince of Ireland, Heir to the High King, b. 1423.
Liadan, Princess of Ireland, b. 1426.
Niamh de Clare, Princess of Ireland, b. 1428 (m. Arthur de Clare, son of the Earl of Pembroke).
Sean, Prince of Ireland, b. 1433.
 
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The Royal Government

[size=+1]The Royal Government[/size]

Under the Ua Briain High Kings, the royal authority has increased and become much more centralized. Historically, Ireland’s lords and chiefs have largely ruled autonomously, but the High Kings have worked to give the Kingdom unity.

The High King’s Household

The High Steward of Ireland: Eochid Baoth, Lord of Annadown
The Chancellor of Ireland: John Mey, Cardinal Archbishop of Armagh and Belfast
The High King’s Chamberlain: Sir Peadar Mac Artian of Kinelarty, Champion of the Sword
The Marshal of Belfast: Sir Robert Butler, Champion of the Sword
The Constable of Limerick: Sir Mahon Ua Briain, Champion of the Sword
The Constable of Cashel: Sir Edward Fitzgerald of Desmond
The Captain of the Fleet at Waterford: Finbar Ua Breacain, Lord of Ballaghy

Comhairle Ri – the King’s Council

Eoin Ua Neill, Prince of Ulster
Aedh Ua Neill, Earl of Clandeboy
Aodh macDiarmait Ua Domhnaill, Earl of Conaill
Donnchad Mac Mathghamhna, Prince of Oriel
Brian Mac Artian, Earl of Kinelarty
Tomas Mag Uidhir, Earl of Fermanagh
Niall Ua hAnluain, Earl of Armagh and Orior
Aed Ua Ruairc, Prince of Leitrim
Eoghan Ua Raghallaigh, Earl of Cavan
Cathal Ua Conchobhair, Prince of Connacht
Murchadh Mac Carthaig, Prince of Cork
Robert FitzGerald, Earl of Desmond
Seamus Butler, Earl of Ormand
Edward deBermingham, Earl of Louth
Domhnall Mac Murchada, Earl of Wexford
Seosamh Ua Faelain, Earl of Waterford


[size=+1]The Church in Ireland[/size]
There are three Archbishops in the Kingdom of Ireland: Armagh (and Belfast), Cashel, and Tuam. The Archbishop of Armagh and Belfast is the Primate of Ireland.

Cardinal Archbishop of Armagh and Belfast: John Mey
Archbishop of Cashel: Richard deBermingham
Archbishop of Tuam: Cathal macDiarmait Ua Briain

Dioceses of Armagh
Ardagh, Armagh, Clonmacnoise, Clogher, Derry, Down, Connor, Dromore, Kilmore, Meath, Raphoe

Dioceses of Cashel
Cashel, Cloyne, Cork, Emly, Ross, Kerry, Killaloe, Limerick, Waterford and Lismore


Dioceses of Tuam
Achonry, Clonfert, Elphin, Kilmacduagh, Killala, Kilfenora, Tuam
 
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Notable People In Ireland

[size=+1]Notable people of Ireland[/size]


The High Steward: Eochid Baoth, Lord of Annadown
EochidBaoth.jpg

Eochid Baoth, born 1400 and named for his father, is quietly the most powerful man in Ireland after the High King. His family is originally Scottish, coming originally from the old Kingdom of Dalriada. Eochid’s grandfather was made Lord of Annadown by High King Diarmait Ua Briain, great-grandfather of High King Ciaran.

As High Steward, Eochid acts in the High King’s name during his absence. In addition, he is the High King’s most trusted advisor. Eochid himself, though enormously powerful, evidently has no ambition greater than his current office, the summit of royal service. The High King, like his father before him, trusts Eochid absolutely.


The Chancellor: Cardinal Archbishop John Mey of Armagh and Belfast
JohnMey.jpg

John Mey is of an Anglo-Irish family which has retained English customs and language, though the Archbishop naturally speaks Irish. His appointment was a bone of contention between High King Seamus and the Archbishop of Canterbury who used his considerable influence to assist Archbishop Mey. His appointment as Chancellor was likewise a point of conflict. The High King, Seamus, would have preferred the Archbishop of Tuam, Richard deBermingham, also of an Anglo-Irish family. However, the appointment of Archbishop Mey as Chancellor was part of the price of peace with the Ui Neill at the outset of Seamus’ reign. Despite his “Englishness”, the Chancellor is a strong supporter of the Ui Neill rather than the more Anglicizing Ua Briain. During his father’s illness, High King Ciaran sent the Chancellor to Avignon to the Papal Court, accompanied by a young kinsman priest of the Ua Briain to keep an eye on the Chancellor.


The Chamberlain: Sir Peadar Mac Artian of Kinelarty, Champion of the Sword
PeadarMacArtian.jpg

Sir Peadar is a kinsman of the Earl of Kinelarty and new to his post. As a Champion of the Sword, he is one of Ireland’s premier knights. He oversees the High King’s household and largely controls access to the High King. He is one of a set of younger royal agents who have come to power with Ciaran’s accession. Sir Peadar’s family has a long history of support for the Ua Briain and he was chosen for his loyalty and the great respect he carries among the lords of Ireland.


The Marshal and the Constables:

Sir Robert Butler
Sir Mahon Ua Briain
Sir Edward FitzGerald


The Marshal and the Constables have charge of the standing royal garrisons in Belfast, Limerick, and Cashel. All three men are of great families. Butler and FitzGerald are of original Anglo-Irish families, while Sir Mahon Ua Briain is the High King’s second cousin.

RobertButler.jpg

Sir Robert Butler served High King Seamus and has a long history as Marshal. He led the negotiations between Seamus and the Ui Neill. Though an old man, he remains strong and clear of mind. He is probably the most respected military leader in the Kingdom. Though the Butlers have not always been the most supportive subjects of the Ua Briain High Kings, Sir Robert has always been loyal. Sir Robert is the senior knight of the Champions of the Sword.

MahonUaBriain.jpg

Sir Mahon Ua Briain is the newest knight of the Champions of the Sword. He received his appointment as Constable of Limerick on Ciaran’s accession and follows in the Ua Briain tradition of bestowing the office on a kinsman of the Royal House.

EdwardFitzgerald.jpg

Sir Edward FitzGerald is the cousin of the Earl of Desmond and one of the wealthiest men in Ireland. His appointment by High King Seamus was a favor bestowed upon Earl Robert of Desmond. The FitzGeralds rank among Ireland’s most powerful houses and the greatest of the Anglo-Irish houses. Sir Edward commands a significant fighting force based at Cashel and commands the Rock of Cashel. His loyalty to the new High King is questionable, though he remains obedient to the will of his cousin, the Earl of Desmond. However, should Desmond ever rebel, it is certain that Sir Edward and the largely Anglo-Irish men under his command would follow the FitzGerald Earl.


The Captain of the Fleet: Finbar Ua Breacain, Lord of Ballaghy
FinbarUaBreancain.jpg

Though Ireland has ships at several ports, including Belfast, Limerick, and Cork, the Captaincy of the Fleet is located at Waterford. Finbar Ua Breacain, the Lord of Ballaghy, was named Captain of the Fleet two years ago. He is an able seaman and well respected tactician. His family has variously served the Ua Briain and the Ui Conchobhair. Finbar of Ballaghy was nominated to his office by High Queen Fianne.


Eoin Ua Neill, Prince of Ulster

Known as the Great Ua Neill, Eoin is intensely proud of the heritage of his house. The Ui Neill long dominated northwestern Ireland. Almost half the High King’s Council owes nominal service to the Prince of Ulster as their feudal dues. Eoin, in his first year as Prince of Ulster, raised the standard of Donal Ua Briain against his nephew, the High King Seamus. The Great Ua Neill has never been fully reconciled to the accession of Seamus Ua Briain, though it was declared legal. Eoin’s great power is resented by his kinsmen, the Earls of Clandeboy and Conaill and High King Seamus used this rivalry to keep the Prince of Ulster under control. The Ui Neill have claim to the High Kingship of Ireland and the power to seriously challenge the Ua Briain if they act in unity.


Aedh Ua Neill, Earl of Clandeboy

The Earl of Clandeboy is almost as powerful as his kinsman, the Prince of Ulster, to whom he bears feudal obligations. The rivalry between these two close branches of the Ui Neill, and the willingness of the Ua Domhniall to encourage that rivalry, has long prevented the Ui Neill from mounting a serious challenge to the supremacy of the Ua Briain. The Earl of Clandeboy was a great supporter of High King Seamus, seeking to gain advantage over the Prince of Ulster. It is unknown how deep his loyalty to the Ua Briain runs.


Aodh macDiarmait Ua Domhnaill, Earl of Conaill

The Earl of Conaill is kinsman to the Prince of Ulster and the Earl of Clandeboy. His territory, though historically part of Ulster, owes allegiance to the Prince of Connacht. However, Galway is far from Conaill and the ties of history and clan give the Ua Domhnaill more interest in the affairs of Ulster than of Connacht. The Earl has no solid alliance with either of his Ui Neill kinsmen, rather playing them off against one another to enhance his own power. The present Earl, Aodh macDiarmait, is a lukewarm supporter of the High King. It is believed that he would be likely to support the Great Ua Neill against the Ua Briain High King.


Donnchad Mac Mathghamhna, Prince of Oriel

The Prince of Oriel holds the remnant of an ancient Irish kingdom and bears the title Prince out of honor rather than the power he wields. His lands are near to Armagh and Belfast, against the border with English Meath, and thus strategically important. He is no friend to the Ui Neill and has been steadfast in support of the High King.


Brian Mac Artian, Earl of Kinelarty

The Mac Artian Earls of Kinelarty are among the High King’s staunchest allies and supporters. The Earl’s cousin, Sir Peadar, is the Lord Chamberlain. Kinelarty lies immediately south of Belfast. The Earl’s residence is at Downpatrick.


Tomas Mag Uidhir, Earl of Fermanagh

The Earl of Fermanagh is the Prince of Ulster’s most loyal supporter. He is one of the more able military commanders among the Princes and Earls of Ireland.


Niall Ua hAnluain, Earl of Armagh and Orior

The Earl of Armagh and Orior is also generally loyal to the Prince of Ulster. However, he has serious divisions within his family that serve to minimize the support he might be able to give the Great Ua Neill.


Aed Ua Ruairc, Prince of Leitrim

The Ua Ruairc is perhaps the most respected lord in all of Ireland. He is aged, but a great warrior and in his youth, was trained as a Brehon (an Irish legal judge). He was unexpectedly chosen by his house to succeed his great-uncle as Prince of Leitrim. He maintains a fiercely loyal band of men-at-arms. He is no great fan of the grandson of High Queen Aoife, but acknowledges Ciaran’s right as the Ua Briain, duly chosen by his house. The Ua Ruairc has carefully made alliances with houses of the lands bordering the English domain of Meath and can command more men of Leinster to his banner than any lord in Leinster itself. Nominally owing allegiance to the Prince of Connacht, the Ua Ruairc has succeeded in almost creating a fifth province centered around the old kingdom of Breifne, now divided largely between Leitrim and Cavan. He is closely allied with the Earls of Cavan and Louth.


Eoghan Ua Raghallaigh, Earl of Cavan

The Earl of Cavan is a staunch ally of the Prince of Leitrim. With the Earl of Louth, they dominate southern Ulster and the authority of the Ui Neill is little more than a name there. Eoghan, the present Earl, was one of High King Seamus’s champions.


Cathal Ua Conchobhair, Prince of Connacht

The Prince of Connacht is one of the three most powerful princes in Ireland (the others being the Princes of Ulster and Cork). His house has successfully challenged the Ua Briain for the High Kingship in the past. He holds more land directly than any other Irish lord. Over the years, however, there has been constant intermarriage with the Ua Briain. High King Ciaran is the nephew of the Prince of Connacht (Ciaran’s mother, Fainne, is the Prince of Connacht’s sister). Although he has the strength of will and men to challenge Ciaran, it is believed that he will not do so because of his sister.


Murchadh Mac Carthaig, Prince of Cork

The Prince of Cork, from the High King’s point of view, is perhaps the most dangerous man in all of Ireland. His family is descended from the ancient Kings of Munster, displaced by the Ua Briain clan. He is both wealthy and powerful in land and men. The Mac Carthaigh have long desired to regain the lands lost to the FitzGerald Earls of Desmond, who have had the support of the Ua Briain High Kings. Outside of the Earl of Desmond, the Prince of Cork has no serious challenger in southern Ireland. He is entirely untrustworthy with regard to the High King.


Robert FitzGerald, Earl of Desmond

Robert FitzGerald represents one of the premier Anglo-Irish families. Though proud of their ancestry, the FitzGeralds are entirely Gaelic in language and custom. Robert has been engaged throughout most of his tenure as Earl of Desmond in a constant struggle for domination of southern Ireland with the Prince of Cork. To his advantage, he has never challenged the Ua Briain lords in their lands of Thomond, thus retaining the local goodwill of his northern neighbors. To the east, the Anglo-Irish Butlers of Ormand are his close allies, there being generations of intermarriage binding the two houses together. The loyalty of the Earl of Desmond is not without question, though he has never actively opposed the High King.


Seamus Butler, Earl of Ormand

The current Earl of Ormand succeeded his brother after he was killed in a skirmish against raiders out of Meath. He is closely allied to the Earl of Desmond. He has recently sought to increase his standing among the lords of Leinster province against the growing influence of the Prince of Leitrim among all of the lords bordering northern and central Meath. In the province of Leinster, Ormond is the preeminent Earl.


Edward deBermingham, Earl of Louth

At one time the Earl of Louth was a poweful title. After the resurgence of the Ua Briain High Kings and the expulsion of English power to Meath, the territory under his power diminished. Much of what was the original Earldom is within Meath. However, the deBermingham house cast its lot with the Irish. Edward deBermingham’s uncle, the previous Earl, began the forging of an alliance with the Prince of Leitrim. Edward married Leitrim’s daughter to seal the bond. Today, Leitrim, Cavan, and Louth form a powerful alliance – strong enough to stand against the greatest Irish lords if need be.


Domhnall Mac Murchada, Earl of Wexford

The Earl of Wexford holds much of the southeastern coast. He is a reclusive man, but his loyalty to the High King is absolute.


Seosamh Ua Faelain, Earl of Waterford

The young Earl of Waterford is brash, and has alarmed his house on occasion. He admires the Anglo-Irish Earl of Ormand greatly and emulates a number of English practices, which Ormand has maintained. He and his brothers speak English as well as they speak Irish. He is unproven and thus far, has given no indication that he is greatly to be trusted.
 
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A Brief History of Ireland

[size=+1]A Brief History of Ireland[/size]

NOTE: This history is not entirely historically accurate. Several people and events have been moved forward in time. I have retained these alterations based on the previous player’s history to maintain consistency.

In 1002, Brian Boroimhe macCennetig of the Dal gCais and King of Thomond was acknowledged by Mael Sechnaill II Ua Neill as High King. The submission of Brian’s greatest competitor cleared the way for the subjugation of most of Ireland under Brian’s rule. The Vikings were largely expelled and Brian ruled from Limerick. After his time, though other claimants to the title High King arose, the Ua Briain (as his descendants were known) came to consolidate their power. At times, the English ruled large stretches of Ireland, but rivalries among the Normans prevented an effective rule. In time, the English power was restricted to area around Dublin and the province of Meath.

In the late 1100s, the English invaded Ireland, beginning a conquest and settlement of the south and east.

From the early 1200s, the English Normans exercised considerable power across Ireland, particularly in Leinster and south Munster (Desmond). By 1300, the Norman-English earldoms of Desmond, Ormond, and Kildare ruled much of the south and east. However, in 1315 the war in Scotland came to Ireland as the Scottish Bruces fought against the Norman lords. The Irish gradually regained liberty and land, with the English withdrawing to Meath. The Norman settlers, many now in Ireland for 3 or 4 generations, had largely assimilated to Irish culture and spoke Gaelic rather than French or English. In fact, a large number of them spoke only Gaelic.

The Ua Briain clan continued to consolidate their power, centralizing the High Kingship and recognizing the greatest Irish lords with the title of Prince. The High King also acknowledged the titles of the Earls of Desmond and Ormond. When Queen Aiofe came to power, she gained the support of some lords by granting them the title of Earl.

When Seamus Ua Briain became High King, the greatest lords of Ireland came to Cashel to offer their oaths of fealty (save the Ui Neill who submitted two years later):

Eoin Ua Neill, Prince of Ulster
Aedh Ua Neill, Earl of Clandeboy
Aodh macDiarmait Ua Domhnaill, Earl of Conaill
Donnchad Mac Mathghamhna, Prince of Oriel
Brian Mac Artian, Earl of Kinelarty
Tomas Mag Uidhir, Earl of Fermanagh
Niall Ua hAnluain, Earl of Armagh and Orior
Aed Ua Ruairc, Prince of Leitrim
Eoghan Ua Raghallaigh, Earl of Cavan
Cathal Ua Conchobhair, Prince of Connacht
Murchadh Mac Carthaig, Prince of Cork
Robert FitzGerald, Earl of Desmond
Seamus Butler, Earl of Ormand
Edward deBermingham, Earl of Louth
Domhnall Mac Murchada, Earl of Wexford
Seosamh Ua Faelain, Earl of Waterford

On occasion, Irish lords as well as the High King allied with various Norman English lords to seek dominance over parts of the Kingdom. In 1395, Aoife, the daughter of High King Diarmait and wife of the Earl of Pembroke, convinced her husband to support her claim to the throne against her brother, Donall. By 1397, Prince Donall had been defeated and fled and Aoife had established herself as High Queen. Brehon law did not recognize the right of women to succeed in Ireland and her reign was one of strife. When she died in 1411, many Irish nobles expected Donall to return and the Ui Neill raised his banner in Ulster. However, Donall gave his oath to his nephew, Seamus, and Munster and Leinster accepted the new High King quickly, with most of Connacht as well. Seamus did have to force the Ui Neill to submit, but did so without the necessity of a widescale war in Ulster. Since that time, he has maintained peace.
 
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A letter arrives bearing the seal of Queen Elionor I of Castile-Leon.


Seamus Ua Briain, King of Eire,


It is with a heavy heart I write this joy of seeing your court open once more. My husband King Juan II of Castile-Leon was recently taken to be with our lord and savior Jesus Christ. I know how much the people of Eire are true bastions of faith, and I ask that you keep my family and my nation in your prayers.

As well I welcome the fact that the Island which has been so silent these past few months has once again decided to share its glory with the world. I wish to be the first monarch in Europe to wish you such tidings, and I hope you know that Castile-Leon wishes to be a grand trading partner with the Kingdom of Eire, I wish that you would write to me and tell me your thoughts upon an Irish and Castilion friendship. As well I wish for the authority to send an ambassador to your fine kingdom. I send to you fine Granada wine and Valencia oranges.

May God grant upon you glourious days and marvelous nights.


By her own hand,
Elionor I
Queen of Castile-Leon, Queen of Granada
 

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The King lay grievously ill. The High Steward, Eochid Baoth, met with the Queen and the King-in-Waiting, Prince Ciaran, for hours. The priests prayed, the physicians muttered, and the King remained generally unconcious, though when he awoke he was clear and lucid. His one lengthy command had been to Eochid and Ciaran, empowering Ciaran to act in his name.

As the days passed, some of the nearby lords arrived. Ciaran could not turn them away, and the Queen was sorely tested to offer hospitality. Though the Prince of Ulster did not arrive, his Ui Neill rival, the Earl of Clandeboy, did. Ciaran spent much time avoiding any lengthy intercourse with the Ui Neill, who had supported his great uncle, Donall, instead of his father as High King.

Finally, as the King did not recover, nor did he die, the King-in-Waiting sent his sister Liadan and youngest brother Sean to Limerick, where he was certain of the loyalties of the men and knights. In Belfast, Ciaran felt like he was almost, but not quite, under seige by the Ui Neill. The arrival of a band of his father's men from Thomond did much to allay his concerns.
 

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A man entered the court. He seemed to be a foreigner from distant lands with unusual clothing. He walked toward the King and bowed,

Your majesty, I am Juan de Fredio, ambassador to this court from Aragon if his highness accepts my presence. Aragon is gladden upon hearing the news that Ireland has been reopened to the world once again. Aragon hopes to reestablish her friendship and trade with Ireland. Would Ireland be interested in trade with Aragon?
 

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The death of the High King

For weeks the High King had grown weaker, less and less able to speak. The King’s Council had been calling for the Ua Briain to depose the High King, in accordance with the law, but Prince Ciaran resisted. Though he was the acknowledged heir, he had enemies who sought to move quickly and perhaps displace him. But at last, even the strong will of Ciaran could do nought. The King appeared to sleep without waking and then, by evening, his breath was gone. Before his body was grown cold, Ciaran’s brothers were riding to Cashel. Couriers galloped out of Belfast for every great lord of Ireland, summoning them all to Cashel, where they were bid to make their oaths before Ciaran Ua Briain.

In Belfast, the Prince who would be High King met with the Council and his mother. Conspicuously absent were Prince Eoin Ui Neill of Ulster, Prince Cathal Ua Conchobhair of Connacht, and Prince Murchadh Mac Carthaigh of Cork. All three could claim High Kings as their forebears and all were the most difficult and most powerful of the Irish lords. Steadfast, however, in their support of Ciaran, were the powerful Earls of Clandeboy and Conaill. In the south, the Earls of Ormand and Desmond held strongly for Ciaran. The Council did advise Ciaran to prepare for a challenge and the Earls of Ormand and Desmond agreed to meet Ciaran at Cashel with a thousand men each to support him if Ulster, Connacht, or Cork challenged his right.

Leaving his Steward in Belfast with five hundred men, Ciaran rode for Cashel the following day. The Queen rode with the King’s body for Killaloe, where he would be buried with his ancestors.

Ireland hangs by a thread over the maelstrom of war.
 

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At the Rock of Cashel

The Lion’s golden circlet lies at the feet of the seductress who gathers crowns like baubles while the Lily sleeps in dreams of impotence;

The Wolf and the Bear ravage while near divinities prate;

Beauty is trampled under greed and in ruthless power darkness descends;

Yet, as he sinks, the glorious Sun casts one bright golden incandescent ray upon green hills ringed about with songs and joy, and the brighter children dance in wisdom before the world’s folly.


“Herein, good lord, lies the hope of greatness to come.”

Thus sang Aoibheann ingen Fearghail, her voice ringing out from the hill of Cashel as the retinue of Prince Ciaran listened. One of Ciaran’s companions leaned toward the Prince and told him that she was from the court of the Prince of Connacht and must surely have ended her service to him to come here.

As the Prince slowly rode, the bard walked toward him, her head held high and long hair caught by the wind. Drawing near, she bowed in the English manner. The Prince dismounted and took her hand and raised her face to study her.

“I take your meaning clearly, fair lady. You sing boldly and expect a greatness beyond anything I have ever considered, or my fathers before me.”

Aoibheann smiled demurely. “Noble Prince, what better befits a man with so many challengers than the boldest words I can sing.” She held his hand firmly, turning toward the Rock of Cashel. “Come, Ciaran Ua Briain, meat is ready for you and your men. The Archbishop and your earls await within the halls and there are many strong men here who hold to your name.”

Prince Ciaran handed his reins to his boy and headed toward the Rock. Passing St Patrick’s Cross, Ciaran wondered if he would succeed and be inaugurated there as High King. God willing he intended that it be so. The Ui Neill and Ua Conchobhair and Mac Carthaigh would rend Ireland with war if one of them managed to claim the crown of the High King.

Over the next few days, more men gathered at Cashel and the great lords of Ireland arrived. Yet, the Princes of Connacht, Cork, and Ulster did not appear. Nor was there any word of them. On the fifth day after his arrival, Ciaran dispatched the Prince of Leitrim to the north, seeking word of Ulster, and the Earl of Ormond rode for Cork and the Mac Carthaigh.

The bard Aoibheann assured Ciaran and his men the Prince of Connacht would not come. But, she said, neither would he rise in rebellion. He would wait in fear and thus lose all. Ciaran’s councilors mistrusted her, but Ciaran thought her sincere and declared that he would deal with the Prince of Connacht after his inauguration as High King.
 

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In Cashel

The morning dawned gray but as the sun climbed, the clouds burned away. Looking out of a tower window, Ciaran gazed over the rolling green hills dotted with sheep. Behind him, his servant was laying out his clothes.

Ciaran yawned, tired from the previous night’s festivities. With the arrival of the last of the Ua Briain family lords, Ciaran had publicly confirmed himself as Prince of Thomond as his father’s declared and accepted heir. Today he would face the Princes and Earls to lay claim to the title of High King. As he dressed, he listened to Caoimhin Ua Cadhla, one of his father’s most trusted councilors and a minor noble whose family lived in Meath under English rule.

“These are the last of the letters, highness. The priest in Avignon indicates that the Archbishop still has received no acknowledgement from the Pope. Evidently war in Venice and among the Greeks occupies everyone. I have dispatched letters to Eoghan of Ballyroe in Toledo with recommendations concerning trade with the Spanish.”

The older man paused and pursed his lips, thinking carefully before proceeding.

“Highness, there is another matter which we must discuss. Your council grumbles. You may have enjoyed the attentions of Aoibheann last night, but you must wed. You have an opportunity to make a match to benefit Ireland and to strengthen your hand. The council desires you to wed into the Ui Neill or the Mac Carthaigh, and either match would help to tie their fortunes to yours. But you have the upper hand against them. Unless they unite they are no match for your men.

“I would advise you to look to England, or France, or further among the princesses of Europe to make a match suitable for the High King of Ireland.”

The Prince of Thomond and aspirant to Ireland’s throne frowned. The Prince of Leitrim had already mentioned to him the desirability of a wife from the Ui Neill. Both the Prince of Ulster and the Earl of Clandeboy had suitable daughters. But Ciaran was unconvinced that such a marriage would do much to increase the loyalty of the Ui Neill lords. He had enjoyed his time with the exceptionally beautiful Aiobheann, but he knew his duty.

He slumped into a chair in his room, waving the servant out. “You speak truly, Caoimhin. Handle this for me. I feel in my bones that either Ulster or Cork will rise in rebellion and I hope to God it’s Cork! I’ve men here plenty. The Earl of Desmond is eager to see his rival diminished somewhat and Mac Carthaigh of Cork is far too powerful. I will rely on my mother to convince her brother the Prince of Connacht to abide his oath to the Ua Briain.

“You I charge with finding me a bride. None too quickly, and yet not too slowly. You shall yourself go to the English, for you speak English well and know their ways. Others you shall send to France and elsewhere. Minding though above all, that you make no pledges on my behalf!”

Standing, Ciaran strode to the door, his mind turned from Caoimhin and his matrimonial concerns toward the lords of Ireland assembled in the Cathedral to acclaim him High King, and the Cross of St Patrick outside where he would be crowned.
 

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A strange figure came into the court of the new King of Eire and indeed people took notice. For under the banner of Castile-Leon came a red haired man obviously of Irish blood. Walking toward the Lord Chamberlain the man bowed and presented his credentials. Standing he spoke:

Greetings Lord Chamberlain I am Don Breandán O'Cléirigh and I have been sent by her most royal majesty Queen Elionor I of Castile-Leon, Queen of Granada, Dowager Queen of England, Dowager Queen of Scotland, Princess Royal of Aragon, Head of the Royal Trastamara Family. I have been sent by her most Catholic majesty to serve as her Ambassador in the Royal Court of Eire. I myself am a son of the Emerald Isle, and during Queen Elionor's reign in England I came unto her household. Serving the Queen well during the War with Scotland I was elevated to my knighthood. I have since followed my Queen to Castile-Leon where I have worked in her household serving her royal majesty. Upon hearing that Eire was once again reopened to the world she sent me to serve as her Ambassador. I pray that I am welcome here in this court, and that you allow me to speak to the King for I wish to tell him of my Queen's sadness at his father's loss. I await your response.
 

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Sir Peadar Mac Artian, the Lord Chamberlain, greets the Castilian subject warmly, pleased to hear a name familiar to him.

"Sir Breandan, your family is known to me. Your kinsmen serve the Earl of Conaill and I was fostered in his house. I welcome you to your birth land.

"I will order a room for you and any servants you may need while we remain here in Cashel. Lord Eochid, the Steward, shall arrange a suitable house for you in Belfast. Please refresh yourself and after the midday you will be summoned to attend the High King."


Later that day a boy escorts the Castilian Ambassador to a room in the High King's suite and presents the Ambassador to High King Ciaran.

"Sir Breandan, I welcome you. Your Queen is well known to Ireland. Indeed, during my youth, I saw her in London. She is a formidable woman.

"And you, good sir, come of a good house. The Ua Clearigh are famed throughout Conaill and all of Ulster for their skill as bards and scribes and their service is sought after. Should you desire to travel to your kinsmen, we shall happily oblige you. I trust that my man in Castile, the Lord of Ballyroe, of the Mac Carthaigh house, shall succeed in negotiating for greater trade with your Queen.

"But now, good man, come and join me in drink and let us look out over these green hills of home as we talk."
 

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Juan de Fredio entered the court. He walked toward the new High King and bowed,

Aragon offers her condolence for your father's passing. She hopes that God will guide his majesty and his nation through this difficult time.

Aragon also offers her congraturate on your ascension to High King of Ireland.

Aragon is prepared to trade between our two nations. She offers the discount of silver, fine Aragonese wines and damascus steel in exchange for the discount of whiskey, fine Irish horses and any good you are willing to sell us. I also propose to reduce the tariffs and custom between our nations by 40%. What do you think?

Your majesty, would you be willing to grant any loan to Aragon as Aragon is Defender of Faith?


Then he wonders if his majesty would be willing to marry an Aragonese princess.
 

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Don Breandán O'Cléirigh Ambassador from the Kingdom of Castile-Leon bows before the High King of Eire and speaks:


Indeed it is a joy your highness to be back in the land of my birth, and I would indeed be honored to see my family once more but the duties of Queen Elionor must be completed first. My Queen has informed me that she wishes much trade with your nation, for during her time in England she fell in love with the island of Eire. I must admit that there are many a beautiful lasses in the nation of Castile-Leon, and they make excellent wives should your highness be in the looking. I myself took one of these noble Castilian's for my bride and I admit I have never been happier. I now have two red headed olive skinned sons who speak the tounge of Eire with a spanish accent, the joys of my life. My Queen wishes for nothing more than to be staunch allies with your nation and I hope you wish the same.


Watching the Ambassador from Aragon interrupt his conversation with the king Don Breandán O'Cléirigh speaks:

Indeed it is in bad taste for men to ask for money so soon after giving their condolences. I good king would watch myself with these Aragonese, for their betryal of "friends" is highly noted. I must add should the land of Eire be looking for an Iberian friend the great allies of Portugal, Castile-Leon, and Navarra is the group to enter into friendship with, not the Greeks who play at being Iberian Kings. As for you your highness would you allow me to present with you a fine Castilian shield and sword made from our world famous smiths in Toledo.
 

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In Fermanagh, Ireland

Two weeks ago the Prince of Ulster took captive the son of the Prince of Leitrim and declared himself High King of Ireland. The Earls of Conaill and Clandeboy raised their men against him, but were defeated near Armagh. The Earl of Conaill retreated northward while the Earl of Clandeboy has reached Belfast and holds the city with the Steward.

This morning, looking out at the fog over the shores of Lough Erne, Eoin Ui Neill pondered his course. Not a few yards behind him stood a messenger from his cousin, Murchadh, who now had command of five hundred mercenaries, Scottish gallowglasses, and was marching south. The Prince of Ulster knew that Ciaran Ua Briain was somewhere in Connacht and that Mac Carthaigh, Prince of Cork, was imprisoned in Limerick for rebellion. He also knew that the Earl of Desmond was in Cavan with an army of perhaps a thousand men. The Prince’s men were quartered in and about Inis Ceithlann.

Though Ui Neill had received only the support of his own liegemen and the Earls of Fermanagh and Orior, along with the promise of support from the now-imprisoned Prince of Cork, he felt strong. Not as strong as Ciaran Ua Briain, but strong enough to have a chance. Open rebellion hadn’t flared in Ireland since the reign of Ciaran’s grandmother, High Queen Aiofe. But the Ui Neill and the Mac Carthaigh and the Ua Conchobhair remembered their royal ancestors and their valid and legitimate claims. The Prince of Ulster just happened to have the courage to challenge Ciaran.

In Rome

The Cardinal Archbishop of Belfast and Armagh, John Mey, sweated in the robes he wore. David Ua Briain, the young priest sent to accompany the Archbishop, in reality a spy for his kinsmen the High King, waited patiently with the Archbishop. He watched as the last of their belongings were loaded into the cart. The Cardinal turned and motioned the young priest to follow him as he climbed up for the trip to the coast, where a ship awaited for the voyage back to Ireland.

As they rode uncomfortably, the Cardinal Archbishop reflected back over his months at the papal court and his disgust at the venality of the papal ministers. He was certainly no ideologue, and moved carefully and craftily in the nebulous politics of Ireland. But he had not expected such blatant opportunism and utter disregard for spiritual matters. Affairs which appeared plain to him required the most careful deliberation and bribes which could only be guessed at. He was glad to be leaving Rome, though he was uncertain of what he find in Ireland. Rumor had reached him that the Princes of Ulster, Connacht, and Cork were on the verge of rebellion against the young new High King. John Mey owed his office to the Prince of Ulster and would have to tread carefully. He surreptitiously glanced over at David Ua Briain. The young priest was deep in thought. Over the last several months, though he rankled at being chained to this spy, he had developed a deep admiration for David’s abilities and intelligence. High King Ciaran had chosen well in his recruitment of David to his cause.

In Roscommon, Connacht, Ireland

The High King extended a white wand toward the old man before him. With a slight grimace, Cathal Ua Conchobhair, the young King’s uncle, took the wand, having repeated the words of his oath of fealty. The Prince of Connacht had done his best to avoid this, but at the last it was either loyalty or open rebellion and he could not fight against his nephew. Not least of concern to him was the quick capture and imprisonment of Murchadh Mac Carthaigh, Prince of Cork. Cork itself was under the authority of the Lord of Ballaghy, Finbar Ua Breacain, the Captain of the Fleet. The High King had refused to recognize the right of the Mac Carthaigh clan to deprive Murchadh of his office and chose another kinsman in his place. He had pledged, however, to put the matter before his council as soon as Ulster was dealt with.

Looking before his assembled men, the High King saw in the distance the tents and fires of his army. It had grown with the addition of the Earl of Desmond’s men from their campaign in Cork. He had known, even before the Prince of Ulster, that Scottish mercenaries were arriving in Ulster. Unknown to Eoin Ui Neill, the Earl of Conaill was marching to meet them. Also unknown to the rebel Prince, Eoghan Ua hAnluain, heir to the Earl of Armagh and Orior, had pledged his support to the High King.

Fainne, Queen Dowager of Ireland, walked over the hilltop, seeing her son and brother on horseback, riding among the men. She had spoken long with her brother, securing his loyalty for her son. She learned what she had already expected, that Cathal, like the Prince of Ulster, feared Ciaran’s intention to create a Parliament for Ireland, that he was too “English”. But the Ua Briain had learned too much from the English, from their tighter control of government and the strength it brought to their realm. They did not intend to see Ireland return to her past of petty kingdoms and internecine wars. And the rebels and near-rebels unwittingly played into Ciaran’s hand, giving him the excuse to intervene in Cork and Connacht and Ulster. A careful game must be played, but she knew that Ciaran had great subtly and would ultimately prevail. Watching ravens fly overhead, the Queen Dowager muttered a prayer to St Patrick and St Brigid for her son and for all of Ireland.
 
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