Battle of Tochar Cruachain-Bri-Ele facts for kids

The Battle of Tochar Cruacháin Brí Eile was an important fight that happened in 1385. It took place near a village called Croghan in County Offaly, Ireland. This battle was between two main groups: the native Irish, known as the Gaelic forces, and the Normans, who were settlers from England.

The Gaelic army, from a kingdom called Uí Failghe, won the battle. Their leader was Murchadh Ó Conchobhair. This victory was a big deal for the Irish at that time.

What Was the Battle of Tochar Cruacháin Brí Eile?

The Battle of Tochar Cruacháin Brí Eile happened in the year 1385. It was a clash between the native Irish people and the English settlers. The fight took place in a part of Ireland that is now called County Offaly.

This battle is remembered because the Irish forces were able to defeat the English. It showed that the native Irish still had strong power in their lands.

Who Fought in This Battle?

In this battle, there were two main sides. One side was the Gaelic forces from the Kingdom of Uí Failghe. These were the native Irish people who had lived in Ireland for a very long time. Their leader was a man named Murchadh Ó Conchobhair.

The other side was the Normans. These were people who had come to Ireland from England many years before. They were part of the Lordship of Ireland, which was the area of Ireland controlled by the English king.

The Gaelic Fighters of Uí Failghe

The Kingdom of Uí Failghe was a powerful Irish kingdom. It was located in the central part of Ireland. The people of Uí Failghe were known for being strong warriors. They were fighting to protect their lands and their way of life from English control.

Murchadh Ó Conchobhair was a key leader for the Uí Failghe forces. He led his army to victory in this important battle.

The Norman Forces

The Norman forces were part of the English presence in Ireland. They had settled in Ireland after an invasion in the 1100s. Over time, they became known as Hiberno-Normans. They controlled a large part of Ireland called the Lordship of Ireland.

These forces included English knights and soldiers. They also had Irish people who supported English rule.

Where Did the Battle Happen?

The battle took place near a village that is now known as Croghan in County Offaly. This area is in the middle of Ireland. The exact spot was called Tochar Cruacháin Brí Eile.

The location was important because it was likely a strategic point. Controlling this area would have been valuable for both sides.

What Was the Outcome of the Battle?

The Battle of Tochar Cruacháin Brí Eile ended in a clear victory for the Gaelic forces of Uí Failghe. This was a significant win for the native Irish. It showed their strength against the English.

According to old Irish records, like the Annals of the Four Masters, many English leaders and soldiers were killed. These records mention "Nugent of Meath, Chambers and his son, and a countless host of the chiefs and plebeians of the English were slain." This means that many important English people died in the battle.

This victory helped the Kingdom of Uí Failghe keep its independence for some time. It was a moment of success for the native Irish in their long struggle.