Domnall Midi facts for kids

Ireland in the 8th century. The kingdoms of Uisnech and Mide are not shown; they lie underneath the words "Southern Uí Néill".

Domhnall Mac Murchada, also known as Domnall Midi (which means Donald of Meath), was a powerful leader who became the High King of Ireland. He was born around the year 700 and passed away on November 20, 763. He was part of a very important family group called Clann Cholmáin, which was a branch of the Uí Néill. During his time, his family became the most powerful among the southern Uí Néill, and they stayed that way for a long time.

Domnall led his family, Clann Cholmáin, for nearly 50 years. He was also the High King of Ireland for 20 years. Even though he was very important, old Irish records don't say much about what he did. He supported churches connected to Columba, especially Durrow Abbey, where he was buried.

Domnall's Early Life and Family

Domnall was the son of Murchad mac Diarmato. He had at least one brother named Coirpre, who died in 749. It's also likely that Bressal mac Murchado, who died in 764, was his brother too. Domnall's father, Murchad, was the king of Uisnech from 689 until he died in 715. Murchad was killed by Conall Grant from another Uí Néill family branch called Síl nÁedo Sláine.

A year before his death, Murchad had sent Fogartach mac Néill, another important southern Uí Néill leader, away to Britain. When Murchad died, he was called "king of the Uí Néill," which meant he was the main leader for the southern Uí Néill under the High King, Fergal mac Máele Dúin.

Becoming King of Uisnech and Mide

After his father died, Domnall became the king of Uisnech. However, the old Irish records don't mention him until 730. During this time, there was a lot of fighting within the Síl nÁedo Sláine family.

The High King, Fergal mac Máele Dúin, had died in battle in 722. Fogartach mac Néill, who had returned to Ireland in 716, became the new High King. But Fogartach was killed in 724 by his relative Cináed mac Írgalaig. Then, Cináed was killed in 728 while fighting against Flaithbertach mac Loingsig from the northern Cenél Conaill family, who then became High King.

In the early 730s, more wars broke out among the northern Uí Néill. Flaithbertach was defeated by Áed Allán in 732 and again in 734. Áed Allán became the new High King in 734. Flaithbertach was removed from power, but he lived on and became a religious person.

Around this time, the King of Munster, Cathal mac Finguine, attacked the midlands in 733. Cathal set up camp at Tailtiu, a very important place where Uí Néill high kings traditionally held big meetings. Domnall attacked Cathal there and drove him away. However, Cathal later defeated a smaller Uí Néill group led by Fallomon mac Con Congalt.

Áed Allán's time as High King was known for many wars. He first attacked his enemies, the Ulaid, in 735. Their king, Áed Róin, was killed in battle. The fighting continued, and in 737, Áed Allán met with Cathal mac Finguine. We don't know exactly what they agreed on, but it was said that the laws of Saint Patrick were followed throughout Ireland. They might have agreed to work together against Leinster.

Áed Allán's father had died fighting in Leinster. So, Áed and Cathal both attacked Leinster separately. Áed's invasion led to a huge battle in 738, which was a terrible defeat for Leinster. Their king was killed, and so many people died that the old records say they had never seen such a slaughter before.

In 739, some of Domnall's people died in a fire at a banqueting hall. The next year, Domnall himself was said to have "went off into clerical life," meaning he became involved in religious life.

Domnall Becomes High King of Ireland

In 743, Domnall defeated and killed Áed Allán and several other kings. This battle might have happened near Kells. The old records don't say why they were fighting. It's possible that Áed was expanding his power into areas that Domnall saw as a threat.

After defeating Áed, the records say that Domnall again entered religious life in 744. When Flaithbertach's son, Áed Muinderg, died in 747, he was called "king of the North." This suggests he was Domnall's main leader in the northern Uí Néill areas. Domnall also had a main leader in the south, Fallomon mac Con Congalt, who was called king of Mide when he died in 766.

Not much else is recorded about Domnall during the 20 years he was High King of Ireland. Unlike Áed Allán, Domnall got along well with the kings of Leinster. In 753, he helped put the "law of Columba" into effect for Sléibéne, the leader of Iona Abbey. Domnall's support for Iona was important because it later led to the main Columban church moving to Kells during the Viking Age.

There is only one record of Domnall being in a war during his time as High King. In 756, he led an army from Leinster into an area called Conailli Muirthemne. This shows again that he saw the northern Uí Néill's presence on the eastern coast as a danger to his family's power. It also highlights his good relationship with the kings of Leinster.

Domnall died in 763 and was buried at Durrow Abbey in County Offaly. Even though he was religious and supported Iona, not all church leaders liked him. An old text called the Félire Óengusso seems to include him among the harsh rulers that the writers did not approve of.

Domnall's Family and Legacy

After Domnall, Niall Frossach, Áed Allán's younger brother, became High King. The leadership of Domnall's own family, Clann Cholmáin, was then debated.

Domnall had at least five sons and one daughter. His wife was Ailbíne ingen Ailello. His son, Donnchad Midi, also became a High King later on. Another son, Muiredach, was named king of Mide when he died in 802.

Domnall's son Diarmait Dub died in 764 while leading an army from Durrow Abbey. He was fighting against his uncle or nephew, Bressal mac Murchado, who was leading forces from another monastery. Domnall's son Murchad died in battle in 765, fighting against Donnchad. His son Indrechtach died in 797, shortly after his brother Donnchad.

Domnall's daughter, Eithne, was killed with her husband, Bran Ardchenn, the King of Leinster, in 795. They were killed by Fínsnechta Cetharderc, who was a rival for the kingship of Leinster.

Many important High Kings of Ireland were later descendants of Domnall. These included Conchobar mac Donnchada, Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid, Flann Sinna, Donnchad Donn, and Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill.