Gofraid mac Sitriuc facts for kids

Gofraid mac Sitriuc, also known as Guðrøðr Sigtryggsson in Old Norse, was a King of Dublin during the 900s. He was the son of Sihtric ua Ímair. Gofraid belonged to the powerful Uí Ímair family. This family was very important in areas of Ireland and Great Britain that had Viking influences.

Becoming King of Dublin

Gofraid became the ruler of Dublin in 948. This happened after his cousin, Blácaire mac Gofrith, died in a battle. His cousin was fighting against Congalach mac Máel Mithig, who was the High King of Ireland. In this battle, the soldiers from Dublin lost many people. More than a thousand were either killed or taken captive.

Battles and Challenges

Another tough battle happened in 950. Gofraid joined forces with Congalach to fight against Ruaidrí ua Canannáin. Ruaidrí wanted to become the High King.

The Battle of Móin Brocaín

On November 30, 950, Gofraid attacked Ruaidrí. This battle took place at a spot called Móin Brocaín. It was somewhere between the River Boyne and the River Liffey. Ruaidrí and one of his sons were killed in the fight. However, Gofraid's army suffered a big defeat. He had to run away. The Annals of Ulster, which are old Irish records, say that about two thousand of Dublin's soldiers died. Other records claim even more, up to six thousand. Some people think that Congalach might have tricked Gofraid. This is because Congalach was seen as the winner of the battle.

Raids and Riches

Gofraid's luck changed in 951. His forces from Dublin carried out raids. They targeted the Abbey of Kells and other churches in central Ireland. The Annals of Ulster state that from Kells alone, "three thousand men or more were taken captive." They also took a lot of cattle, horses, gold, and silver. The people taken captive could be set free for money. Or they might be made to work for others. The cattle were important for feeding the people of Dublin. The city needed to bring in cattle for food. The gold and silver helped make Dublin's defenses stronger.

The End of His Reign

Walls, money, and soldiers could not protect Gofraid from what happened next. A serious sickness spread in Dublin later in 951. This sickness was described as a bad fever and stomach illness. According to the Chronicon Scotorum, Gofraid was among those who died. His death was seen by some as a punishment from God. They believed it was because he had attacked the church at Kells.

Gofraid's brother, Amlaíb Cuarán, became the new king in Dublin in 952.