Cathal mac Muiredaig
Cathal mac Muiredaig Muillethan (died 735)[1] was a King of Connacht from the Uí Briúin branch of the Connachta. He was the son of Muiredach Muillethan mac Fergusso (died 702), a previous king and brother of Indrechtach mac Muiredaig Muillethan (died 723).[2] He was of the Síl Muiredaig sept of the Uí Briúin. He ruled from 728 to 735.
According to a poem on The Kings of Connacht, Cathal seized the kingdom without being the heir. The annals record a battle of the Connachta in 732 where Muiredach mac Indrechtaig, son of his brother was slain.
Cathal was ancestor of the Síl Cathail sept which carved out lands in the Co.Roscommon area from the Ui Maine.[3]
Issue
First wife Bobila (died 715)
Risteard an furasta born 713
Second wife Erchantrudis (not much is known about her other than she brought paganism into the realm)
Eadbhárd an meargánta Kings of Connacht born 718. married Síle, of unknown heritage with many siblings, including Eileanór and Caitrín.
Flavia an gránna daughter,
Gilbeirt an ceartas born 724 married Eileanór sister to Síle and Caitrín.
illegitimate
Unknown lover
Uilliam dílis born 711, betrothed to Caitrín before her disappearance. Beheaded
Death
In 735, Cathal mac Muredaig died suddenly of unknown cases the same day his oldest son Risteard an furasta disappeared, with his half brothers Uilliam dílis bride Caitrín. It is unknown if they left together or separately.
Notes
- all dates per The Chronology of the Irish Annals, Daniel P. McCarthy
- Francis J.Byrne, Irish Kings and High-Kings, Table 20
- Byrne, pg.250
See also
- Kings of Connacht
References
- Annals of Tigernach
- Annals of Ulster
- Francis J.Byrne, Irish Kings and High-Kings
- The Chronology of the Irish Annals, Daniel P. McCarthy