Muiredach Tirech son of

Fiacha Sraibhtine Fiacha (earlier Fíachu) is a name borne by numerous figures from Irish history and mythology, including: * Fiacha Cennfinnán, High King of Ireland in the 16th or 20th century BC * Fiacha mac Delbaíth, High King in the 14th or 18th century BC * ...

, was a semi-legendary High King of Ireland of the fourth century. He gained power by exiling the

three Collas The Three Collas ( Modern Irish: Trí Cholla) were, according to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, the fourth-century sons of Eochaid Doimlén, son of Cairbre Lifechair. Their names were: Cairell Colla Uais; Muiredach Colla Fo Chrí ( ...

, who had killed his father. The Collas later returned and tried to provoke him into trying to kill them. When he did not, they entered his service and led his armies. He was overthrown by

Cáelbad Cáelbad (Cáelbhadh, Caolbhadh, Caolbhaidh), son of Cronn Badhraoi, a descendant of Mal mac Rochride, was, according to Lebor Gabála Érenn, a High King of Ireland for a period of one year. Inneacht daughter of Lughaidh was the mother of Caolbha ...

. “In the beginning of the fourth century, Muiredeach Tireach, High King of Ireland, directed his nephews, the three Collas, to face north and win sword land for themselves. On the ruins of the old kingdom of Uladh they founded a new kingdom—of Airgíalla—which was henceforth for nearly a thousand years to play an important part in the history of

Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...

, and which was possessed afterwards by their descendants, the MacMahons, O'Hanlons, O'Carrolls, and Maguires.” According to the ''

Lebor Gabála Érenn ''Lebor Gabála Érenn'' (literally "The Book of the Taking of Ireland"), known in English as ''The Book of Invasions'', is a collection of poems and prose narratives in the Irish language intended to be a history of Ireland and the Irish fro ...

''R. A. Stewart MacAlister (ed. & trans.), ''

'' Part V, Irish Texts Society, 1956, p. 345-347 and its derivative works Muiredach Tírech was the father of

Eochaid Mugmedón Eochaid Mugmedón () was a semi-legendary Irish king. According to medieval Irish legend and historical tradition, Eochaid was a High King of Ireland, best known as the father of Niall of the Nine Hostages and ancestor of the Uí Néill and Conna ...

, High King of Ireland, and therefore grandfather of Niall of the Nine Hostages and ancestor of the

Uí Néill The Uí Néill (Irish pronunciation: ; meaning "descendants of Niall") are Irish dynasties who claim descent from Niall Noígíallach (Niall of the Nine Hostages), a historical King of Tara who died c. 405. They are generally divided into t ...

and Connachta dynasties.

References

Legendary High Kings of Ireland 4th-century Irish monarchs 4th-century Irish people {{Ireland-royal-stub