Brian Luighnech Ua Conchobhair

Brian Luighneach Ua Conchobhair, Prince of Connacht, died 23 May 1181.

Ua Conchobhair was one of at least twenty-three children of King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht (reigned 1106-1156). His mother's name is uncertain.

Brian's nickname, Luighnech, is taken from the territory of Luigne in what is now County Sligo. Its ruling family were the O hEaghra (O'Hara).

In 1156, his father died at Dunmore, County Galway. His brother, Ruaidhri, immediately moved to neutralise any opposition to his succession as king by arresting and imprisoning three of his brothers, including Brian, all considered creditable candidates for succeeding Tairrdelbach. Brian seems to have come to terms with Ruaidhri and was released. One of the brothers, Aedh Dall Ua Conchobair, was not so lucky; Ruaidhri had him blinded.

Brian became lord of Cairbre Drom Cliabh (barony of Carbury in what is now County Sligo. During the late 1170s, King Ruaidhri's power as both King and High King of Ireland was under severe strain from both Gaelic-Irish and Anglo-Norman alike.

This encouraged King Flaithbertaigh of Tyrconnell to mount raids into northern Connacht, an area over which the Cineál Chonaill had long claimed jurisdiction. Brian assembled a force and met him in battle on the Saturday before Whitsuntide, joined by his son, Donogh, his brother Maghnus Ua Conchobair, and members of leading Connacht gentry such as Aed Ó Ceallaigh, Eachmarcach Ó Muireadhaigh, Giolla Críst Ó Roduibh, and many others.

...
Wikipedia