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Brian Boru and the Battle of
Clontarf 1014
Brian Boru, the famous High King of Ireland, shares
Carroll history with us all. In 954AD, when King Callahan died, his son
Donnchad succeeded him. After Donnchad's death, Mahon, the oldest of the
surviving sons of Kennedy, King of the Dalcassians, claimed the kingship
for himself. He desired peace with the Vikings and attempted to secure
it. His younger brother, Brian Boru however urged armed violent
resistance.
Brian was able to convince the Irish that they had to fight Ivar and his
Vikings. Brian and his forces engaged Ivar and defeated him, bringing on
a time of peace in Ireland. After an eight year period however, the
Viking Ivar returned and assasinated King Mahon. Brian succeeded his
older brother Mahon, and the fight was on.
Brian controlled most of southern Ireland, while
another king Malachy controlled the northern areas. Malachy, outnumbered
and lacking support from his chiefs, ceeded the high kingship of Ireland
to Brian. Brian married the most beautiful woman in Ireland, Maelmora.
She was also known to be the most evil. After only four years of
marriage, and a son to the union, Brian left Maelmora. Filled with
hatred for Brian and his allies, Maelmora summoned the Vikings for
assistance with the promise of lands and riches if they could invade,
and defeat Brian Boru. It is important to note here, that Brian's chief
confessor, and advisor was a Carroll of Ely.
Brian summoned a force consisting of all Irish from
all over the kingdom. Historians estimate that he had a force of
DalCassians numbering about 5000, with 6000 Eugenians, and approximately
1000 men from Clan Cian (Carroll). In all, every powerful chieftain in
Ireland was assembled behind Brian to oust the Dane Vikings. The year
was 1014, and Brian began his march across Ireland to face the Vikings.
His armies gathered strength as they marched through the various
territories, like a snowball gathering mass as it rolls down a hill.
Soon, Brian had some 20,000 Irishmen.
On 23 April, 1014 at sunrise, Brian rode in front of
his army holding a sword upright in one hand, and a crucifix in the
other. He inspired his men, and instilled the "insanity" of
which the Irish had grown famous for in a fight. The Vikings charged the
Irish positions. The Carrolls and their related families from the
territory of Ely formed one of the center divisions which consisted of
some 1500 Cianachts. Throughout the day, the Vikings pushed the Irish
back, and the Irish pushed the Vikings back. There was tremendous
slaughter, and acts of heroism on both sides, however there can be only
one winner. This time, it would be the Irish under Brian Boru. It has
been said that only twenty or so Vikings escaped the Battle of Clontarf
alive. The Irish basically destroyed the invaders. High King Brian Boru
lost his life in battle, and the Carroll, or Cianachts displayed great
bravery under their leadership of their Carroll Chieftian. |
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