Within his lack Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair (son away from Diarmuid’s previous opponent, Large Queen Toirdhealbhach) has been around since the brand new Highest King from Ireland

After the death of new greatest High Queen Brian Boru during the 1014, Ireland is at almost constant civil combat for 2 years. Adopting the slide of the O’Brien household members (Brian Boru’s descendants) on Irish throne, the many group and this governed Ireland’s five provinces was in fact usually attacking together having command over every one of Ireland. During the time Ireland try such as for instance a national empire, and never one single county, which have five provinces (Ulster, Leinster, Munster, and you can Connaught and additionally Meath, that has been the fresh chair of your own Large King) each governed because of the kings who have been all said to be dedicated or perhaps respectful towards High King from Ireland.

When you look at the 1166, Ireland’s the Higher Queen and you can Diarmuid’s only ally Muircheartach Ua Lochlainn got fell, and a large coalition led from the Tighearnan Ua Ruairc (Diarmuid’s archenemy) marched toward Leinster. Diarmuid escaped in order to Wales and you can from that point in order to England and France, in order to have King Henry II’s consent to feel acceptance hire soldiers to displace so you’re able to Ireland and you will reclaim their kingship. To the back again to Wales, Robert Fitzstephen aided your plan out a mercenary army of Norman and you can Welsh troops, together with Richard de Clare, second Earl out of Pembroke, alias Strongbow.

Diarmuid planned not only to retake Leinster, however, in order to oust the latest Ui Conchobhair clan and stay the fresh High Queen out-of Ireland himself. The guy easily retook Dublin, Ossory, and also the former Viking payment away from Waterford, and you can inside a few days got each of Leinster within his handle once again. Then he marched towards Tara (upcoming Ireland’s financing) to oust Ruaidhri. Diarmuid gambled one Ruaidhri wouldn’t harm brand new Leinster hostages and therefore he previously (including Diarmuid’s earliest man, Conchobhar Mac computer Murchadha). However Ua Ruairc pressed his give and was in fact the slain.

Ua Ruairc along with his allies grabbed Leinster easily, and you may Diarmuid and his wife barely fled with the existence

Diarmuid’s military up coming shed the battle. He delivered term so you’re able to Wales and you can pleaded with Strongbow ahead to help you Ireland as soon as possible. Strongbow’s brief push landed inside Wexford with Welsh and Norman cavalry and took over each other Waterford and you will Wexford. They then grabbed Dublin. Diarmuid is devastated pursuing the loss of their son, Domhnall, retreated to help you Ferns and you may died a couple months later.

Into the Irish records courses written shortly after 1800 throughout the chronilogical age of nationalism, Diarmuid MacMorrough is actually tend to thought to be an excellent traitor–probably the most well known traitor from inside the Irish records, indeed–however, his purpose was not to aid an English attack of Ireland, but rather to use Henry’s assist with become the High Queen out of Ireland himself. He had no chance of understanding Henry II’s hopes and dreams into the Ireland. In his go out, government are based on dynasties and you may Ireland wasn’t governed just like the one single state. Subsequently, Henry II did not believe themselves as English otherwise Norman, however, French, and you can is actually simply addressing the insights on the floor.

Gerald regarding Wales, a Cambro-Norman historian exactly who decided to go to Ireland inside the 1185 and you will whose uncles and cousins have been popular troops in the army of Strongbow, frequent the views out of Diarmuid: “Today Diarmuid is actually a person high out-of prominence and you can stout regarding frame; an excellent soldier whose cardiovascular system was in the latest arena, and held valiant certainly one of his own nation. From have a tendency to yelling their battle-cry his sound had become hoarse. One who manage oppress his higher vassals, as he raised so you’re able to highest route people off lowly birth. A beneficial tyrant to help you his personal victims, he was hated from the visitors; his hand is against the man, and every man’s hands facing him.”