Reign June 1265 – 3 May 1274 Predecessor Felim Ua Conchobair | House O Conchubhair Donn Name Aedh Felim | |
Successor Aedh Muimhnech O Conchobair Died 3 May 1274
Connacht, Ireland Burial Monastery of the Preaching Friars, Roscommon | ||
Aedh mac Felim Ua Conchobair, also known as Aodh na nGall, was King of Connacht from 1265 to his death on 3 May 1274. He is credited with turning the tide on English expansion into Connacht.
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Reign
Aedh succeeded his father Felim as King of Connacht after his fathers death in 1265. Unlike his father, Aedh did not favor cultivating diplomatic ties with the Normans. Even during his father's reign he led raids into Norman settlements and towns. When he became king, these raids continued.
In 1259, Aedh married a daughter of Dubhghall mac Ruaidhrí, King of Argyll and the Isles, whose tocher included 160 gallowglass warriors, commanded by Dubhghall's younger brother Ailéan.
Battle of Áth-an-Chip
In 1269 Robert d'Ufford, the new justiciar in Ireland, began building a castle in Roscommon. His deputy led an army across the Shannon River, joining with their ally Walter de Burgh, 1st Earl of Ulster. They held negotiations with Aedh which proved to be unsuccessful. They retreated, with Aedh's army harassing them along the way. When de Burgh attempted to forde the Shannon at Áth-an-Chip Aedh's army caught up with them and decimated them. Aedh followed up with more raids and destroyed the castle at Roscommon.
Death
Aedh died on 3 May 1274. There is no mention of Aedh's sons in the annals and he was succeeded by his brother Aedh Muimhnech as king. After Aedh's death the Kingdom of Connacht became embroiled in Civil War. Between 1274 and 1315 there were thirteen Kings of Connacht; nine of these kings were killed by a brother or cousin and two were deposed. This left Connacht weak and unable to resist the Norman invasion.