Conchobar Maenmaige Ua Cellaigh, 40th King of Uí Maine and 7th Chief of the Name, died 1180.
Contents
Origins
Conchobar Maenmaige is agreed in all sources to have been king for forty years, so it appears he succeeded Tadhg Ua Cellaigh sometime after his abduction by an army from Munster in 1145. His succession meant the end of Síol Anmchadha's brief independence and overlordship of Uí Maine, and its dynasty would henceforth be confined to their own homeland.
Conchobar is stated in all the genealogies as been the son of Diarmaid, who's immediate descent is uncertain but is given as the son or grandson of Tadhg Mór Ua Cellaigh, who was killed at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. However, it may actually mean that he was the son or grandson of the Tadhg who was abducted in 1145.
Eccleiastical work
John O'Donovan says of him that "he built O'Kelly's Church at Clonmacnoise, in the year 1167 … and is stated in some of the pedigrees to have built twelve churches in the territory of Moenmoy Máenmaige." His epithet probably refers to his being fostered, or at least raised, in the area, which is centered on Loughrea.
The Battle of the Conors
A decline in the power of Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair initiated civil unrest in Connacht, from about 1177. The Uí Maine appeared to take advantage of this, which cumulated in the Battle of the Conors, which took place at an unknown location, possibly within Máenmaige, sometime in 1180.
The victor was King Ruaidrí son, Conchobar Maenmaige Ua Conchobair, who had a palace at Dun Lo (Ballinasloe). The Four Masters relate that Conchobar Maenmaige Ua Cellaigh was killed, along with "his son Teige (Teige Tailtenn Ua Cellaigh); his brother Dermot; Melaghlin, the son of Dermot O'Kelly; and Teige, the son of Teige O'Conor.
Descendants
Future kings of Ui Maine descended from Conchobar included: