Fiachnae mac Demmáin

Who was Fiachnae mac Demmáin?

Fiachnae mac Demmáin was King of Ulaid from 626 to 627. Sometimes called Fiachnae Dubtuinne. He was a member of the Dal Fiatach and nephew of Baetan mac Cairill of Ulaid. He was the son of Demmán mac Cairell. He succeeded his uncle as king of the Dal Fiatach in 581.

His first mention in the Irish annals is the battle of Cúl Caíl in 601 where he was defeated by Fiachnae mac Baetain of the Dal nAraide. The annals mention Fiachnae mac Baetan went against him so was probably the aggressor. This was part of the struggle of these two rival clans for the overlordship of Ulaid. In 626 was fought the Battle of Leithit Midind at Drung between these two rivals at which Fiachnae mac Demmáin was the victor and Fiachnae mac Baetan was slain. The annals say the battle was fought by him which implies he was the aggressor.

He now becomes King of Ulaid but was himself defeated and slain by the King of Dalriada, Connad Cerr at the Battle of Ard Corainn in 627. The Annals of Clonmacnoise claim that this was in revenge for the slaying of Fiachnae mac Baetan.

His wives were:

Cumne Dub, daughter of Furudrán mac Béicce of the Uí Tuirtri.She was the mother of Dúnchad mac Fiachnai,a king of Ulaid and of a daughter Dub Lacha who married Mongán mac Fiachnai, the son of his rival Fiachnae mac Baetan.