Fiachra Cossalach

Who is Fiachra Cossalach?

Fiachra Cossalach was a Dal nAraide king of the Cruithne in Ulaid. He ruled from 709-710.

Fiachra's exact ancestry is uncertain, though he may have been a son of Dúngal Eilni mac Scandail and hence a member of the Eilne branch of the family. In the Annals of Ulster he is referred to as the son of Dúngal in his death notice in the annals.

Curiously, Fiachra is mentioned as one of the guarantors of the Cáin Adomnáin at the Synod of Birr in 697 as King of the Cruithne at a time when Áed Aired was considered to be king. Fiachra was king at a time when the Dal nAraide were involved in some infighting that resulted in three kings in three years. Fiachra himself met his death in 710, slain among the Cruithne.

His son Flathróe mac Fiachrach was also King of Dal nAraide.