Cathussach mac Eterscélai

Who is Cathussach mac Eterscélai?

Cathussach mac Eterscélai was a king of Munster from the Eóganacht Áine branch of the Eóganachta. He was the son of Eterscél mac Máele Umai, a previous king. His branch of the Eóganachta was situated in the south east of modern County Limerick at Cnoc Áine near the monastery of Emly in County Tipperary.

In the seventh and eight centuries, the kingship of Munster rotated among the inner circle of the Eóganachta dynasties. His death obit and reign are not mentioned in the Irish annals. According to the Laud Synchronisms, he succeeded Cathal mac Finguine of the Eóganacht Glendamnach branch in 742 and reigned for 27 years. This would give a reign date of 742-769.

Cathussach is not mentioned in relation to events that would have taken place in his reign in Munster. In the region of Cliú, the Uí Fidgenti of Limerick fought a battle in 744, in which their king Conchobar was slain. Cathussach's branch of the family bordered on Cliú, but it is not known if the battle was fought by him or by the minor tribes of this region resisting Uí Fidgenti subjugation.