Dúnchad mac Murchado

Who was Dúnchad mac Murchado?

Dúnchad mac Murchado was a King of Leinster from the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. He was the son of Murchad mac Brain Mut, the previous king. He ruled from 727 to 728.

Dunchad participated in his father's great victory over the Ui Neill and the high king Fergal mac Máele Dúin of the Cenél nEógain at the Battle of Allen in 722. Dunchad succeeded his father as king in 727. He defeated his Uí Cheinnselaig rival Laidcnén mac Con Mella who was slain at the Battle of Maistiu in 727. The next year in 728, however he was defeated and slain by his brother Fáelán mac Murchado at the Battle of Ailenn who took the kingship and his widow.

Dunchad was married to Taileflaith ingen Cathail, the daughter of Cathal mac Finguine, the King of Munster. He was ancestor of the Uí Dúnchada sept of the Ui Dunlainge with their royal seat at Líamhain. His son Cellach mac Dúnchada was a king of Leinster.