Lorcán mac Cathail

Who is Lorcán mac Cathail?

Lorcán mac Cathail was a King of Uisnech and Mide of the Clann Cholmáin. Lorcán ruled in as King of Mide from 862-864.

His exact dynastic affiliations are unknown. The death of a certain Cathal mac Conchobair is mentioned in the annals in 843. If this was his father he may have been the grandson of the High King Conchobar mac Donnchada. Upon the death of Máel Ruanaid mac Donnchada Midi of Mide in 843, a succession dispute broke out. Whether the mention of Cathals's death in that year by the annals implies that Cathal died as part of this dispute or was the heir and his death led to the dispute, is not mentioned. Lorcán did succeed to the throne himself in 862 possibly as senior heir.

The new High King was Áed Findliath of the northern Uí Néill kindred of the Cenél nEógain. He however met much resistance from members of the southern Uí Néill. Lorcán mac Cathail, allied himself with Amlaib, Ímar and Auisle against Flann mac Conaing of Brega. Flann was a former ally of Dublin, and still Áed's most important ally in the central part of Ireland. Lorcán and his Norse allies plundered Brega in 863, and in 864 Conchobar mac Donnchada, presumably an ally of Flann against Lorcán, was captured and drowned near Clonard on Amlaibhs order. Áed led an host to Míde, captured Lorcán and blinded him. As a result Lorcán had to abdicate. It is not known when he died.