Cellach mac Dúnchada

Who was Cellach mac Dúnchada?

Cellach mac Dúnchada was a King of Leinster of the Uí Dúnchada sept of the Uí Dúnlainge branch of the Laigin. He was the son of Dúnchad mac Murchado, and Taileflaith. This sept had their royal seat at Líamhain. He ruled from 760 to 776.

During his reign the southern dynasty of Uí Cheinnselaig were preoccupied with war with the Osraige in 761 and civil wars in 769–770. The first mention of Cellach in the annals involves the Battle of Áth Orc in 770. In this battle Cellach defeated Cináed mac Flainn of the Uí Failge and Cathnio mac Bécce of the Fothairt, who were slain.

Leinster had suffered a major defeat at the hands of the high king Áed Allán of the Cenél nEógain at the Battle of Áth Senaig in 738. A period of peace under the high kings Domnall Midi of the Clann Cholmáin and Niall Frossach of the Cenél nEógain. In 770, however, the new high king Donnchad Midi of the Clann Cholmáin asserted his suzerainity over Leinster. Donnchad invaded with the army of the Ui Neill and the Laigin eluded him. Donnchad remained seven days in the vicinity of the ancient hill fort of Ráith Ailenn and ravaged the country with fire until the men of Leinster submitted to him.