Domnall Brecc

Who was Domnall Brecc?

Domnall Brecc was king of Dál Riata, in modern Scotland, from about 629 until 642. He was the son of Eochaid Buide.

He first appears in 622, when the Annals of Tigernach report his presence at the battle of Cend Delgthen as an ally of Conall Guthbinn of Clann Cholmáin. This is the only battle known where Domnall Brecc fought on the winning side.

Domnall suffered four defeats after he broke Dál Riata's alliance with the Cenél Conaill clan of the Uí Néill. In Ireland, Domnall and his ally Congal Cáech of the Dál nAraidi were defeated by Domnall mac Áedo of the Cenél Conaill, the High King of Ireland, at the Battle of Mag Rath in 637. He also lost to the Picts in 635 and 638 and lastly to Eugein I of Alt Clut at Strathcarron in 642, where he was killed.

A stanza interpolated into the ancient Welsh poem Y Gododdin refers to these events:

I saw an array that came from Pentir,

And bore themselves splendidly around the conflagration.

I saw a second one, rapidly descending from their township,

Who had risen at the word of the grandson of Nwython.

I saw great sturdy men who came with the dawn,

And the head of Dyfnwal Frych, ravens gnawed it.