Loingsech mac Colmáin

Who was Loingsech mac Colmáin?

Loingsech mac Colmáin was a king of Connacht from the Ui Fiachrach branch of the Connachta. He was of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne sept this branch and was the son of Colmán mac Cobthaig.

His brother Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin is associated with events in the annals prior to 649 and it is possible that Guaire abdicated the throne of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne upon his defeat at the Battle of Carn Conaill. Loingsech succeeded Rogallach mac Uatach of the rival Uí Briúin branch as king of Connacht in 649. The king-lists mention Loingsech, but of the Irish annals, only the Annals of Tigernach mention his death.

Rivalry between the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne and Uí Briúin is attested by two events that occurred in his reign. In 653 the ally of the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne, Marcán mac Tommáin, the king of the Ui Maine was slain in battle in Iarthair Seola by Cenn Fáelad mac Colgan and Máenach mac Báethíne of the Ui Briun. Also in 654 occurred the killing of Fergus mac Rogallaig of the Ui Briun, son of Rogallach mac Uatach, by the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne.

Loingsech had no known descendants and was succeeded by his brother Guaire.