User:Angusmclellan/Áed Findliath

Áed mac Néill (died 20 November 879), often called Áed Findliath (Áed the Handsome Warrior), was a king of Ailech and High King of Ireland. Áed belonged to the northern Cenél nÉogain branch of the Uí Néill. He was the son of Niall Caille, son of Áed Oirdnide, and Gormflaith, daughter of Donnchad Midi. He was famed in later times for his piety and the Irish annals record his frequent campaigns against Irish kings and Vikings.

Background
From the death of Áed Allán in 743 until the overthrow of Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill by Brian Boru in 1002, the succession to the High Kingship of Ireland century alternated between northern and southern branches of the Uí Néill with the north represented by members of the Cenél nÉogain, Áed's paternal kindred, and the south by the Clann Cholmáin, his mother's kin. Francis John Byrne describes this as "a fragile convention, marked by watchful jealousy rather than friendly accord."

During the reign of Máel Sechnaill mac Maíl Ruanaid, who succeeded Áed's father as High King, the balance of power between north and south which had ensured the alternating succession appeared to be tipping in favour of the southern Clann Cholmáin kindred. The weakness of the Kings of Munster following the death of the powerful Feidlimid mac Crimthainn in 847 led to repeated attacks on Munster by Máel Sechnaill in the 850s and a submission by the kings of Munster in 858. In 859, Osraige was made subject to the Uí Néill, and this led to open warfare between Máel Sechnaill and Áed.

Early years
The earliest events recorded concerning Áed are in 855 and 856, when he warred against the Ulaid and defeated an invasion of his lands by Norse-Gaels.