King Brian Ó Neill and the Battle of Down 1260

Our final talk before our summer break is on King Brian Ó Neill and the Battle of Down 1260, given by Dr Antaine Ó Donnaile, who is a respected historian, author, broadcaster, and documentary maker from County Armagh. Through his work with BBC Northern Ireland, TG4, and numerous historical publications, he has played a significant role in bringing Irish history, heritage, and Gaelic culture to audiences throughout Ireland and beyond. His documentaries and research have explored many of the key figures and events that have shaped our past.

In 1258, Brian Ó Néill, king of Tír Eoghain, was acclaimed by supporters and allies as rulerof all Gaelic Ireland. Two years later, at the Battle of Down near Downpatrick, he lay dead;

His coalition shattered, his body mutilated, and his head sent to London. In this lecture, Antaine examines Brian’s life and background, his bold bid to resist the English of Ulster, the reasons for his defeat in 1260, and the extraordinary lament composed for him by one of Ulster’s greatest bardic poets, Giolla Brighde Mac Con Midhe (Gilbride McNamee).

Please come along to The Benburb Priory on Wednesday 24th June @8pm to hear this fascinating talk on a forgotten figure in our History.