In his lack Ruaidhri Ua Conchobhair (boy out of Diarmuid’s former adversary, High King Toirdhealbhach) had become the newest Large Queen of Ireland

Adopting the death of the newest popular Large Queen Brian Boru when you look at the 1014, Ireland was at nearly constant municipal combat for a few ages. After the slip of your own O’Brien family relations (Brian Boru’s descendants) regarding Irish throne, various household and therefore governed Ireland’s five provinces was in fact usually fighting with one another to own power over every one of Ireland. During the time Ireland are such a federal kingdom, and not a unitary condition, which have five provinces (Ulster, Leinster, Munster, and Connaught including Meath, which had been the brand new seat of your own High King) for each governed because of the leaders who have been all of the supposed to be loyal or at least polite to the Highest Queen regarding Ireland.

When you look at the 1166, Ireland’s this new Highest Queen and you may Diarmuid’s simply ally Muircheartach Ua Lochlainn had fallen, and you will a large coalition added because of the Tighearnan Ua Ruairc (Diarmuid’s archenemy) marched towards the Leinster. Diarmuid fled so you’re able to Wales and you may from that point to The united kingdomt and you will France, for having King Henry II’s say yes to be anticipate enroll soldiers to restore so you can Ireland and you will recover their kingship. To the back once again to Wales, Robert Fitzstephen assisted him plan out a good mercenary armed forces regarding Norman and Welsh soldiers, and additionally Richard de Clare, second Earl regarding Pembroke, alias Strongbow.