Brian Boru, the famous High King of Ireland,
shares Carroll history with us all. In 954AD, when King Callahan
died, his son Donnchad succeeded him. After Donnchad's death, Mahon,
the oldest of the surviving sons of Kennedy, King of the Dalcassians,
claimed the kingship for himself. He desired peace with the Vikings
and attempted to secure it. His younger brother, Brian Boru however
urged armed violent resistance.
Brian was able to convince the Irish that
they had to fight Ivar and his Vikings. Brian and his forces engaged
Ivar and defeated him, bringing on a time of peace in Ireland. After
an eight year period however, the Viking Ivar returned and
assasinated King Mahon. Brian succeeded his older brother Mahon, and
the fight was on.
Brian controlled most of southern Ireland,
while another king Malachy controlled the northern areas. Malachy,
outnumbered and lacking support from his chiefs, ceeded the high
kingship of Ireland to Brian. Brian married the most beautiful woman
in Ireland, Maelmora. She was also known to be the most evil. After
only four years of marriage, and a son to the union, Brian left
Maelmora. Filled with hatred for Brian and his allies, Maelmora
summoned the Vikings for assistance with the promise of lands and
riches if they could invade, and defeat Brian Boru. It is important
to note here, that Brian's chief confessor, and advisor was a Carroll
of Ely.
Brian summoned a force consisting of all Irish
from all over the kingdom. Historians estimate that he had a force
of DalCassians numbering about 5000, with 6000 Eugenians, and
approximately 1000 men from Clan Cian (Carroll). In all, every
powerful chieftain in Ireland was assembled behind Brian to oust the
Dane Vikings. The year was 1014, and Brian began his march across
Ireland to face the Vikings. His armies gathered strength as they
marched through the various territories, like a snowball gathering
mass as it rolls down a hill. Soon, Brian had some 20,000 Irishmen.
On 23 April, 1014 at sunrise, Brian rode in
front of his army holding a sword upright in one hand, and a crucifix
in the other. He inspired his men, and instilled the "insanity" of
which the Irish had grown famous for in a fight. The Vikings charged
the Irish positions. The Carrolls and their related families from the territory of Ely formed one of the center divisions which consisted of some 1500 Cianachts. Throughout the day, the Vikings pushed the Irish
back, and the Irish pushed the Vikings back. There was tremendous
slaughter, and acts of heroism on both sides, however there can be
only one winner. This time, it would be the Irish under Brian Boru.
It has been said that only twenty or so Vikings escaped the Battle of
Clontarf alive. The Irish basically destroyed the invaders. High
King Brian Boru lost his life in battle, and the Carroll, or
Cianachts displayed great bravery under their leadership of their
Carroll Chieftian.
