Battle of Clontarf: Brian, Cain, the Dalcassians

clipped from generation13.com In 964, Brian Boru's older brother, Mathgamain, claimed control over the entire province of Munster by capturing the Rock of Cashel, capital of the rival Eóganacht dynasty. The Eóganacht King, Mael Muad, organised an anti-Dalcassian alliance that included at least one other Irish ruler in Munster, and Ivar, the ruler of Limerick. It was under these unpromising circumstances that Boru, at age thirty-five, became the new leader of the Dalcassians. Boru immediately set about avenging his brother's death and reinstating the control of the Dalcassians over the province of Munster. After he had killed Mael Muad, he treated his son and successor, Cain, with great respect, giving Cain the hand of his daughter, Sadhbh in marriage. Cain remained a faithful ally for the rest of his life.