Anglo Norman Invasion

Above: Raymond le Gros

No sooner had Strongbow entered on his new duties as viceroy than troubles began to thicken round him. He found most of the Irish princes in revolt, and the money he had brought was soon spent, so that he had no pay for his soldiers. Mountmaunce was general of the army : but the soldiers hated him and demanded to have Raymond put over them, which was done: on which the new general led the men south and ravaged Offaly and the country round Lismore, carrying off immense spoils in spite of all opposition.

Above: Poynings Law

The accession in 1485, of Henry VII, who belonged to the Lancastrians, was the final triumph of that great party. At this time all the chief state offices in Ireland were held by the Geraldines; but as the new king felt that he could not govern the country without their aid, he made no changes, though he knew well they were all devoted Yorkists. Accordingly the great earl of Kildare, who had been lord deputy for several years, with a short break, was still retained.

Above: King John

King Henry died in the year 1189, and was succeeded by his son Richard the Lion Hearted. Richard took no interest in Ireland, and left the whole management of its affairs to his brother John, who, in 1189, appointed Hugh de Lacy lord justice, in place of John de Courcy. At this time and for long after, Connaught was in a iTiis;’rable state of turmoil, partly from the contests of the members of the O’Conor family for the provincial throne, a-nd partly on account of tlie interference of the barons, vvho always took advantage ol the native dissensions to advance their own interests.