Above: Picture of the ruins in Athenry Felim O'Connor had left De Burgh on the Bann in order to oppose the attempt of Rory O'Connor of the " Clann Murtough " {page 138) to supersede him. Rory had distinguished himself by capturing many Norman castles, and had been inaugurated King with the support of most of the chiefs of Connacht. Even Mulroney Mac Dermott, chief of Magh Luirg, who had placed Felim on the throne (page 138) went over to Rory for ... Read More

This adoption of a " standing army " naturally increased the personal power of the chiefs at the expense of the clan, as the continued warfare against the Norse had done in an earlier period. Nor was this the only way in which feudal ideas were having an influence upon the Irish organisations.  The great practical advantage of an established system of succession was being forcibly illustrated, and the feudal right of the son to succeed to the father was being partly recognised. ... Read More