Did you know about Brian Ború?

Did you know that Brian Ború, the ancient King of Munster who was long reputed as the first High King of All Ireland, is buried in the grounds of St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, about 100 yards from the Ulster GAA head office?

Exactly 1,000 years ago this month, on Good Friday, 23 April 1014, Brian Ború was killed by the Leinster-Dublin forces during the Battle of Clontarf. Legend has it that Ború was killed by the mercenary Brodir while kneeling at prayer in his tent.

Ború derived his claim to kingship from ending the domination of the Uí Néill dynasty within Ireland. His legacy today is in the Ó Briain family name, more commonly spelt as O Brien, which means ‘descendant of Brian’.

Armagh City and district will host a range of events during April-May 2014 to commemorate Brian Ború and his local legacy. For more information, visit www.brianborumillennium.ie/category/armagh

Image caption: An oil on canvas painting depicting the Battle of Clontarf, by Hugh Frazer.