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The Annals are chronological accounts by year, of Ireland’s major historical, and other significant events. The Annals, written by scribes and historians of the era, have been the source of much scholarly study and the subject of much debate as to their literal accuracy. Many facts and dates are still in question due to the fact that calendars have changed and some of the writers may have been hired by families and may have prompted to write a slightly slanted view. However, many researchers and historians believe they are non-the-less a fairly accurate account of Ireland’s wild and colorful history. If you are into Irish history the "Annals" should be on your "must read" list.

On reading these accounts one is reminded of just how violent, and often short, life was in Ireland back in those days. These pages read like the "who killed who" daily news. I mean the Clan Chiefs and high-ranking warriors were killing each other off at an amazing rate. I don’t think to many men lived long enough to see gray hair on their head, that’s assuming they would keep their head long enough to get gray hair.

The Annals also chronicled significant social events and occasionally a notable person has a peaceful end. Bt that I mean they died of natural causes at ripe old age of say, 90. Very few people lived that long back then. You have to wonder that if our old ancestral Irish Clans ever stopped fighting and killing each other long enough and got organized, the Irish might have indeed ruled the world.

Ireland’s greatest King, Brian Boru, brought this idea of unity, one Ireland under one King, to fruition for a short time during his reign as the "Emperor of the Irish". However, the Great Battle of Clontarf on Good Friday in 1014 A.D. brought that idea to a screeching halt when he was killed. After Brian’s death things returned back to the previous culture of fighting and killing each other over territory and power. In fact, two of Brian’s sons went at it and one assassinated the other. Now that is some pretty serious sibling rivalry. According to early historian’s writings the Irish were a mighty and fierce bunch, capable of extraordinary fighting and savagery. Even the most barbaric Vikings and Norsemen respected and feared them and would not engage them in battle if they could help it.

The Annals excerpts presented on the pages that follow are part of "The Annals of the Four Masters", Volume 2, (There are 4 volumes) and it begins in the year 925 A.D. with the birth of Brian Boru, and continues to his death at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 A.D. However, the Battle of Clontarf and Brian’s death is listed in the Annals as 1013 A.D.

If you are interested in reading further, I highly recommend visiting the Celt Project Website at Cork University and reading the other volumes at http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online

I have decided to keep this focused on the life of Brian Boru and his family. If and when we figure out, if it’s even possible, which of the sons of Ceinnedigh we are directly descendent from, I will follow that path.