The Vita tripartita Sancti Patricii ( The Tripartite Life of Saint Patrick ) is a bilingual hagiography of Saint Patrick , written partly in Irish and partly in Latin . The text is difficult to date. Kathleen Mulchrone had assigned a late ninth century date based on the latest historical reference in the text. However, on linguistic grounds, it has been dated to as late as the twelfth century. The text as it stands probably reflects various stages of development. Máire Herbert summarises:
55-732: The Uí Fidgenti , Fidgeinti , Fidgheinte , Fidugeinte , Fidgente , or Fidgeinte ( / iː ˈ f iː j ɛ n t i / or / ˈ f iː j ɛ n t ə / ; "descendants of, or of the tribe of, Fidgenti") were an early kingdom of northern Munster in Ireland, situated mostly in modern County Limerick , but extending into County Clare and County Tipperary , and possibly even County Kerry and County Cork , at maximum extents, which varied over time. They flourished from about 377 AD (assumption of power of Fidgheinte) to 977 (death of Donovan ), although they continued to devolve for another three hundred years. They have been given various origins among both
110-553: A battle fought at Clidhna, near Glandore Harbor. As noted in the Book of Lecan, Fiacha received the designation because he constructed a wooden horse at the fair of Aenach Cholmain. Ultimately, six hundred years after the time of Fiacha, the territories of the Uí Fidgenti divided into two principal factions or septs , the Uí Chairpre Áebda and Uí Chonaill Gabra . The latter were more often
165-417: A battle with Domnall Mac Carthaig in 1189, an unfortunate event which contributed to their weak resistance against the invading Cambro-Normans . Shortly thereafter, in 1201, Domnall Mac Carthaig brought a hosting into Uí Chairpri, where he was slain; one year later, the last king of Uí Chairpre mentioned in the annals Amlaíb Ua Donnubáin , was slain by William de Burgh and the sons of Domnall Mór Ua Briain in
220-556: A surname is distinguished with an "O'" is irrelevant, as all the old Irish families derive from their "Ui" prefix designation; the use of the "O" was discouraged during the era of the Penal Laws, and came back into vogue in connection with the rise of Irish nationalism after the 1840s. Closely related to the Uí Fidgenti were the Uí Liatháin , who claimed descent from the same 4th century AD dynast, Dáire Cerbba (Maine Munchaín), and who in
275-637: A western district, along the Deel and Slieve Luachra, now the baronies of Upper and Lower Connello. Other septs within the Ui Fidgheinte were long associated with other Limerick locations; a branch of the Fir Tamnaige gave its name to Mahoonagh, or Tawnagh. Feenagh is the only geographical trace extant today of ancient Ui-Fidhgeinte. Though the changes in the name of Ui-Fidhgeinte down to the modern Feenagh seem strange, they are quite natural when one takes into account
330-649: A whole are generally regarded to belong to the Corcu Loígde. It is worth noting that Michael Collins (Irish leader) was descended from the Ó Coileáins of Uí Chonaill Gabra . Both the Ui Chonaill and the Ui Donnobhans were tribes within the Ui-Fidghente. Based primarily on Rawlinson B 502 : Munster Munster ( Irish : an Mhumhain [ə ˈwuːnʲ] or Cúige Mumhan [ˌkuːɟə ˈmˠuːnˠ] )
385-671: Is Metropolitan Cork , where a number of multinational firms are located in the Cork city area, including at Little Island . The Shannon Free Zone , in County Clare and near Limerick city, is also a centre of employment. A number of television companies and studios have (or had) a Munster-focus. These include RTÉ Cork (RTÉ's regional studio in Cork), South Coast TV and Channel South . The latter transmitted local programming to Cork, Limerick, and parts of Kerry, Waterford, Clare and Tipperary. Apart from
440-468: Is Mug Ruith and Tlachtga is his daughter. Another legendary figure is Donn . The province has long had trading and cultural links with continental Europe. The Corcu Loígde had a trading fleet active along the French Atlantic coast, as far south as Gascony, importing wine to Munster. The Eóganachta had ecclesiastical ties with Germany, which show in the architecture of their ceremonial capital at
495-498: Is credited with dividing Munster into two parts and between two of his sons, and enjoined that their descendants should succeed to the governance of the province in alternate succession; this injunction was complied with until the time of Brian Boru, who is credited with slaying Donovan of the Ui Fidgheinte in 977. The Ui Fidgheinte were not subject to the Eóganachta kings at Cashel, and did not pay tribute. The Book of Rights noted that
550-540: Is one of the four provinces of Ireland , located in the south of the island. In early Ireland, the Kingdom of Munster was one of the kingdoms of Gaelic Ireland ruled by a "king of over-kings" ( Irish : rí ruirech ). Following the Norman invasion of Ireland , the ancient kingdoms were shired into counties for administrative and judicial purposes. In later centuries, local government legislation has seen further sub-division of
605-550: Is the largest of Ireland's four provinces by land area, and the third largest by population. Munster has many large towns, including a number of growing satellite towns, and is the province with the most cities (three) in Ireland. The following is a list of urban areas in Munster in order of size (2022 census figures), with cities and county towns bolded: Urban areas over 10,000 inhabitants: Urban areas with 5,000–10,000 inhabitants: 2014 CSO figures indicated that GDP per capita in
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#1733092455459660-780: The Danish king of Limerick , and Máel Muad mac Brain , King of Munster . The result of this was the death of the elder brother of Brian Bóruma , Mahon, Mathgamain mac Cennétig , for his frequent attacks on Ui Fidghente. His death resulted in Brian Boru's subsequent revenge by defeating all three members of the alliance. In the 10th century, the territory of the Ui Fidghente bordered those of Mahon (in Cashel) and of Brian Boru (in Thomond), and territorial conflicts were not uncommon. The Danish connection of
715-599: The Earls of Ormond remained closer to England. The O'Brien of Thomond and MacCarthy of Desmond surrendered and regranted sovereignty to the Tudors in 1543 and 1565, joining the Kingdom of Ireland . The impactful Desmond Rebellions , led by the FitzGeralds, soon followed. The area of Munster was then colonized in the mid to late 16th century by the British plantations of Ireland during
770-586: The Kingdom of Munster , ruled by the Eóganachta dynasty. Prior to this, the area was ruled by the Dáirine and Corcu Loígde overlords. Later rulers from the Eóganachta included Cathal mac Finguine and Feidlimid mac Cremthanin . Notable regional kingdoms and lordships of Early Medieval Munster were Iarmuman (West Munster), Osraige (Ossory), Uí Liatháin , Uí Fidgenti , Éile , Múscraige , Ciarraige Luachra , Corcu Duibne , Corcu Baiscinn , and Déisi Muman . By
825-699: The League of Ireland : Waterford FC in the League of Ireland Premier Division ; and Cobh Ramblers , Cork City F.C. , Treaty United F.C. and Kerry F.C. in the First Division . In Cricket, the province is represented by the Munster Reds in the Inter-Provincial Cup one-day competition and the Inter-Provincial Trophy Twenty20 competition. Munster does not currently participate in
880-615: The MacCarthy dynasty (Eóganachta), and the short-lived Kingdom of Ormond under the O'Kennedys (another Dalcassian sept). The three crowns of the flag of Munster represent these three late kingdoms. There was Norman influence from the 14th century, including by the FitzGerald , de Clare and Butler houses, two of whom carved out earldoms within the Lordship of Ireland , the Earls of Desmond eventually becoming independent potentates, while
935-631: The Rock of Cashel . The majority of Irish ogham inscriptions are found in Munster, principally in areas occupied by the Iverni, especially the Corcu Duibne . Later, Europe's first linguistic dictionary in any non-Classical language, the Sanas Cormaic , was compiled by Munster scholars, traditionally thought to have been directed by the king-bishop Cormac mac Cuilennáin (d. 908). The School of Ross in Munster
990-682: The United Rugby Championship competition, winning in 2003, 2009, 2011 and 2023 and in the Heineken Cup , winning in 2006 and 2008. Until 2016, the Munster side was the only Irish side to have defeated the New Zealand All Blacks . Association football is also a popular game in Munster, with the Munster Football Association governing a number of aspects of the game in the province. In 2024 five Munster clubs play in
1045-640: The first-class inter-provincial tournament, though Cricket Ireland does have plans to include Munster in the format. The Irish language , or more specifically Munster Irish , is spoken as a first language in Gaeltachtaí (Irish speaking areas) in a number of areas in the province. This includes West Kerry ( Corca Dhuibhne ), South Kerry ( Uíbh Ráthach ), West Cork ( Múscraí ), south-west Cork ( Oileán Cléire ), and parts of Waterford ( Gaeltacht na Rinne or Gaeltacht na nDéise ). There are about 35,000 Irish language speakers in Munster, with 9,737 native speakers in
1100-498: The 9th century, the Gaels had been joined by Norse Vikings who founded towns such as Cork , Waterford and Limerick , for the most part, incorporated into a maritime empire by the Dynasty of Ivar , who periodically would threaten Munster with conquest in the next century. Around this period Ossory broke away from Munster. The Eóganachta dominated Munster until the 10th century, which saw
1155-580: The Brink of the Maigue", and the name of the town is anglicised from Brugh Righ, meaning "Fort (Brugh) of Kings (Righ)". The town still has a section Lissoleem , meaning, literally, the ringfort ("lis") of Oilioll Olum (alternative spelling Ailill Aulom ), who died 234 AD, entombed at Duntryleague, and who was the great great great grandfather of Fiachu Fidhgeinte, and from whom many of the Eoghanachta tribes descend. To
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#17330924554591210-515: The Dáirine as cousins of the Corcu Loígde. There are a number of historical septs who may have their origins with one or the other, evident in collections of pedigrees as early as those found in Rawlinson B 502, dating from 550 to 1130, and as late as those collected by John O'Hart in the 19th century. An early O'Leary family are given an Uí Fidgenti (Uí Chonaill Gabra) pedigree, but the Munster sept as
1265-788: The Déisi names the Uí Fidgenti, including the Uí Liatháin, among the Three Eóganachta of Munster, the others being the Eóganacht Locha Léin and the Eóganacht Raithlind . All three were of sufficient military and political standing to exchange hostages with the Kings at Cashel, instead of them being required as would be demanded from a subjugated opponent. The disintegration of the Uí Fidgenti commenced in 1178, when Domnall Mor O'Brien caused
1320-572: The Munster Gaeltacht areas of Cork, Kerry and Waterford. There are also 12,219 pupils attending 45 Gaelscoils (Irish language primary schools) and 15 Gaelcholáiste (Irish language secondary schools) in the province. As of the Census of Ireland 2011 there were 13,193 daily speakers outside the education system in Munster. The province is divided into six traditional counties : Clare , Cork , Kerry , Limerick , Tipperary and Waterford . Munster
1375-569: The Tudor conquest of Ireland, a group known as the West Country Men played a role in the colonization of Munster, attempts to settle a joint stock colony at Kerrycurrihy in 1568 was made and Richard Grenville also seized lands for colonization at Tracton, to the west of Cork harbour. The Munster plantation was the largest colonial venture of the English at the time. By the mid-19th century much of
1430-471: The Ui Fidghente are noted as opponents of her father at the battle of Aine in 667. Dún Eochair (Maighe) was the great capital of the Uí Fidgenti, described by Geoffrey Keating as having been one of the two great seats of the Dáirine and the legendary Cú Roí mac Dáire . The earthworks remain and the fortress can be found next to the modern town of Bruree , on the River Maigue . The name means "Fortress on
1485-697: The Ui Fidghente territory was under extreme pressure from all sides, as the MacCarthaigs, O'Brians and the English foreigners (Fitzgerald, Fitzmaurice, DeBurgo) looked to the south and west to expand against the remnants of the Ui Fidghente, the Uí Chonaill Gabra and the Ui Chairpre, who were without formidable allies. Because of the later dominance of County Clare by the Dál gCais, the Uí Fidgenti septs there have proven difficult to trace and identify. A powerful branch of
1540-554: The Ui Fidghente was also a considerable factor in the decrease of their power. The Ui Fidghenete had allied with the Ui Imhar five generations before Donovan was slain in 977, and the O'Donovans continued to carry Danish-dominated names well past the death of Amlaíb (Olaf) Ua Donnubáinof in 1201. Having allied with the losing side of the Danish / Irish conflicts in the late 10th century, the O'Donovans of Ui Chairbre saw their influence wane during
1595-489: The Uí Chonaill Gabra known as the Uí Chormaic preserved their identity, from whom descend the O'Hehirs, but it is believed that other families were later wrongly classified as Dalcassian. Evidence may or may not exist for long-term exchange between the Uí Fidgenti and Corcu Loígde . This appears to be a relic of the pre-Eóganachta political configuration of Munster, and may support the theory of (some) Uí Fidgenti origins among
1650-600: The Uí Chonaill and Uí Chairpri to flee as far as Eóganacht Locha Léin and others into County Kerry ( AI ). The O'Collins, the most powerful sept, would follow many of the O'Donovans some decades later, but one or two smaller septs within the Ui Fidghente, notably the MacEnirys, would remain in County Limerick for several centuries more as lords under the new Earls of Desmond . Important families which did not survive intact from
1705-551: The Uí Fidgenti in 645 (649) as allies of the celebrated king of Connacht , Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin , at the Battle of Carn Conaill . His dynasty, the Uí Fiachrach Aidhne , controlled much of the territory to the immediate north of the Uí Fidgenti. Byrne argues the two kingdoms were in rivalry for control over several smaller tuaths, but other evidence suggests they were allied. In the 8th century Lament of Crede, daughter of Guaire,
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1760-665: The area was hit hard in the Great Famine , especially the west. The province was affected by events in the Irish War of Independence in the early 20th century, and there was a brief Munster Republic during the Irish Civil War . The Irish leaders Michael Collins and earlier Daniel O'Connell came from families of the old Gaelic Munster gentry. Noted for its traditions in Irish folk music , and with many ancient castles and monasteries in
1815-725: The dairy cows of the region, and Glanbia is a food producer which operates an "innovation centre" in the region. Dawn Meats also operate from County Waterford. Irish-owned retailer Dunnes Stores was founded in Cork, and Ireland's largest supermarket group, the Musgrave Group , is also based in Munster. Large employers in the region include AOL , Bausch & Lomb , Dairygold, Dell , Amazon , Motorola , Amgen, Pfizer , Analog Devices, Fexco Financial Services, Vistakon, Waterford Crystal, Apple Computer , Intel , Novartis, O2, Lufthansa Technik, Kerry Group, Siemens , Sony and Blizzard Entertainment . The largest employment hub in Munster
1870-404: The dominant teams in Munster football are Kerry GAA and Cork GAA , although Tipperary GAA and Limerick GAA have also won All-Ireland Senior Football Championships . Kerry in particular are the most successful county in the history of football. Rugby is a popular game in the cities of Limerick and Cork. Munster Rugby is an Irish Rugby Football Union representative side which competes in
1925-482: The earliest sources, such as The Expulsion of the Déisi (incidentally), are mentioned together with them. The Uí Fidgenti descend from Fiachu Fidgenti, the second son of Dáire Cerbba, whom, it is believed, became the senior line of the Milesian race upon the death of Crimhthann in 379 AD Fiacha himself, however, never became King of Munster, for he was killed by his rival, Aengus Tireach, great grandson of Cormac Cas, in
1980-421: The early or proto- Eóganachta and among the Dáirine by different scholars working in a number of traditions, with no agreement ever reached or appearing reachable. Genealogies deriving from the Uí Fidgenti include O'Billry, O’Bruadair (Brouder), O'Cennfhaelaidh (Kenneally/Kenealy), Clerkin, Collins (Cuilen), O'Connell, O'Dea, O'Donovan , Flannery, O'Heffernans, Kenealyes, Mac Eneiry, O'Quin, and Tracy. Whether
2035-616: The four most successful teams in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship are from Munster; Cork GAA , Tipperary GAA and Limerick GAA . The final of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship is one of the most important days in the Irish GAA calendar. Munster is Ireland's only province whose every single county has won at least one All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship . Traditionally,
2090-527: The gradual change from the Irish to the English tongue with a totally different method of spelling and pronunciation and the omission of the "Ui" which was unintelligible to those acquainted only with the latter language. During 1750 to 1900, Fidgeinte had become FOUGHANOUGH or FEOHONAGH, and finally FEENAGH—a name now confined to a single parish southeast of Newcastle in County Limerick. Vita tripartita Sancti Patricii Senán mac Geircinn The Annals first note
2145-416: The heralds of Louis XVI of France . Also was Michael Collins , descending from the Ó Coileáin of Uí Chonaill Gabra, once the most powerful sept of the Uí Fidgenti. A variety of sources show that Uí Fidgenti was the most prominent of the non-(classical)-Eóganacht overkingdoms of medieval Munster, once the formerly powerful Corcu Loígde and distant Osraige are excluded as non-participating. By circa 950,
2200-529: The historic counties. Munster has no official function for local government purposes. For the purposes of the ISO , the province is listed as one of the provincial sub-divisions of the State ( ISO 3166-2:IE ) and coded as "IE-M". Geographically, Munster covers a total area of 24,675 km (9,527 sq mi) and has a population of 1,373,346, with the most populated city being Cork . Other significant urban centres in
2255-574: The local city or regional newspapers, a number of print outlets focus or market themselves on a provincial basis. These include the Avondhu (covering parts of Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Tipperary), the Nationalist & Munster Advertiser , the Munster Express , and others. Vita tripartita Sancti Patricii While there are some textual references indicative of ninth-century date, in my opinion
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2310-415: The next two centuries while they tried to stem the tide against more powerful forces. The core of the Uí Chonaill Gabra, under the O'Collins, remained a powerful force in Munster for some period of time. The Annals of Inisfallen note that in 1177 there was "An expedition by Domnall Ua Donnchada (Donnell O'Donoghue) and Cuilén Ua Cuiléin (Colin O'Collins) against Machaire, and they took away many cows. Peace
2365-571: The province include Limerick and Waterford . In the early centuries AD, Munster was the domain of the Iverni peoples and the Clanna Dedad familial line, led by Cú Roí and to whom the king Conaire Mór also belonged. In the 5th century, Saint Patrick spent several years in the area and founded Christian churches and ordained priests. During the Early Middle Ages , most of the area was part of
2420-743: The province ranged from €28,094 in the South Tipperary/Waterford (South-East) region, to €50,544 in Cork and Kerry (South-West). Disposable income in the province was approximately €22,000 per person in 2008 - behind the Eastern and Dublin region (€25,000 per person) and ahead of the Border, Midland and Western regions (€20,000 per person). Munster's agricultural industry centres around the Golden Vale pasturelands which cover counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary. Kerry Group manufactures dairy products from
2475-448: The province, Munster is a tourist destination. During the fifth century, St. Patrick spent seven years founding churches and ordaining priests in Munster, but a fifth-century bishop named Ailbe is the patron saint of Munster. In Irish mythology , a number of ancient goddesses are associated with the province including Anann , Áine , Grian , Clíodhna , Aimend , Mór Muman , Bébinn , Aibell and Mongfind . The druid-god of Munster
2530-410: The rise of the Dalcassian clan, who had earlier annexed Thomond , north of the River Shannon to Munster. Their leaders were the ancestors of the O'Brien dynasty and spawned Brian Boru , perhaps the most noted High King of Ireland , and several of whose descendants were also high kings. By 1118, Munster had fractured into the Kingdom of Thomond under the O'Briens, the Kingdom of Desmond under
2585-472: The south of Brugh Riogh can be found Cnoc Samhna ("Hill of Samhain "), also known as Ard na Ríoghraidhe ("Height of the Kingfolk"). Associated with Mongfind , this may have been the Uí Fidgenti inauguration site. The Ardagh Chalice was discovered in Uí Fidgenti territory, at Reerasta Rath in 1868. The Uí Fidgenti are credited with having a unique relationship with the Eóganachta kings at Cashel . Five generations before Fiacha, Oilioll Olum (died 234 AD)
2640-441: The stipends of the King of Cashel to the kings of his territory included, to the King of Ui Chonaill: ten steeds, shields, horns; and, to the King of BrughRigh (now Bruree): seven steeds, horns, swords and seven serving youths and seven bondmen. It also noted that the word of the King of Ui Chonail to the Kings of Cashel was sufficient, and no hostages need be exchanged as consideration for an agreement. A passage in The Expulsion of
2695-498: The stronger power. By 1169, the Uí Chairpre had further divided into the Uí Chairpre and the Uí Dhonnabháin, though comparing the genealogies set forth in Rawlin and the Book of Munster, the lines diverged with Cenn Faelad, four generations before Donovan (died 974), reflecting that specific family's alliance with the Danes of Limerick and Waterford. Modern descendants of Daire Cerbba include the O'Connells of Derrynane , Daniel Charles, Count O'Connell having explicitly declared this to
2750-399: The territory of the Ui Fidgheinte were divided primarily between the two most powerful septs, the Ui Cairbre and the Ui Coilean. The Ui Cairbre Aobhdha (of which O’Donovan were chief), lay along the Maigue basin in Coshmagh and Kenry (Caenraighe) and covered the deanery of Adare, and at one point extended past Kilmallock to Ardpartrick and Doneraile. The tribes of Ui Chonail Gabhra extended to
2805-401: The text was continued thereafter and completed around or after the mid-tenth century. Some decades later, in the eleventh century, the text was edited as a tripartite homily designed for preaching during celebration of the saint's feast. It was meant to be read in three parts over the three days of the Patrick's festival. James F. Kenney said that the Tripartite Life represents "the evolution of
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#17330924554592860-439: The war waged by the O'Briens , and the subsequent incursion of the FitzGeralds , were Kenneally , Flannery, Tracey, Clerkin, and Ring. These septs scattered all over Munster. The recurring conflict with the O'Briens had its most infamous event more than two centuries before, when Donnubán mac Cathail , progenitor of the O'Donovans, formed an anti- Dalcassian alliance with two other leaders, his father-in-law Ivar of Limerick ,
2915-415: The year 1201 ( AI ). It is clear that the chiefs and territories of what were formerly the Ui-Fidghente (i.e. the Uí Chonaill Gabra and the Uí Chairpri) were under pressure after 1178, indicating they were still in their historical territory after the 1169 invasion of foreigners, and were caught in the crossfire between the MacCarthaigs, the O'Brians and the English foreigners. By the end of the 12th century,
2970-410: Was afterwards made by the son of Mac Carthaig (MacCarthy) and by the Uí Briain (O'Briens)". This suggests the Uí Chonaill Gabra commanded one of the largest forces in Munster at this time and that it was not until after sustained attacks from the FitzGeralds that they were forced to retire to Cork in the mid 13th century. The same Cuiléin Ua Cuiléin and many of the nobles of Uí Chonaill Gabra were slain in
3025-444: Was one of Europe's leading centres of learning in the Early Middle Ages. Several sports in Munster are organised on a provincial basis, or operate competitions along provincial lines. This includes traditionally popular sports such as hurling , Gaelic football , rugby union and soccer, as well as cricket ( Munster Cricket Union ), hockey ( Munster Hockey Union ), and others. Munster is noted for its tradition of hurling . Three of
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