ABSTRACT
Tairrdelbach’s early career was dominated by a feud with his uncle Donnchad mac Briain (d. 1065) who had incited the Éile to kill Tairrdelbach’s father. Tairrdelbach’s marriage to an Éile princess named Gormfhlaith was probably a later peace effort. Tairrdelbach raided his uncle’s lands in upper County Clare in 1053, and attacked Donnchad’s son Murchad in 1055. The feud intensified when Tairrdelbach received support from his foster-father, the Leinster king Diarmait mac Máele na mbó. They attacked Donnchad in 1058, who was forced to burn Limerick to prevent them from capturing it. In 1062, Tairrdelbach and Diarmait returned to County Limerick, destroying Donnchad’s lands and followers. Tairrdelbach was recognized as king of Munster in 1063.
