And God granted him this kingdom, for no crime was committed in Connacht at the moment of his accession save one robbery on the road to Cruach, and the hands and feet of the robber were cut off, and the violation of one woman by O Mannachan's son, who was blinded forthwith for the offence."
Aedh looking for allies among the Normans of Meath proceeded to Athlone and there promised them payment and gifts if they would back him as king, as his father had previously done years earlier.
Toirdhealbhach and his followers were again forced to seek refuge in Ulster with the O'Neill's and in 1226, many hostages, including Aedh's own son and daughter were given to the Normans as guarantee of future payment for their support.
Only the intervention of his friend William Marshal, the 2nd Earl of Pembroke allowed him to escape and he would go on to burn Athlone in revenge, killing its constable and freeing the hostages he had previously handed over.
[1] Aedh's reign was mostly a failure marred by conflicts with his vassals and the use of foreign troops to impose his authority, something which in itself was not uncommon for later kings of Connacht.