[3] By 22 July Edmund Butler, the Justicier in Dublin, assembled an army from Munster and Leinster to join Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster to fight Bruce.

De Burgh refused to let the government troop into Ulster, fearing widespread damage to his land.

Bruce and his O’Neill allies sacked Coleraine, destroying the bridge over the River Bann to delay pursuit.

Edward sent word to Fedlimd Ó Conchobair that he would support his position as king in Connacht if he would withdraw.

The government forces under Butler did not engage Bruce, allowing him to consolidate his hold in Ulster.