In that year he gave his support to Tommaltach mac Indrechtaig (died 790) in a civil war among the rival Dal nAraide family.
Tommaltach was the great grandson of Óengus, son of Máel Cobo mac Fiachnai (died 647) king of Ulaid and this branch (called the Cenél nÓengusa) threatened to be excluded from the throne.
[4] However Tommlatach's branch of the family remained based in Leth Cathail (Lecale)-"Cathal's Half" in southern modern County Down (also known as Mag Inis).
[7] In 809 the high king Áed Oirdnide campaigned against Ulaid and defeated them ravaging from the Bann to Strangford Lough.
The motive for this conflict was apparently the killing of Dúnchú, superior of Tulach Léis (Tullylisk, County Down), by the Ulaid.