On 6 May 795 the previous king Bran Ardchenn mac Muiredaig of the Uí Muiredaig sept and his queen Eithne were assassinated (by burning) in a church at Cell Cúile Duma (near Stradbally, Co.Leix) by Finsnechta Cethardec mac Cellaig (died 808) of the Uí Dúnchada sept.[2] This was a ruthless political gesture directed at the high king Donnchad Midi (died 797) (Eithne was his sister).
In 804 the high king Áed Oirdnide (died 819) of the Cenél nEógain led a battle into Leinster and won the submission of Finsnechta.
[5] The Annals of the Four Masters say of this event:[6] "Afterwards he returns to Leinster, Aedh, a soldier who shunned not battles; The robber king did not cease till he left them in dearth."
[7] Finsnechta took refuge with Muirgius mac Tommaltaig (died 815), the King of Connacht who then aided him in recovering his throne in 806.
[8] Finsnechta recovered the throne by defeating the sons of Ruaidrí mac Fáeláin (died 785), Muiredach and Diarmait.