Upon the death of Máel Ruanaid mac Donnchada Midi of Mide in 843, a succession dispute broke out.
The new High King was Áed Findliath (died 877) of the northern Uí Néill kindred of the Cenél nEógain.
One of his sons, who is unnamed, is mentioned as being responsible for the killing of the heir of the high king Flann Sinna in 901.
If so, then the theory is that Lorcán was appointed as the representative of Máel Sechnaill mac Maíl Ruanaid to administer Mide while he was high king.
This theory could explain why Conchobar mac Donnchada was called the other king of Mide in the notice of his drowning by the Vikings in 864.