The Síol Muireadaigh were a dynasty of regional clans, named after King Muiredach Muillethan of Connacht (died 702), all of whom lived in north-central Connacht.
The Laiginians arrived in Connacht in the 3rd century AD from Leinster, conquering the ruling Fir Bolg and Fomorians, and ruling until conquered by the Gael under the Connachta in the 5th century.
An ollamh was the highest rank in the learned orders of law, poetry, or history.
These educated professionals, today grouped together in the popular consciousness as "bards", maintained an oral tradition that pre-dated Christianization of Ireland.
The post had likely existed for at least as long as the Síl Muireadaigh dynasty themselves, but earlier ollamhs are unknown.