“On Good Friday Brian was killed
Defending the hostaged Irish . . .
Just as Christ without sin was killed
Defending the children of Adam.”
13th Century poem about Brian Boru
Amazingly, we are going to Ireland when there will be celebrations of the life of Brian Boru, c941-1014. One of my favourite Irish heroes. Many celebrations will have come and gone, as he died at Easter time.
I met Brian Boru when he was introduced to me by Morgan Llywelyn, author of historical fiction, in February, 1986. Fiction Brian is not, Morgan brings him to life in her book Lion of Ireland. I am rereading the book with as much interest and passion as the first time.
http://www.brianboru2014.com/
Brian was High King of Ireland, 1002-1014, bringing the country together to crush the Norsemen. Even though he did not manage to rid Ireland of the Vikings, their power was considerably less during and after his reign. There never was another true Ard Ri bringing Ireland together again.
On our travels we will be in Brian Boru country. Killaloe and The Rock of Cashel are high on our agenda. More to come when we get there.
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