Two poems attributed to Muireadhach Albanach Ó Dálaigh

Abstract

Some forty years ago, Professor Brian Ó Cuív published a study on Muireadhach Albanach Ó Dálaigh, one of the first poets of the Early Modern Irish period.1 Part of the discussion referred to four poems, attributed to Ó Dálaigh, which were composed for the Ó Briain family. Reference was made to Aonar dhuit, a Bhriain Bhanbha, a poem which mainly describes the exploits of Brian Bóraimhe, but which concludes with contemporary allusions to the Anglo-Norman invasion.2 Tomhais cia mise, a Mhurchaidh is a panegyric addressed to Murchadh na nEach, son of Brian Dall, a descendant of Brian Bóraimhe through his son Donnchadh.3 The content of the latter poem implies that Muireadhach Albanach had returned from exile in search of patronage in Ireland.4 The two poems beginning Mo leaba féin dhamh, a Dhonnchaidh and Roinneam, a chompáin, chloinn mBriain, edited below, praise Donnchadh Cairbreach Ó Briain, king of Thomond (1210– 42), and they are ascribed in all the manuscripts to Muireadhach Albanach Ó Dálaigh.