Múscraige


The Múscraighe were an important Érainn people of Munster, descending from Cairpre Músc, son of Conaire Cóem, a High King of Ireland. Closely related were the Corcu Duibne, Corcu Baiscind, both of Munster, and also the Dál Riata of Ulster and Scotland, all being referred to as the Síl Conairi in Irish and Scottish legends. A more distant ancestor was the legendary monarch Conaire Mór, son of Eterscél, son of Íar, son of Dedu mac Sin.
While the Múscraige petty kingdoms were scattered throughout the province of Munster, the largest were centred on the present baronies of Muskerry in central Cork.
The tribes or septs were pre-Eóganachta, that is before the 6th century. At this time, the territory of Múscraige Mittaine did not extend south of the River Lee. A pedigree of the chieftains of the tribe may be found in the Book of Leinster.
The main septs were:
Irish name of the túathEquivalent baronyCounty
Múscraige TíreOrmond Lower
and Owney and Arra
County Tipperary
Múscraige BreógainClanwilliamCounty Tipperary
Múscraige Tri MaigheOrrery and Kilmore and part
of the barony of Duhallow
County Cork
Múscraige MittaineMuskerry East,
Muskerry West
and Barretts
County Cork
Múscraige Aodha
Various baroniesCounties Cork, Tipperary
and Limerick

Importantly, they acted as vassals and facilitators for the rising Eóganachta.
A King of Munster from the Múscraige was Flaithbertach mac Inmainén.