The
Battle of Moira is the earliest known record of life here.
The
battle was between Domhnall (pronounced Donall), High King
of Ireland and Congal Cláen, King of Ulster. It is
described as one of the most blood-thirsty in early Irish
History.
Congal
had killed the King of Ireland in 628 but was defeated the
next year at the battle of Battle of Dun Cethirn and Domnall
became King of Ireland.
Congal
fled to exile in Scotland and asked for help. He returned
with an army of Britons, Scots and Saxons, including a Scottish
King and a number of Princes. He probably arrived through
Dunseverick.
engraving of Dunseverick Castle
One of the five royal roads from Tara, seat of the Kings of
Ireland, ran due north and ended at Dunseverick castle.
Ancient High King coronation stone at Tara
This
ancient road was known as the High King’s Road and crossed
the Lagan at a fort near Moira – probably over the ford
where Spencer’s Bridge now stands.
Congal and his troops marched south. Domhnall advanced from
Tara, with an army of Irish chieftains and princes. The two
armies of 50,000 men on either side, came together at Moira.
Congal's army was annihilated (that means totally defeated).
Congal himself was killed.
The Battle of Moira by Jim Fitzpatrick
One
historian said it was "the greatest battle, whether we
regard the numbers engaged, the duration of the combat, or
the stake at issue, ever fought within the bounds of Ireland."
(Congal: in five books by Sir Samuel Ferguson)
The defeated
armies fled in the direction of the Killultagh Woods, near
Ballinderry.
When
the Railway was being built, great quantities of bones were
discovered. These are believed to have been from the men and
horses killed in the battle. Just below the kilns there once
was a mound which a few years ago was "discovered to
consist almost entirely of human remains; evidently of those
who had been slain in some great battle".
(Quoted by Eileen Cousins in “Like and
Evening gone” – a history of Magheralin Church).
Some
of the names of the townlands in the area originate from the
Battle. Aughnafosker means the 'field of slaughter.' Carnalbanagh
means 'the Scotsman's grave.' Kilwarlin means ' wood of slaughter.'
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