Struck for the 1000 year anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf and Brian Boru

One thousand years ago, on 23 April 1014, Brian Bóruma, King of Munster, High-King of Ireland and Emperor of the Irish, met his end at the Battle of Clontarf.

Born in 941, Brian Bóruma survived the dynastic struggles that killed his father and several of his brothers and became King of Dál Cais (North Munster) in 976. Driven by a desire to avenge his brother, Mathghamain, and consolidate his power, Brian soon had all of Munster under his control. He aimed next to subdue Connaught and the Vikings of Leinster but his progress was checked by the High King, Malachy (Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill). The two kings came to uneasy truce until, in 1002, Brian gained Malachy’s submission and Brian became Ard rig Eirinn, High King of Ireland.