Ep 11: The Conquest of Meath: Hugh de Lacy & the Last Days of Tiernan O'Rourke

Episode 11 explores the rise of Hugh de Lacy and the Norman conquest of Meath following King Henry II’s departure from Ireland in 1172. Determined to prevent Strongbow from becoming too powerful, Henry grants the vast and strategically important Kingdom of Meath to his trusted lieutenant Hugh de Lacy, creating a new Norman lordship at the very heart of Ireland.The episode examines why Meath was one of the most valuable kingdoms in Gaelic Ireland, the Norman strategy of castle building and colonisation, and the growing rivalry between Hugh de Lacy and Strongbow. We also explore the weakening authority of Rory O’Connor as High King, the collapse of the great anti-Norman coalition, and the continued political manoeuvring of powerful rulers such as Tiernan O'Rourke.At the centre of the story is the dramatic confrontation between Hugh de Lacy and Tiernan O’Rourke, King of Bréifne. Drawing on both Norman and Gaelic sources, we examine the disputed meeting at the Hill of Ward, the controversial death of O’Rourke, and the very different versions of events preserved by medieval chroniclers. The episode concludes with the death of one of the most important Gaelic kings of the age and explores how his killing marked a major escalation in tensions between the Normans and the Irish.