on the south coast and Limerick on the west coast. Biography He made an alliance with Niall mac Eochada, king of Ulaid, which helped to put pressure both from the north and south on the kingdoms of Mide, Brega and Dublin — ruled by the High King. In 1042 he was able to claim the title "King of Leinster" and install his son, Murchad, as King of Dublin. Thus ruler of two of the most powerful and wealthy towns on the island, he was able to make a bid for the High-Kingship. It was during a battle against the king of Mide, Conchobar Ua Maelsechalinn, that he was killed, near to Navan. County Meath, on 7 February 1072. The surviving sons of King Harold Godwinson of England escaped to Leinster after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 where they were hosted by Diarmait. In 1068 and 1069 Diarmait lent them the fleet of Dublin for their attempted invasions of England. In 1068 Diarmait presented another Irish king with Harold's battle standard. He is also famous as the ancestor of Diarmait MacMurrough. Diarmait's Death in the Annals of the Four Masters "Diarmaid, son of Mael-na-mbo, King of Leinster, of the foreigners of Ath-cliath, and of Leath-Mogha-Nuadhat, was slain and beheaded in the battle of Odhbha, on Tuesday, the seventh of the Ides of February, the battle having been gained over him by Conchobhar O'Maeleachlainn, King of Meath. There were also slain many hundreds of the foreigners and Leinstermen, along with Diarmaid, in that battle. In it was killed Gillaphadraig O'Fearghaile, lord of the Fortuatha, &c. Of the death of Diarmaid was said:" Two, seven times ten above one thousand, From the birth of Christ is reckoned, To this year, in which Diarmaid, First man in Leinster, fell. Diarmaid, of the ruddy-coloured aspect, A king who maintained the standard of war, Whose death brought scarcity of peace, The loss of the heroes of Ladhrann, with their ships. Comely youths were cut down there, Together with the head of Claire and Cualann. It caused in the breeze an unpleasant noise, The loss of the King of Riada of great valour. Until at Muillenn-Chul was slain A brave chieftain of a strong fortress, Until the furious fire-brand fell by treachery, They found no hero who dared with him contend. It is a red wound through my firm heart; For the host from Caindruim it