 Máel Sechnaill belonged to the Clann Cholmáin branch of the Uí Néill dynasty.He was the grandson of Donnchad Donn, great-grandson of Flann Sinna and great-great-grandson of the first Máel Sechnaill, Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid.The Kings of Tara or High Kings of Ireland had for centuries alternated between the various Uí Néill branches.