 The killing of his uncle Conchobar in 772 is also recorded.Authority in the north during the time of Donnchad Midi appears to have been held by the rival Cenél Conaill in the person of Domnall mac Áeda Muindeirg (died 804) who had the title King in the North in the annals in 779.In 787 however, Máel Dúin defeated Domnall and the Cenél Conaill in the battle and wrested the overlordship of the north from him.