 Murchad meanwhile had to deal with a challenge for supremacy among the northern Ui Neill.In 819 he defeated Máel Bresail mac Murchada of the rival Cenél Conaill who was slain in the skirmish.In 820 Murchad made a bid for the high kingship and led a hosting of the northern Uí Néill to Druim ind Eich (near modern Dublin) while Conchobor with the southern Uí Néill and the Laigin moved northwards.