By the early 14th century, Ireland had not had a High King since Ruaidri mac Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair (Rory O'Conor) who had been deposed by his son in 1186.
In 1258 some of the Gaelic aristocrats elected Brian Ua Néill High King; however, he was defeated by the Normans at the Battle of Downpatrick in 1260.