Marcán mac Tommáin

Who is Marcán mac Tommáin?

Marcán mac Tommáin, died 653 15th King of the Uí Maine.

In his time the Uí Maine were allied and subject to the Ui Fiachrach Aidhne, a branch of the Connachta. They were ruled at this time by Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin who ruled at the height of their power. In the saga Scéla Cano meic Gartnáin, Marcán is married to the daughter of Guaire named Créide.She falls in love with the exiled Scottish prince who is living at her father's court. Cano refused his advances until he became king. After achieving this goal, Cano made attempts to meet up with Créide, but was thwarted by Marcán's son Colgu. Colgu wounds Cano in one of these encounters and Créide, assuming Cano is dead, smashes her head on a rock committing suicide. Cano died shortly after.

The annals record that Marcán was slain in a battle in Airthir Seola by Cenn Fáelad mac Colgan and Máenach mac Báethíne of the Ui Briun in 653. The Annals of Ulster refer to it as a battle of the Connachta. Guaire's brother Loingsech mac Colmáin was ruling at this time and was being challenged by the Ui Briun.