17. Art Mac Murrough

High up on the wooded mountain slopes the Leinster army waited. Their leader was Art Mac Murrough, King of Leinster. He was a powerful warrior, tall and active, and mounted on a swift and splendid horse. He rode without a saddle and in his hand he held a long spear.

In silence the men of Leinster watched the English army slowly making its way across the hilly countryside below. They could see Richard, King of England, riding in front. They knew him well, for this was the second time he had brought his army to Ireland to try to break the power of the Leinster King.

Quietly Mac Murrough led his men down the wooded hillside. Hidden among the trees they waited till the bulk of King Richard's troops had passed them by. Then, with loud war cries, they dashed from the wood and fell upon the readguard. They flung their spears with such deadly aim and terrible force that they pierced tha heavy English armour. Then, before the main body of Richard's troops could return to help their comrades, they quickly drew back to the shelter of the wood. Th English swiftly followed bu Mac Murrough led hem through bog and marsh where, in their heavy armour, they sank to their waists.

On the following day, and each day after that, Mac Murrough again attacked the English forces. He did not risk an open battle, for Richard's army was ten times larger than his own. He cut off their scouting parties, made night attacks upon their camp, let loose their horses and carried off their food. Many were slain by the Irish ; many died from sickness and from hunger. Only by the arrival at Arklow of ships laden with food was Richard's army saved from starvation.

Still there was not rest for the English troops . Still Mac Murrough attacked, cutting off stragglers and wuickly returning to the hills and the woods.

Richard turned towards Dublin, where he could rest his army and get fresh supplies. From Dublin he sent his forces through Leinster to hunt down Mac Murrough, offering a large reward to whoever should bring him back a prisoner. But all their efforts were in vain and six weeks later Richard returned to England.

For many years afterwards Art Mac Murrough fought to bring all the lands of Leinster under his power. He was the greatest and the most successful defender of his country since the time of the High King Brian.