Hi to all ,
are a company based in Ireland run by a fine chap called Daniel Batta who set it up to delve into the wealth of wonderful Irish themed subjects no matter if its historical or fantasy .
They have released 2 new 75 mm figures one being Brian Boru
(with the other being Vallon (more on this at a later date!!!)
Something I have noticed is that they offer FREE yes that's right FREE WORLD WIDE shipping ..nice bonus in today's climate.
The subject of this review will be the fabled Irish King "BRIAN BORU" so lets have some background information on this fellow.
The line between legend and reality is often very blurred but Brian Boru was no legend although his life deeds were legendary. He was very much a real man and was in fact the last great High King of Ireland and perhaps the greatest military leader the country has ever known.
Brian Boru was born Brian Mac Cennétig. He mother was sister to the mother of Conor, the King of Connaught.
His brother, Mahon, had become King of Munster in 951, upon the death of their father, Cennétig. Together they fought against the invading Norsemen, who had imposed taxes in Munster. This struggle eventually led to the murder of Mahon in 975 by the Ostermen (Norse). Brian avenged his brother's death by killing the King of the Ostermen of Limerick, King Ímar.
From this point onwards Brian held Munster as his own, including the pivotal trade-centre of Limerick. He marched into Connaught and Leinster and joined forces with Mael Sechnaill II in 997. Together they divided Ireland between them.
The Norse settlers in Dublin especially ranged against Brian but were defeated at Glen Máma where the King of Leinster was captured. The King of Dublin, Sitric Silkenbeard, was soon defeated too.
In 1002 Brian demanded of his comrade Mael Sechnaill that he recognize him as King of Ireland. Mael agreed, partially because many of his own people viewed Brian as a hero who had restored Ireland to greatness after the Viking invasions. The rule of the UíNéill's was thus at an end as a non-O'Neill was proclaimed as King. The O'Neill's had been rulers for over 600 years.
He earned his name as 'Brian of the Tributes' (Brian Boru) by collecting tributes from the minor rulers of Ireland and used the monies raised to restore monasteries and libraries that had been destroyed during the invasions.
The Norsemen were not done yet however, and once more waged war on Brian Boru and his followers at Clontarf in Dublin in 1014. The King of Connaught, Tadhg O'Conor refused to ally with Brian against the Ostermen although Uí Fiachrach Aidne and Uí Maine did join with him.
Despite the lack of backing from the men of Connaught, the Munstermen won the day but lost Brian Boru in the battle. This battle was a major turning point as it finally subjugated the Norse presence in Ireland who were henceforth considered subordinate to the Kingships of Ireland. Their military threat had been ended and they retreated to the urban centres of Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Wexford, and Cork. They eventually became completely hibernicized and integrated into Gaelic culture.
After his death and the death of one of his sons, his remaining sons, Tadg and Donnchad, were unable to assume the kingship which was assumed by Mael Sechnaill. He died in 1022 after which the role of High King of Ireland became more of a position in name only, rather than that of a powerful ruler.
The bones of Brian Boru the King of Ireland who defeated the Vikings in 1014 are said to be buried in the North Wall of Saint Patricks Church Of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh which dates back to medieval times.
In the west wall of the North Transept is a granite slab
, placed there in 1914, commemorating the burial on the north side of the Cathedral of Brian Boroimhe, Boru High King of Ireland, in 1014. Brian, by his victory at Clontarf on Good Friday, 1014, delivered a final blow to Danish power in Ireland.He lost his life in the battle and his body was brought to Armagh, where it lay in state in the Cathedral for twelve days before burial.
Perhaps the best that should be said of Brian Boru therefore, is that he was the last great High King of Ireland.
This year 2014 is the 1000th anniversary of his death and Ireland is celebrating his life and achievements with many events taking place . His name is used in many area's including heritage centre's , resturants and pubs (selling the famous jet black nectar drink Guiness!!)
.
There is also a beer named after him
.... and he has been celebrated on Eire stamps.
It only seems right that his life would appear on the silver screen and this happened , written and directed by an Irish film maker called Mark Mahon , the film's hope were riding high in the light of Braveheart.
There is also a harp called after Brian Boru famously stolen in the 60's now held in safe keeping at Trinity College in Dublin.
The name itself is also used by the mascot of the Royal Irish Regiment with the 1st Bn having the honour to have on its strength Brian Boru the 8th ...he even has his own uniform!!!.
Brian Boru lives on in the proud Irish History in both social and military walk of life.
Continued in next post:
Nap
They have released 2 new 75 mm figures one being Brian Boru
Something I have noticed is that they offer FREE yes that's right FREE WORLD WIDE shipping ..nice bonus in today's climate.
The subject of this review will be the fabled Irish King "BRIAN BORU" so lets have some background information on this fellow.
The line between legend and reality is often very blurred but Brian Boru was no legend although his life deeds were legendary. He was very much a real man and was in fact the last great High King of Ireland and perhaps the greatest military leader the country has ever known.
Brian Boru was born Brian Mac Cennétig. He mother was sister to the mother of Conor, the King of Connaught.
His brother, Mahon, had become King of Munster in 951, upon the death of their father, Cennétig. Together they fought against the invading Norsemen, who had imposed taxes in Munster. This struggle eventually led to the murder of Mahon in 975 by the Ostermen (Norse). Brian avenged his brother's death by killing the King of the Ostermen of Limerick, King Ímar.
From this point onwards Brian held Munster as his own, including the pivotal trade-centre of Limerick. He marched into Connaught and Leinster and joined forces with Mael Sechnaill II in 997. Together they divided Ireland between them.
The Norse settlers in Dublin especially ranged against Brian but were defeated at Glen Máma where the King of Leinster was captured. The King of Dublin, Sitric Silkenbeard, was soon defeated too.
In 1002 Brian demanded of his comrade Mael Sechnaill that he recognize him as King of Ireland. Mael agreed, partially because many of his own people viewed Brian as a hero who had restored Ireland to greatness after the Viking invasions. The rule of the UíNéill's was thus at an end as a non-O'Neill was proclaimed as King. The O'Neill's had been rulers for over 600 years.
He earned his name as 'Brian of the Tributes' (Brian Boru) by collecting tributes from the minor rulers of Ireland and used the monies raised to restore monasteries and libraries that had been destroyed during the invasions.
The Norsemen were not done yet however, and once more waged war on Brian Boru and his followers at Clontarf in Dublin in 1014. The King of Connaught, Tadhg O'Conor refused to ally with Brian against the Ostermen although Uí Fiachrach Aidne and Uí Maine did join with him.
Despite the lack of backing from the men of Connaught, the Munstermen won the day but lost Brian Boru in the battle. This battle was a major turning point as it finally subjugated the Norse presence in Ireland who were henceforth considered subordinate to the Kingships of Ireland. Their military threat had been ended and they retreated to the urban centres of Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Wexford, and Cork. They eventually became completely hibernicized and integrated into Gaelic culture.
After his death and the death of one of his sons, his remaining sons, Tadg and Donnchad, were unable to assume the kingship which was assumed by Mael Sechnaill. He died in 1022 after which the role of High King of Ireland became more of a position in name only, rather than that of a powerful ruler.
The bones of Brian Boru the King of Ireland who defeated the Vikings in 1014 are said to be buried in the North Wall of Saint Patricks Church Of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh which dates back to medieval times.
In the west wall of the North Transept is a granite slab
, placed there in 1914, commemorating the burial on the north side of the Cathedral of Brian Boroimhe, Boru High King of Ireland, in 1014. Brian, by his victory at Clontarf on Good Friday, 1014, delivered a final blow to Danish power in Ireland.He lost his life in the battle and his body was brought to Armagh, where it lay in state in the Cathedral for twelve days before burial. Perhaps the best that should be said of Brian Boru therefore, is that he was the last great High King of Ireland.
This year 2014 is the 1000th anniversary of his death and Ireland is celebrating his life and achievements with many events taking place . His name is used in many area's including heritage centre's , resturants and pubs (selling the famous jet black nectar drink Guiness!!)
.There is also a beer named after him
.... and he has been celebrated on Eire stamps.
It only seems right that his life would appear on the silver screen and this happened , written and directed by an Irish film maker called Mark Mahon , the film's hope were riding high in the light of Braveheart.
There is also a harp called after Brian Boru famously stolen in the 60's now held in safe keeping at Trinity College in Dublin.
The name itself is also used by the mascot of the Royal Irish Regiment with the 1st Bn having the honour to have on its strength Brian Boru the 8th ...he even has his own uniform!!!.
Brian Boru lives on in the proud Irish History in both social and military walk of life.
Continued in next post:
Nap
