Brian Breifneach Ua Conchobair (fl. 1156) was a Prince of Connacht in medieval Ireland. He was one of approximately twenty-two sons of King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht (1088–1156). His epithet Breifneach indicates that he was fostered in the kingdom of Breifne, likely by King Tigernan Ua Ruairc.
Upon the death of Tairrdelbach at Dunmore, County Galway, in the spring of 1156, Brian was considered a credible candidate to succeed to the kingship of Connacht. Other contenders included his brothers Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, Brian Luighneach, and Muirchertach Muimhnech.
To prevent Brian Breifneach from becoming king, his brother Ruaidrí had him arrested along with Brian Luighneach and Muirchertach Muimhnech. As an additional precaution, Ruaidrí had Brian Breifneach blinded, which under Irish custom disqualified him from holding kingship. Ruaidrí went on to serve as King of Connacht from 1156 and as High King of Ireland from 1166 until his deposition in 1183.
References
- Mac Shamhráin, Ailbhe. "Ua Conchobair, Ruaidhri", in Dictionary of Irish Biography ... to the Year 2002, p. 572.
