26th Nov 2025: Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster

In 1207, war broke out between Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster and the new justiciar (the King’s Regent). King John was forced to make his second journey to Ireland. He expelled the Earl’s brother, Walter de Lacy, from Meath, Hugh, fearing for his life, and fled to Scotland. Later, Hugh de Lacy took part in the French wars, only to return to Ireland in 1221, when he allied himself with the O’Neill family, who were past Kings of Northern Ireland and still antagonists of the English. Nothing stays the same for the de Lacy family in Ireland for long. With the backing of his Irish friends, the O’Neills, and the knights and foot soldiers who had joined him from his brother's Meath Estates, Hugh de Lacy had raised an army. They were marching in 1223 on a frail Dublin City. King John was unable to come to Dublin's aid. He called upon Hugh to abandon his campaign. In return, King John restored to Hugh de Lacy the Title of Earl of Ulster and all the lands and estates that went with it.
In the following year, Hugh reverted to serving the king loyally.