Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/O'Connor, Roderic (d.1118)
O'CONNOR, RODERIC, or in Irish RUAIDHRI (d. 1118), king of Connaught, always mentioned by Irish historians as ‘na Soighe Buidhe,’ of the yellow brach, was son of Aedh O'Connor [q. v.], king of Connaught, but does not appear in the annals as king till 1076, nine years after his father's death, when he made formal submission to Turlough O'Brien (1009–1086) [q. v.], who had invaded Connaught. In 1079 he was driven out of Connaught by O'Brien, but had returned in 1082. In 1087 he established his power by a great victory over the invading Conmaicne at Cunghill in Corran, co. Sligo, a battle long after employed in dates as the starting-point of an era, just as the battle of Antrim was in later times. In 1088 he took the island in the Shannon called Incherky, and afterwards plundered Corcomroe, co. Clare. He had to give hostages in token of submission to Domhnall O'Lochlainn, king of Ireland, and then joined him in burning Limerick and plundering the plain of Munster as far as Emly. They demolished Cenncoradh, the chief fort of the Dal Cais, and carried off Madadhan O'Ceinnedigh, and one hundred and sixty hostages, for whom a large ransom in cows, horses, gold, silver, and meat was afterwards obtained. He again invaded Munster in 1089. In 1090 he had once more to give hostages and declare allegiance to Domhnall O'Lochlainn. In 1092 he was treacherously seized by Flaibheartach O'Flaibheartaigh, his gossip, and his eyes put out, an outrage avenged in 1098 by Madadhan O'Cuanna, who slew Flaibheartach. O'Connor ceased to be king, and retired to the monastery of Clonmacnoise, where he died in 1118. He married Mór, daughter of Turlough O'Brien. His son Turlough O'Connor [q. v.] became king of Connaught. Another son, Niall, surnamed Aithclerech, was killed in 1093. His daughter had some skill in metal-work.
[Annala Rioghachta Eireann, vol. ii. ed. O'Donovan; Annals of Ulster, vol. ii. ed. McCarthy.]