Cairpre mac Laidcnén

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Cairpre mac Laidcnén (died 793) was a king of the Uí Cheinnselaig of South Leinster. He was of the Síl Mella sept of this branch of the Laigin. He was the son of Laidcnén mac Con Mella (died 727), a previous king, and brother of Donngal mac Laidcnén (died 761) and Dub Calgaid mac Laidcnén (died 769). He ruled from 778-793.

In 780 warfare occurred between the Laigin and the high king Donnchad Midi. Caipre and the Leinster king Ruaidrí mac Fáeláin (died 785) of the Uí Dúnlainge were defeated at the Battle of Óchtar Ocha (at Kilcock, near Kildare).^[1] Donnchad pursued them with his adherents, and laid waste and burned their territory and churches.

In 782 Caipre seems to have given his support to Bran Ardchenn mac Muiredaig (died 795) in his bid for the Leinster throne versus Ruaidrí. Bran was defeated and captured at the Battle of Curragh (near Kildare). Cairpre's brother, Dub dá Crích, was slain fighting for Bran.^[2]