Kassidy O'Kennedy's page

Born the second son in 1144 to Cainen and Alannah Kiernan two noble (Aire) trying to make their way in the Kingdom of Connaught. The birth of their young son Kassidy gave them that much more reason to reach higher in life. Though born into Nobility, Cainen sought more minor lands did not satisfy him. He considered whether he should pursue the same life as his father or that of the Priest. Though Cainen was already married with child, joining the Priesthood was a more circuitous route to influence so it was the life of serving the King that he chose. However, he did retain his close ties with the church and was strongly opposed to the Gregorian Reforms fought for so stridently by the Pope.

Cainen was a loyal member of the King’s entourage and rose in power and prestige accordingly. Cainen was not only a smart man but a skilled swordsman as well. The King of Connaught was an aggressive King and he sought aggressive souls to aid him in his schemes and wars. Cainen was a loyal member of the King’s entourage.

Cainen taught Kassidy what he knew of the blade but Kass was a bit of a slow learner and more interested in knowledge and rock climbing than swordplay. His love of learning was noticed by the Priests of Cong Abbey with whom Cainen remained friendly. The Priest convinced Alannah to groom Kass for life in the church. They agreed as their oldest boy Casey was to inherit all the wealth of the family. By 1162, Kassidy was a learned young man who had a promising future with the Church. Casey meanwhile was groomed to follow in the footsteps of his father.

His promising future though was in shambles when the fall of his Father came as fast as his rise. Cainen was a pawn to be played by the King and his death in a skirmish with the freemen of Leinster was sudden and stunning. Just as shocking was the murder of his brother less than a week later. Alannah had taken sick with the death of her husband but the death of her firstborn so soon after broke her spirit. She passed away quickly leaving Kassidy an orphan. Rage was in the heart of Kassidy then, he blamed the King and his machinations for the death of both of his parents. He left the Church a decision seen by those in Connaught saw as both insane, and dishonourable.

Still, it was clear that by right he should have inherited the hearth and contracts of his parents and his brother Casey. But lo his familial birthright has been taken or given away after a judgement made by the pro-reform Archbishop of Tuam, Cadla Ua Dubthaig. After all with Cainen and Alannah dead what influence did a now disgraced Kass have?

His being in the priesthood was an excuse as Brehon law did not then prohibit priests from having personal property. That is what the Gregorian reforms were in part about. Thus, he was cheated.

Still Kass could see the writing on the wall, his life would be in danger if he challenged what had taken place. Instead he found refuge with kinsmen in Largay, namely the queen, who was always good to him

Thus he resettled in Breifne and became a labourer for the King of Largay. In fact his relationship to the Queen solidified his reason for staying, who would have suspected that Kass could find kin he might be able to trust after what happened to his parents!

While in her service he met and befriended a unlikely comrade, Thorun. The man was close friends with his cousin Ailbe and Kass took a liking to him as well.

Father O'Maille, the parish priest has found Kass' approach to spreading the word quite interesting even if the boy is not quite as charming as a man of cloth should be. While others might frown upon a fallen priest, Father O'Maille has been compassionate and helpful. In fact, Father O'Maille is an understanding, and compassionate father figure.

Kass just became the single warrior who survived an attack by warriors of Boho lead by Sean Quinn of Belcoo. The luck of the Irish, that's what Kass has what are the odds his body was not checked and his throat summarily slit to ensure his death? The odds were lo but sometimes an Irishman beats the odds!

Kass was one of the warriors left behind to defend Largay when the King of Largay and his warriors left to join the army of the King of Breifne. Fintan and Braedan, the sons of the King of Largay, had been told to remain and defend the village; but they left during the night before the attack, and only returned on the morning after.[/i]

A conflicted background. Versus a king in Connaught, who is allied to Breifne. Versus the church, which probably does not look kindly upon his leaving. Kass seems a man against the world, a man who could use a few more friends...