Brian Luighneach Ua Conchobhair (died 23 May 1181) was a prince of Connacht.
Family background
Ua Conchobhair was one of at least twenty-three children of King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht (reigned 1106–1156). His mother's name is uncertain.
Early life
Brian's nickname, Luighnech, is taken from the territory of Luigne in what is now County Sligo. Its ruling family were the O hEaghra (O'Hara).
In 1156, his father died at Dunmore, County Galway. His brother, Ruaidhri, immediately moved to neutralise any opposition to his succession as king by arresting and imprisoning three of his brothers, including Brian, all considered credible candidates for succeeding Tairrdelbach. Brian seems to have come to terms with Ruaidhri and was released. One of the brothers, Aedh Dall Ua Conchobair, was not so lucky; Ruaidhri had him blinded.
Flaherty O'Muldory, Lord of Tirconnell, defeated the sons of the King of Connacht ... Sixteen of the sons and chieftains were slain by the Kinel Connell, as well as many others, both of the nobles and the plebeians. They held the Connacians under subjection for a long time after this battle ... slain by Flaherty ... were Brian and Manus, two sons of Turlough More; and Mulrony; and .... two sons of Hugh O'Connor.
The list of dead included Brian's son, Donogh; Ó Cellaigh, Ó Muireadhaigh, Ó Roduibh, and members of the O'Mulrenin and Mac Giolla Buidhe clans.
Descendants
Brian was of ancestor of the O Connor Sligo dynasty. Only one member of the family ever succeeded to the kingship of Connacht, but they were Lords of Cairbre until the mid-17th century.