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 battalions of the Fiainia Eireann gathered to him, and marching straightway to Fercorb, who was related to Fionn, they took service with him.

Cairbre's anger against Fionn and the southern king grew still greater when he heard this. He called his followers together and said:

"I have taken the headship of the Fianna Eireann from Fionn and his clan, and commanded them to lay down their arms, but they have joined the rebellious King of Munster, and paid no heed to my words. Long years the people of Ireland have suffered silently under their powerful sway and the great tributes they imposed, and if Fionn still gathers these tributes, and imposes his will on you as he has hitherto done, you will have no peace nor will you gather wealth for your children. Men of Ireland, will you still continue to pay tribute to Fionn and allow him to quarter his Fianna and his hounds upon you as he chooses, or will you band yourselves together and fight him till he and his proud clan are subdued?"