Cogaran is sent to the whole tribe of Ui Eachach, to know "the reason why" they killed Mahoun, and to declare that no _cumhal_ or fine would be received, either in the shape of hostages, gold, or cattle, but that Molloy must himself be given up.

Messages were also sent to Molloy, both general and particular--the general message challenged him to battle at Belach-Lechta; the particular message, which in truth he hardly deserved, was a challenge to meet Murrough, Brian's son, in single combat.

The result was the battle of Belach-Lechta,[212] where Molloy was slain, with twelve hundred of his troops, both native and foreign.

Brian remained master of the field and of the kingdom, A.D.
978.
Brian was now undisputed King of Munster.

In 984 he was acknowledged Monarch of Leth Mogha, the southern half of Ireland.