 Cerball played a part in Echtgern's removal in 853.The "Annals of Ulster" report that Echtigern was killed "deceitfully" by Cerball and one Bruatur of Áed, and that Bruatur was killed by his own household a week later.In 854, the "Fragmentary Annals" say that Cerball was sent into Munster by his brother-in-law to collect tribute and hostages.