 Cathalán was assassinated at the instigation of the high king Áed Findliath of the Northern Uí Neill in 871 and Lethlobar became sole king.At his death notice in the annals he is referred to as an old man.His son Cenn Étig mac Lethlobuir (died 900) was also a ruler of all Ulaid and succeeded him as King of Dál nAraidi.