 There was a branch of the Dal nAraidi in west County Down in the south, the Uí Echach Cobo, but they were always referred to as Kings of Coba (or Cuib) in the annals.Whether Lethlobar was king earlier or not he was definitely king from 849 on.In 857 the Dál Fiatach king of Ulaid, Matudán mac Muiredaig died and Lethlobar became king in a joint-kingship with Cathalán mac Indrechtaig of the Leath Cathail branch of the Dál Fiatach.