 In early 1598 Maol Mhuire took the side of the English against Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill but was defeated and was consequently banished from his lands by Ó Domhnaill.In May 1600 Maol Mhuire was knighted for his support of the English, though later in the same year he had switched sides, sided with Ó Domhnaill, and was then captured by the English.Maol Mhuire was then held prisoner on a ship on the River Foyle, near Derry, but managed to escape with the aid of a prostitute.