 The cause of the conflict is uncertain, but it may have been sparked by competition for control of Munster and its resources.Amlaíb allied successively with Cerball, King of Ossory and
Áed Findliath, overking of the Northern Uí Néill against Máel Sechnaill.Máel Sechnaill died in 862 and his lands were split, effectively ending the conflict.