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 ral history that survived into the modern era is devoid of detail concerning the early pre-history of Ireland. In his Scel1, Tuan Mac Cairill mentions but briefly the Partholons as the first invaders of Ireland and sends them into non-existence with a wave of the pen on the guise of "plagues." When we analyze the word "Parthalon" we find it a compound word in Old Irish meaning those who have died or passed to the other side long ago. Later Christian chroniclers in trying to wed Irish and Christian myth individualized the word into a fabricated name and geneology.
The next invasion, according to Tuan were the Nemedians, last of the pre-Celtic invasions. Named after their purported progenitor, Nemed (Neimheadh in Old Irish) received similar treatment as did Parthalon. The meaning of the word Nemed is 'sacred or privileged' person or place or thing. Thus, Nemedian would be "sacred people." Here too, Christian scribes labored mightily to create a genealogy that could be tied into Christian myth. Tuan2 asserts that the Nemedians landed unopposed on an unpopulated land. They conquered, flourished and then they too faded into history as a "plague" eradicated their race. Tuan goes on to say that Ireland lay unpeopled for 32 years until the coming of the Firbolg. Then, relates Tuan, following the demise of the Nemedians, "The Firbolg took Ireland in the year of the World 1738 (2276 BC). Concerning this myth, the rewritten tales vary from questionable to the ludicrous. One version has the Firbolg making sailing vessels from the bags they were forced to use to haul dirt for their Greek masters. Another version has them simply slaying their masters and stealing away in their masters ships at night. Whatever the case, the first of the "Celtic" migrations into Ireland occurred. The Firbolg remained in relative peace for some 5 centuries before the next wave of Celtic settlers reached Irish shores. Then in the Year of the World 224(177BC), the Tuatha de Danann, refugees from Scythian turmoil, swept ashore in some numbers. The Firbolg rushed to defend their homeland, but found themselves outclassed by a better trained and better equipped, though smaller force. Recognizing their disadvantage, the Firbolg negotiated for time to bring their weapons into some kind of equality and to equip themselves with the innovative light, metal-tipped, spears held by the Tuatha. At last, the battle was joined which lasted for four days. Having faired badly, the Firbolg entered negotiations once more. This time they proposed one last battle of limited and equal forces. In the ensuing negotiations, the exhausted forces of both groups came to a truce in which the Tuatha took dominion of Ireland, with the exception of Connaught, which remained Firbolg. According to Tuan, the next force to "Take" Ireland were the Milesians. We are told that the progenitor of this race was a Scythian, renowned or his wisdom, who had been called into Egypt to teach the Royal Youth and Priesthood. He had been so favored by the ruling Pharaoh as to have been given a Royal Daughter in marriage. Over time, Niul prospered in both kith and kin to the point that when his Royal patron died, the incoming Ruler feared his power and prestige and forced Niul and his considerable retinue to flee the land. Niul and his people wandered over the years, first to Crete and eventually to Spain. Niul was succeeded in death as leader by first a son, then a grandson. It was the latter who at last led the Milesians to Ireland in the final Celtic invasion.
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