Some of the initiative for political and military intervention came from Anglo-Norman church leaders – especially Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury – who wanted to control the Irish church and fully implement the Gregorian Reforms. Irish church leaders had legislated for reform, notably at the synods of Cashel (1101), Ráth Breasail (1111) and Kells (1152).
Some of the impetus for political and military intervention originated from Anglo-Norman church leaders – particularly Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury – who sought to control the Irish church and fully implement the Gregorian Reforms. Irish church leaders had enacted reforms, notably at synods in Cashel (1101), Ráth Breasail (1111) and Kells (1152).