Melaghlin O’Phelan, Prince of the Desies, was amongst the defenders of Waterford during Strowbows (Richard de Clare) taking of the town in the summer of 1170. On the 23rd of August, 1170, Strongbow with 200 knights and around 1000 other men landed in Waterford where he was joined by Raymond. Strongbow and Raymond assaulted Waterford and took the town after a breach was made in the walls. Many citizens are said to have been killed, two Norse leaders of the town, both called Sitric, were executed. A third Norse leader together with Melaghlin O’Phelan were spared due to the intervention of Diarmaid Mac Murchadha King of Leinster.