Eight persons were concerned, in this conspiracy ; some advised that the saint should be murdered, while others only
proposed
to burn his monastery, and these argued that he must after- wards leave that place.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v2
De S.
^"Annals
Aedhfionn,
and his
posterity
flourished,
before A. D. when 574,
" See Dr. " Ecclesiastical His- Lanigan's
Hence, in Irish, he
ters," vol. i. , pp. 208, 209.
" See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
his compatriot, Aedh, son of Eochaidh
Tirmchama, King of Connaught, had been
killed, by the Ui-Briuin. See Dr. O'Dono-
"
van's
i. , pp. 208, 209, and n. (q), ibid. Yet, the Louth to Glendalough, and when St.
Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
killing of Aedh is placed, at A. D. 576, in Berach was on his way to the latter place,
fan's
ebruarii, n. 20, p. 347.
Berachio, sive Beracho, Abbate cap. iii. , num. 20, 21, 22, p. 836.
"
of Breannainn, son of Brian, and the chief
Episcopo
This Aedh is said to have been the son
rum," tomus ii. , Februarii xv. De S. Berachio, sive Beracho, Abbate ct Episcopo in Hibemia, Prima Vita, incerto auctore,
835, 836.
tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xiv. , section
vi. , p. 324.
»3 In the Second Life, these events are
related, as if occurring on the journey from
et
in Hibernia. Vita Prima, incerto auctore,
February 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
545
in his "
old inhabitants of Baldoyle remember this old ruin, as " The Abbey of Mone," so called from marshy land, which formerly existed, in the immediate neighbourhood. '^ The name of Paulinus, or Polan,'7 associated with this church, at a very early period, may be due to the decay of his church at
Alan,
Repertorium Viride," thus,
"
Capella de Mone. "
^s
^^^^^&:^'^
Kilbarrack Church Ruins, County of Dublin.
Stapolin; hence,hismemorywouldbenaturallypreservedinaneighbouring church/^ As we have already seen, the Acts of St. Berach'9 state, that he
got, from the regulus of Bregia, a church site in that territory, called subse-
quently Dubberaith, i. e. , Domus Berachi, or Disert Berach. This may be identical, we are told, with the picturesque ruins on the shore of Dublin
bay. The church, here, was re-edified, in the 13th century. A window, on the north side of the chancel, is the only specimen of the architecture of that period. A well is on the north side of the church, and it is called St. Berach's Well. The waters of this, being of an astringent nature, were reputed as curative for affections of the eyes.
Our saint is said to have been of Kilbarrack. ='° It is an patron possible,
early religious erection stood, on the site, now so well known to the citizens
oftheIrishmetropolis. ThepresentdilapidatedoldchurchatKilbarrack,^'^ near the northern sea-shore of Dublin Bay, is said to have owed its erection
^sHeadds "istaestannexa :
ibid. ^°
praebendae de Howth, quae vocatur Kilbarrach," Ca-
There is a sketch engraved, and a de-
pella de Mone, is, unquestionably, the
"
scription of its ruins, by John S. Sloane,
C. E. , in his *' interestingpapers, Antiquarian
^^ The accompanying illustration of Kil-
barrack was drawn, on the spot, by William
F. Wakeman, and afterwards transferred pp. 233, 234. In the adjoining graveyard
Mona" of the " of Martyrology Dunegal. "
by him, to the wood : it was engraved, by George A. Hanlon.
'7 See notices of him, at the 2ist of May.
See William J. Fitzpatrick's
"
Ireland be-
^^
valuable contribution Loca Patriciana,"
part X. , in the "Journal of the Kilkenny
and South East of Ireland Archoeological Society," vol. iv. Fourth series.
^9 Tlie genealogical table, containing St. Berach's descent will be found in No. v. ,
n. , p. 26, vol. iii. , part i. Fourth series, Vol. II.
See Rev. John Francis Shearman's
" =^
Cill
Rambles in the County of Dublin. " See
"
was the tomb of a noted character, " The Sham Squire ;" but, it is now a wreck.
Irish Literary Gazette," vol. i. . No. xv,,
fore the Union," chap. viii.
The townland denominations of Upper
and Lower Kilbarrack as also the parish, having a like name, in the barony of Coo-
"
lock, are to be seen on the
vey Townland Maps for the County of Dublin. " Sheet 15.
2 N
Now, the
Ordnance Sur-
546 LIVES01^THEIRISHSAINTS. [February15.
to the famous Sir John De Courcey," in the twelfth century. Some beauti- ful stanzas are found^3 in reference to the present ruins. These are situated a mile from Sutton, and are a conspicuous object to the visitor, from the railway passing to Howth,24 in the county of Dublin.
CHAPTER IV.
ST. BERACH GOES TO CLUAIN-COIRPTHE—LEGEND CONCERNING HIS CONTEST WITH THE MAGUS—HE FOUNDS A MONASTERY, AT A PLACE AFTERWARDS CALLED KIL- BARRY—HIS MIRACLES—PERIOD ASSIGNED FOR HIS DEATH—HIS VENERATION— CONCLUSION.
Although the locality, referable to a legendary account, which follows, in the Acts of St. Berach, be not indicated ; yet, we may infer, from the narra- tive, that it has more immediate reference to Cluain-coirpthe, the chief foundationofthisholyman. Thither,heappearstohavegone,afterleaving the territory of Meath. We are informed, that tlie case pending, between himself and the magus, had been referred to the judges, who not daring to decide it themselves, called in St. Samthanna,^ St. Attracta,^ as assessors, withsomeprelates,virgins,andholymen. Weareinformed,likewise,that the magus invoked the aid of demons, and sacrificed in their honour, so that he might contend against St. Berach's friends. These formed a very con-
"
siderablenumber. Beforemeetingthem,Aedh,theBlack,said:
tjnfor-
tunate man, that I am, deformed and ill-favoured in countenance, to be
present with so many fine, respectable men and women. What avails my
wealth and station, when my deformity must be observed by them ? Where- fore, I shall go to those saints, whose power I know to be so efiicacious, in healing bodily infirmities, and I shall implore them to improve the guise of
my poor body. '' to afford him aid.
ordinary favour ;
He then asked all the saints in turn, and, lastly, Berach, The latter told Aedh, that he had asked for a very extra- but, at the same time, encouraging him to have faith in the
='
Lord of Raheny and Kilbarrack.
land Maps for the County of Dublin. "
"3 To them are
G. H. S.
postfixed
the milials
Sheets — 15, 16, 19.
. ,' . ,. ,
The ivy climbs on gray Kilbarrack wall,
,. . ,, ,
,,
Chapter iv.
her, at the iQth of December.
. gee her Life at the nth of August. We And storm, and nipping frost, and ^,^ informed, that the magus laid claim to
beating rain,
And winter sea-wmds, waste their
wrath in vain
To rob the ruin of that ivy pall.
Emblem of constancy, it clings as fast
Around those portals, as in ages past Emblem of friendship, tried, unchanged,
which had been conferred on
1^^. ,,^^^ ^i^^ j^j^^g of Connaught, fearing the magus sliould satirize him, as had been
wished to refer the claim con- tested to another tribunal. This is said to ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ „^j^^i„j, portions of the j^ish Life. Relying on the king's neutrality or connivance, and on his own colourable title, the magus began to insult the man of God vol. viii. . No. 53, p. 844. At present, no before the people, charging him with being
^,''\" . }\^^^* . Old Al)bey !
• 1 , , ,
now it decks thy gloomy
threatened,
a pretender, an imposter and an invader of another's just rights. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe," xv. Februarii, n. 30, p. 347.
' r,,^^,, ,
. ,.
In thy high hour of pride it never grew,
But came when thou wert crumbling to "^'^^y-
—See The Nation of August 30th, 1 851,
ivy remains on the ruin.
=4 The parish, townland, and town of
Howth, in the barony of Coolock, are de- scribed on the "Ordnance Survey Town-
^
See notices,
regarding
^j^j^
Y>\3,ce,
j^im, by . Edus, King
reward for a poem, which had been com-
^. ^^^ j^ :^^^ ^f ^^^^^ monarch. Yet, it is ^^j^j ^j. ^ spot granted had, by a prior and a
^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ i,,^,, to St. Berach ^-^^^^^
;
of as a Connaught,
February 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 547
Most Holy Trinity, it was indicated, that he should see the power of God, after he had been covered with Berach's hood. This the king took, and
lying against our saint's breast, he fell into a profound sleep, for one whole
hour, during which a fervent prayer had been offered on his behalf. Then
awaking, instead of being small in stature, as before he had been, the king
became a tall and stately man ; while, his original deformity gave place to greatcomeliness. 3 Hisveryservantscouldnotrecognisehim,afterthischange;
naymore,heevendoubtedhisactualidentity. Themagus,notwithstanding those signs of Divine power he witnessed, refused to be convinced, like Pharaoh of old. ^ He contended, that only in a place, called Rathin,5 would hehavejudgmentpronounced; because,therestoodalargetree,inwhich the Pagans believed an evil spirit had been enclosed, by magic art, and was accustomedtogiveoracularresponsestohisworshippers. ^ Thisproceeding he thought must serve to effect a judgment in his favour; for, that spot around and beneath the tree was supposed to be influenced by Gentile
spells. The judges declared, however, that if the magus could, he ought rather take the tree therefrom to that place, where the assembly had been convened, as he had such faith in magic art. Otherwise, should Berach be able to effect this matter, through his prayers, they resolved to decide in his favour, as bound by Divine manifestations. We may infer, from the legend, that the magus declined such a miraculous test. Wherefore, as in the case, when the rod of Aaron swallowed the rods of the Egyptian Magi,7 Berach taking with him holy men and women to where the tree grew, these con- tinued there in earnest prayer for fully four hours.
Meantime, a thick darkness fell around the people so numerously as-
sembled when, lo ! the tree was seen moving through air, as Habbacuc ;
formerly approached Daniel, confined in the lion's den. ^ It descended to earth in their presence, and became firmly rooted there, while the people gave
praise to God, and to his saints, for so great a miracle. Instantly, the dark shadows were dissolved, and a glorious brightness shone in the Heavens.
: Thevoiceofanangelwasthenheard "TheLordhathaccordedthis,as
a magnificent sign, to reveal the heavenly condemnation of the perfidious magus. " The judges and the people at once accepted such a miracle, as confirming the claims of Berach. But, the magus still continued, in his in-
credulity ; and, even he blasphemously asserted, that all, which had taken place before their eyes, was an illusion. St. Berach denounced him, for such
impiety; while, as a punishment for his malignity and blasphemies, the wretched man was deprived of the use of his tongue.
This magus was still obdurate, and he retired to a place, far removed fromthehauntofmen. There,forawholeyear,heinvokedassistancefrom his false gods, but he found it not. At the end of that time, the king's hunters chased a deer to the very place, where he lived ; when, looking through the window of his house, to learn what caused such an outcry, a son of the chase happened to launch a javelin after the quarry. His aim was missed ; but, the spear alighting went directly through the forehead of the magus, while the deer altogether vanished from before the hunter's eyes.
3 In the Life of St. Maidoc, at the
31st
of January, a different cause is assigned for
this change in his appearance.
"^ See Exodus, vii. , viii. , ix. , x,, xi. , xiii,,
xiv.
5 There are many places, thus designated, in Ireland, so that it seems no easy matter
to identify it.
^ This fable will remind the forcibly
classical reader of the fate and voice of
Polydorus, speaking from his tomb, when
^Eneas attempted to tear some branches
from a tree, which distilled blood-drops. "
See ^neidos," lib. iii. , 11. 22 to 68.
? See Exodus, vii. , 12.
^
Paniel xiv. , 3^.
548 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 15.
Yet, the Druid's death becoming known, some of his posterity or relations resolved to be avenged on Berach.
Eight persons were concerned, in this conspiracy ; some advised that the saint should be murdered, while others only proposed to burn his monastery, and these argued that he must after- wards leave that place. Then, states the legend, the Almighty, who always protects his true servants, brought their designs to naught ; for, the earth opened beneath their feet, and swallowed them alive, as formerly had happened to Dathan and Abiron. In the time, when the First Life of St. Berach had been written, the people of that neighbourhood pointed out that actual spot, whence sprung up a pond, afterwards known by the inhabitants underthenameof"ThePoolofHell. " Amostnoisomesmellwasexhaled from this pit, so that few dare approach its brink, or remain there for any considerable time. 9
The foregoing narrative is sought to be rendered credible, by Father Colgan,'° whose taste or piety often inclines him to give more than tolerance to the marvellous ;" yet, it may be asserted, that the whole legend rests on no more weighty grounds,^^ than mere popular tradition. ^3 However, St. Berach had founded a religious establishment for himself, at this place, which was subsequently called Cluain-Cairpthe. ^'^ This monastery was situated in a desert region, known by the territorial designation of Kinel-dobhtha. ^5
5 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , Feb- ruarii xv. De S. Berachio, sive Beracho, Abbate et Episcopo in Hibernia, num. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, pp. 836, 837.
sion to the epoch of St. Samthann and of St. Attracta, as also of Sillan, Colman Coel and Kieran Maol. In the next place, those localities, mentioned in St. Berach's Acts, have been made accordant, with traditions
^° See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xv.
Februarii. First Life of St. Berach, n. 30, and records regarding him. Again, the
p. 347.
great wonders, related in his Life, are con- firmed by concordances, noted in the Lives of other L-ish Saints. Fourthly, the predic- tion of St. Patrick, that at a future time, St. Berach should found a monastery, in his own native country, and that this had taken place, at the period designated, among the Cinel-Dobtha, so called from his ancestor Dubtha, as related in his Acts. Wherefore,
"
Considering the insolence, the blas-
phemies, the persevering malice, and the
scandal, which might arise, were his im-
pieties to pass unavenged, Colgan thinks
the reader may agree with him, that all the
marvellous and great signs here revealed
were not related, without a truthful founda-
tion, as they could not have occurred, with-
out a necessity for their production. See on this latter account, as Colgan argues,
our saint had a to that whereon right spot,
to found a monastery, and regarding which
St. Kevin, about A. D. 580 ; /l-xlus, King of ginal owner. The reader may weigh the
ibid.
" Colgan has a doubt, however, if all the
circumstances related, in this Life of St.
Berach, be true ; yet, he thinks, that the and, moreover, because Berach there raised main facts are correctly given, inasmuch as so many men, who were probably of his persons, mentioned in those Acts, were own kindred, to life, it is thought to be contemporaneous with this holy man. Thus, only reasonable, that the miracle should St, Fra^gius flourished, about the year 560 ; cfirry with it such a reward, from the ori-
Connaught, died a. d. 574; Aedan, King of the Scots, flourished, a. d. 580; Odo, or Aedh, King of Breiffny, and Odo, or Aedh, King of Teffia, flourished, about A. D. 570 ; Foilan, son to the. King of Leinster, was a boy, before the death of his father, which occurred A. D. 576 ; St. Finian and St. Ultan flourished, about the year 590 ; St. Dageus, the master of our saint, died A. D. 586 ; St. Manchan flourished, in the year 590; St. DachuaorMochualivedto600; ^idus, son to Suibnocus, King of Ultonia,
died A. D. 590. P>om the foregoing list of names, we may judge, that Colgan has not given all those Acts of St. Berchan, that were under his eyes ; while, we miss allu-
probabilities of Colgan's arguments, accord- ing to the dictates of his own judgment ; yet, they are not unanswerable.
'^ Such, too, seems to have been the opinion of Father John Boland, who edited these Acts. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , XV. Februarii. De S. Berachio, sive I^eracho, &c. First Life, chapter iii. , n. (n), p. 837.
"* In Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the FourMasters,"thisplace,whichheiden- tifies with Killjarry, is frequently mentioned. See Index Locorum, vol. vii. , p. 32.
's See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xiv. , section vi. , p. 324.
l^lace, the magus urged an adverse claim ;
February 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 549
Various opinions have been formed, regarding this site. Archdall states,'^ it was known, afterwards, as Clooncraff,'7 in the barony of Athlone, and in the county of Roscommon. Dr. Beaufort has it as Cloncraft, in the barony
and county of Roscommon, and in the diocese of Elphin. ^^ However,
Ckiain-Coirpthe is placed by O'Flaherty on the banks of the River Shannon. '9 By Dr. O'Donovan, it has been identified with a place now called Kilbarry, situated in the parish of Termonbarry,='° in the east of Roscommon county. It was located, in what the old writers call the desert or wilderness of Kinel- Dofa. ^^ This was the territory of the O'Hanlys. " Some ruins, yet remain- ing at this place, are very interesting, for the architectural antiquary's study. ^3 They have been well described, in a letter,24 by Dr. O'Donovan. ^s St. Barry's Church, near the beautiful demesne of Lough Forbes, is on Kilbarry townland; on the opposite Shannon shore, lies the county of Longford. Near the old church is St. Barry's Well, about three miles above Termon- barry Bridge.
It is related, that one night, twelve impious men came to St. Berach's monastery, for the purpose of effecting plunder ; and, to add more to their guilt, they killed a keeper, who had charge of the monastic property. But, while driving the stolen oxen, over a rocky and shallow ford, those spears, which were used as goads, with their hands, became fixed to the spot, in the very middle of the river. St. Berach had a premonition of this outrage, and he brought a great number of his monks, to where the dead body of their brother lay. By his prayers, the dead man arose to life, in the presence of all. Afterwards, going to the river shallow, he clemently freed the bound thieves,andpermittedthemtodepart. Fullofcompunctionfortheircrimes, these prostrated themselves, at the holy abbot's feet, and under his direction, they subsequently became monks,^^
A certain disciple of Berach, who was named Colman Coel,^7 and who obtained the Kill or Cell of Cluain-ingreach^^ from the man of God, had a desire to visit Rome, and to pray at the Hmina of the Apostles. By no per-
^^ See *'Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 608.
^^ King, p. 226, is quoted by Archdall for the statement, that St. Patrick founded
ridge of Slieve Baune Mountain. It com-
prises the parishes of Kiiglass, Termon- barry, Cloontuskert, and the eastern half of Loosonuffy parish. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Topographical Poems of John O'Dub-
a monastery at Cluaincairpthe, —or Cluain-
choirpthe. Yet, Dr. L—anigan who had hagain and GioUa
na Naomh
O'Huidhrin,"
access to King's papers could not verify
this quotation. These are now preserved. in the Library of the Dublin Society.
*^ See "Memoir of a Map of Ireland," index, p. 19.
^9 In William M. Hennessy's copy of the
— of I find the follow- Martyrology Donegal,
n. 304, p. xli.
'^^
ingnote:
Cilt bAyv]\iriii A^ b)\t) riA fioriA. CAi|\ech
becliAi^. "
=° Its bounds may be found, within the barony of Ballintober North, on the " Ord- nance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Roscommon. " Sheets 18, 24, 30. The townland of Kilbarry is described
Even yet, it is locally called Doohy- Hanly. See ibid.
^3 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. iv. , n. (1), pp. 783, 784.
^^ Written from Strokestown, and dated,
August 19th, 1837.
=^5 This letter may be seen, among the
Irish Ordnance Survey Records, preserved in the Royal Irish Academy.
^^ The foregoing is related in the twen- tieth chapter of the First Life of St. Berach ; in certain particulars, it seems to resemble incidents, told in the seventh chapter of the Second or Irish Life.
=7 Colgan is not able to determine, who,
among the 150 Colmans, venerated as saints,
the present holy man was.
-^ It does not seem easy to identify this
place, among the known modern denomina- tions of Irish places.
Cillbarrack. See lAnn
on Sheets 24, 30, ibid.
^^ This extended territory
along
the River
Shannon, from Caranadoc Bridge to Drum-
daff, in the south of Kilgefin parish ; and,
it was divided from Corca-Achlann, by the
See
550 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [February15.
suasion or entreaty of his superior could he be diverted from this purpose. At last, when the disciple took his farewell of the monks, and had started on his meditated journey, Berach set out with him, until they came to a place, where Kieran,^9 surnamed the Bald, lived. This latter, too, endea- voured to dissuade Colman from undertaking the voyage. However, he declared, that he could have no peace of mind, until he had seen Rome, with his own eyes. Then Berach made a sign of the cross, not only over Colman'seyes,butalsooverthoseofKieran. Afterwards,throughamiracle of God's power, both saw Rome, clearly and distinctly. This vision removed further longing from Colman's mind, and he abandoned all intention of further prosecuting his travels. There, in subsequent times, two crosses were set up : one of these was to honour the saints, and this miracle, as accom-
pHshed, while the other had been dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. 3° Another time, one of Beraclvs monks, who was named Sillan,3^ had been sent on a message to a place called Rath-ond. s^' On the way, however, somerobbersrusheduponhim,andkilledtheinnocentman. Afterwards, they cut off his head, and threw it on the ground. This grievous crime was instantly revealed to St. Berach, who ran to the spot, and caught those murderers, in the very perpetration of this outrage. At once, they turned tostrikeBerachwiththeirspears; but,theirhandsandlimbsbecameim- movable. Then, those wretched men, in tears, asked pardon for their offences, promising, at the same time, to do penance, and to amend their lives for the future. This pardon the saint accorded, and ordering them to go and join the head of Sillan to his body, Berach retired to a place, covered with reeds, where, on bended knees, he earnestly besought the Almighty, to restore the murdered disciple to life. His prayers were mercifully heard, and taking a reed from the place, he wound it around the neck of the dead man, commanding him in Christ's name to rise. This command the monk obeyed, for he was miraculously brought to life. Thenceforward, those reeds, which grew at that spot, were called by the people St. Berach's reeds. It was also believed, in after time, that these were endued with preternatural efficacy, and especially were they used, as a remedy, for the cure of various diseases. 33
After his wonderful virtues, and the various miracles he wrought, had
been reported over Ireland ; the infirm and suffering flocked to his monas-
tery, from all parts, thus hoping to obtain relief, under their respective ail-
ments. Whentheysoughtsuchrelief,withfirmfaith,theyalwaysexperienced his charitable aid. Berach had the special gift of liberating possessed
persons. However, finding his last end approaching, this holy man re- doubledhisprayers,andcallinghismonkstogether,heblessedthem. Then,
recommending his soul to God, and signing himself with a sign of the cross, he resigned himself to the Creator of all things, and he calmly slept in the Lord.
Archdall tells us,34 that the founder of Cluain Cairpthess—he seems to
'5 Unless he may be the Kieran of Faithche or Foighde, venerated at the 8th of March, Colgan confesses his inability to discover him, among the many holy men, similarly named in our Calendars.
3° Their feasts occur at the 29th and 30th of lune, in Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other Trincipal Saints," vol, vi.
3' Among the many holy men so named, in our Calendars, Colgan deems it most likely his feast occurred on the 9th of Marcli,
or on the 4th of May. Yet, we need not ne-
ccssarily connect him with any one, entered
in our Martyrologies, as otherwise, he ap- j^cars to be unknown,
^^ Among Irish topogi"aphical names, at present known, it docs not seem to be easy to identify this place.
33 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Ilibcr- nia:," xv. Februarii. First Life of St. Uerach, chapters xx. , xxi. , xxii. Second
Life, chapters vii. , viii. , nn. 6, 7i 8, pp. 344, 345, 348.
February 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 55^ mean St—. Berach, although the statement is placed in apposition with St.
un- certain,37 and it does not seem to have been properly ascertained. That day, on which he departed this life, was the 15th of February, which also has been assigned for his feast. 3^ Some foreign Calendars incorrectly style him a bishop, when noting his festival. 39 Yet, in his Lives, and in our native
Calendars, he is only called an abbot.
The simple entry, Berach, Cluana Cairpthi, occurs, in the Martyrology
ofTallaghjioatthe15thofFebruary.
^"Annals
Aedhfionn,
and his
posterity
flourished,
before A. D. when 574,
" See Dr. " Ecclesiastical His- Lanigan's
Hence, in Irish, he
ters," vol. i. , pp. 208, 209.
" See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
his compatriot, Aedh, son of Eochaidh
Tirmchama, King of Connaught, had been
killed, by the Ui-Briuin. See Dr. O'Dono-
"
van's
i. , pp. 208, 209, and n. (q), ibid. Yet, the Louth to Glendalough, and when St.
Annals of the Four Masters," vol.
killing of Aedh is placed, at A. D. 576, in Berach was on his way to the latter place,
fan's
ebruarii, n. 20, p. 347.
Berachio, sive Beracho, Abbate cap. iii. , num. 20, 21, 22, p. 836.
"
of Breannainn, son of Brian, and the chief
Episcopo
This Aedh is said to have been the son
rum," tomus ii. , Februarii xv. De S. Berachio, sive Beracho, Abbate ct Episcopo in Hibemia, Prima Vita, incerto auctore,
835, 836.
tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xiv. , section
vi. , p. 324.
»3 In the Second Life, these events are
related, as if occurring on the journey from
et
in Hibernia. Vita Prima, incerto auctore,
February 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
545
in his "
old inhabitants of Baldoyle remember this old ruin, as " The Abbey of Mone," so called from marshy land, which formerly existed, in the immediate neighbourhood. '^ The name of Paulinus, or Polan,'7 associated with this church, at a very early period, may be due to the decay of his church at
Alan,
Repertorium Viride," thus,
"
Capella de Mone. "
^s
^^^^^&:^'^
Kilbarrack Church Ruins, County of Dublin.
Stapolin; hence,hismemorywouldbenaturallypreservedinaneighbouring church/^ As we have already seen, the Acts of St. Berach'9 state, that he
got, from the regulus of Bregia, a church site in that territory, called subse-
quently Dubberaith, i. e. , Domus Berachi, or Disert Berach. This may be identical, we are told, with the picturesque ruins on the shore of Dublin
bay. The church, here, was re-edified, in the 13th century. A window, on the north side of the chancel, is the only specimen of the architecture of that period. A well is on the north side of the church, and it is called St. Berach's Well. The waters of this, being of an astringent nature, were reputed as curative for affections of the eyes.
Our saint is said to have been of Kilbarrack. ='° It is an patron possible,
early religious erection stood, on the site, now so well known to the citizens
oftheIrishmetropolis. ThepresentdilapidatedoldchurchatKilbarrack,^'^ near the northern sea-shore of Dublin Bay, is said to have owed its erection
^sHeadds "istaestannexa :
ibid. ^°
praebendae de Howth, quae vocatur Kilbarrach," Ca-
There is a sketch engraved, and a de-
pella de Mone, is, unquestionably, the
"
scription of its ruins, by John S. Sloane,
C. E. , in his *' interestingpapers, Antiquarian
^^ The accompanying illustration of Kil-
barrack was drawn, on the spot, by William
F. Wakeman, and afterwards transferred pp. 233, 234. In the adjoining graveyard
Mona" of the " of Martyrology Dunegal. "
by him, to the wood : it was engraved, by George A. Hanlon.
'7 See notices of him, at the 2ist of May.
See William J. Fitzpatrick's
"
Ireland be-
^^
valuable contribution Loca Patriciana,"
part X. , in the "Journal of the Kilkenny
and South East of Ireland Archoeological Society," vol. iv. Fourth series.
^9 Tlie genealogical table, containing St. Berach's descent will be found in No. v. ,
n. , p. 26, vol. iii. , part i. Fourth series, Vol. II.
See Rev. John Francis Shearman's
" =^
Cill
Rambles in the County of Dublin. " See
"
was the tomb of a noted character, " The Sham Squire ;" but, it is now a wreck.
Irish Literary Gazette," vol. i. . No. xv,,
fore the Union," chap. viii.
The townland denominations of Upper
and Lower Kilbarrack as also the parish, having a like name, in the barony of Coo-
"
lock, are to be seen on the
vey Townland Maps for the County of Dublin. " Sheet 15.
2 N
Now, the
Ordnance Sur-
546 LIVES01^THEIRISHSAINTS. [February15.
to the famous Sir John De Courcey," in the twelfth century. Some beauti- ful stanzas are found^3 in reference to the present ruins. These are situated a mile from Sutton, and are a conspicuous object to the visitor, from the railway passing to Howth,24 in the county of Dublin.
CHAPTER IV.
ST. BERACH GOES TO CLUAIN-COIRPTHE—LEGEND CONCERNING HIS CONTEST WITH THE MAGUS—HE FOUNDS A MONASTERY, AT A PLACE AFTERWARDS CALLED KIL- BARRY—HIS MIRACLES—PERIOD ASSIGNED FOR HIS DEATH—HIS VENERATION— CONCLUSION.
Although the locality, referable to a legendary account, which follows, in the Acts of St. Berach, be not indicated ; yet, we may infer, from the narra- tive, that it has more immediate reference to Cluain-coirpthe, the chief foundationofthisholyman. Thither,heappearstohavegone,afterleaving the territory of Meath. We are informed, that tlie case pending, between himself and the magus, had been referred to the judges, who not daring to decide it themselves, called in St. Samthanna,^ St. Attracta,^ as assessors, withsomeprelates,virgins,andholymen. Weareinformed,likewise,that the magus invoked the aid of demons, and sacrificed in their honour, so that he might contend against St. Berach's friends. These formed a very con-
"
siderablenumber. Beforemeetingthem,Aedh,theBlack,said:
tjnfor-
tunate man, that I am, deformed and ill-favoured in countenance, to be
present with so many fine, respectable men and women. What avails my
wealth and station, when my deformity must be observed by them ? Where- fore, I shall go to those saints, whose power I know to be so efiicacious, in healing bodily infirmities, and I shall implore them to improve the guise of
my poor body. '' to afford him aid.
ordinary favour ;
He then asked all the saints in turn, and, lastly, Berach, The latter told Aedh, that he had asked for a very extra- but, at the same time, encouraging him to have faith in the
='
Lord of Raheny and Kilbarrack.
land Maps for the County of Dublin. "
"3 To them are
G. H. S.
postfixed
the milials
Sheets — 15, 16, 19.
. ,' . ,. ,
The ivy climbs on gray Kilbarrack wall,
,. . ,, ,
,,
Chapter iv.
her, at the iQth of December.
. gee her Life at the nth of August. We And storm, and nipping frost, and ^,^ informed, that the magus laid claim to
beating rain,
And winter sea-wmds, waste their
wrath in vain
To rob the ruin of that ivy pall.
Emblem of constancy, it clings as fast
Around those portals, as in ages past Emblem of friendship, tried, unchanged,
which had been conferred on
1^^. ,,^^^ ^i^^ j^j^^g of Connaught, fearing the magus sliould satirize him, as had been
wished to refer the claim con- tested to another tribunal. This is said to ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ „^j^^i„j, portions of the j^ish Life. Relying on the king's neutrality or connivance, and on his own colourable title, the magus began to insult the man of God vol. viii. . No. 53, p. 844. At present, no before the people, charging him with being
^,''\" . }\^^^* . Old Al)bey !
• 1 , , ,
now it decks thy gloomy
threatened,
a pretender, an imposter and an invader of another's just rights. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernioe," xv. Februarii, n. 30, p. 347.
' r,,^^,, ,
. ,.
In thy high hour of pride it never grew,
But came when thou wert crumbling to "^'^^y-
—See The Nation of August 30th, 1 851,
ivy remains on the ruin.
=4 The parish, townland, and town of
Howth, in the barony of Coolock, are de- scribed on the "Ordnance Survey Town-
^
See notices,
regarding
^j^j^
Y>\3,ce,
j^im, by . Edus, King
reward for a poem, which had been com-
^. ^^^ j^ :^^^ ^f ^^^^^ monarch. Yet, it is ^^j^j ^j. ^ spot granted had, by a prior and a
^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ i,,^,, to St. Berach ^-^^^^^
;
of as a Connaught,
February 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 547
Most Holy Trinity, it was indicated, that he should see the power of God, after he had been covered with Berach's hood. This the king took, and
lying against our saint's breast, he fell into a profound sleep, for one whole
hour, during which a fervent prayer had been offered on his behalf. Then
awaking, instead of being small in stature, as before he had been, the king
became a tall and stately man ; while, his original deformity gave place to greatcomeliness. 3 Hisveryservantscouldnotrecognisehim,afterthischange;
naymore,heevendoubtedhisactualidentity. Themagus,notwithstanding those signs of Divine power he witnessed, refused to be convinced, like Pharaoh of old. ^ He contended, that only in a place, called Rathin,5 would hehavejudgmentpronounced; because,therestoodalargetree,inwhich the Pagans believed an evil spirit had been enclosed, by magic art, and was accustomedtogiveoracularresponsestohisworshippers. ^ Thisproceeding he thought must serve to effect a judgment in his favour; for, that spot around and beneath the tree was supposed to be influenced by Gentile
spells. The judges declared, however, that if the magus could, he ought rather take the tree therefrom to that place, where the assembly had been convened, as he had such faith in magic art. Otherwise, should Berach be able to effect this matter, through his prayers, they resolved to decide in his favour, as bound by Divine manifestations. We may infer, from the legend, that the magus declined such a miraculous test. Wherefore, as in the case, when the rod of Aaron swallowed the rods of the Egyptian Magi,7 Berach taking with him holy men and women to where the tree grew, these con- tinued there in earnest prayer for fully four hours.
Meantime, a thick darkness fell around the people so numerously as-
sembled when, lo ! the tree was seen moving through air, as Habbacuc ;
formerly approached Daniel, confined in the lion's den. ^ It descended to earth in their presence, and became firmly rooted there, while the people gave
praise to God, and to his saints, for so great a miracle. Instantly, the dark shadows were dissolved, and a glorious brightness shone in the Heavens.
: Thevoiceofanangelwasthenheard "TheLordhathaccordedthis,as
a magnificent sign, to reveal the heavenly condemnation of the perfidious magus. " The judges and the people at once accepted such a miracle, as confirming the claims of Berach. But, the magus still continued, in his in-
credulity ; and, even he blasphemously asserted, that all, which had taken place before their eyes, was an illusion. St. Berach denounced him, for such
impiety; while, as a punishment for his malignity and blasphemies, the wretched man was deprived of the use of his tongue.
This magus was still obdurate, and he retired to a place, far removed fromthehauntofmen. There,forawholeyear,heinvokedassistancefrom his false gods, but he found it not. At the end of that time, the king's hunters chased a deer to the very place, where he lived ; when, looking through the window of his house, to learn what caused such an outcry, a son of the chase happened to launch a javelin after the quarry. His aim was missed ; but, the spear alighting went directly through the forehead of the magus, while the deer altogether vanished from before the hunter's eyes.
3 In the Life of St. Maidoc, at the
31st
of January, a different cause is assigned for
this change in his appearance.
"^ See Exodus, vii. , viii. , ix. , x,, xi. , xiii,,
xiv.
5 There are many places, thus designated, in Ireland, so that it seems no easy matter
to identify it.
^ This fable will remind the forcibly
classical reader of the fate and voice of
Polydorus, speaking from his tomb, when
^Eneas attempted to tear some branches
from a tree, which distilled blood-drops. "
See ^neidos," lib. iii. , 11. 22 to 68.
? See Exodus, vii. , 12.
^
Paniel xiv. , 3^.
548 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 15.
Yet, the Druid's death becoming known, some of his posterity or relations resolved to be avenged on Berach.
Eight persons were concerned, in this conspiracy ; some advised that the saint should be murdered, while others only proposed to burn his monastery, and these argued that he must after- wards leave that place. Then, states the legend, the Almighty, who always protects his true servants, brought their designs to naught ; for, the earth opened beneath their feet, and swallowed them alive, as formerly had happened to Dathan and Abiron. In the time, when the First Life of St. Berach had been written, the people of that neighbourhood pointed out that actual spot, whence sprung up a pond, afterwards known by the inhabitants underthenameof"ThePoolofHell. " Amostnoisomesmellwasexhaled from this pit, so that few dare approach its brink, or remain there for any considerable time. 9
The foregoing narrative is sought to be rendered credible, by Father Colgan,'° whose taste or piety often inclines him to give more than tolerance to the marvellous ;" yet, it may be asserted, that the whole legend rests on no more weighty grounds,^^ than mere popular tradition. ^3 However, St. Berach had founded a religious establishment for himself, at this place, which was subsequently called Cluain-Cairpthe. ^'^ This monastery was situated in a desert region, known by the territorial designation of Kinel-dobhtha. ^5
5 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , Feb- ruarii xv. De S. Berachio, sive Beracho, Abbate et Episcopo in Hibernia, num. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, pp. 836, 837.
sion to the epoch of St. Samthann and of St. Attracta, as also of Sillan, Colman Coel and Kieran Maol. In the next place, those localities, mentioned in St. Berach's Acts, have been made accordant, with traditions
^° See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xv.
Februarii. First Life of St. Berach, n. 30, and records regarding him. Again, the
p. 347.
great wonders, related in his Life, are con- firmed by concordances, noted in the Lives of other L-ish Saints. Fourthly, the predic- tion of St. Patrick, that at a future time, St. Berach should found a monastery, in his own native country, and that this had taken place, at the period designated, among the Cinel-Dobtha, so called from his ancestor Dubtha, as related in his Acts. Wherefore,
"
Considering the insolence, the blas-
phemies, the persevering malice, and the
scandal, which might arise, were his im-
pieties to pass unavenged, Colgan thinks
the reader may agree with him, that all the
marvellous and great signs here revealed
were not related, without a truthful founda-
tion, as they could not have occurred, with-
out a necessity for their production. See on this latter account, as Colgan argues,
our saint had a to that whereon right spot,
to found a monastery, and regarding which
St. Kevin, about A. D. 580 ; /l-xlus, King of ginal owner. The reader may weigh the
ibid.
" Colgan has a doubt, however, if all the
circumstances related, in this Life of St.
Berach, be true ; yet, he thinks, that the and, moreover, because Berach there raised main facts are correctly given, inasmuch as so many men, who were probably of his persons, mentioned in those Acts, were own kindred, to life, it is thought to be contemporaneous with this holy man. Thus, only reasonable, that the miracle should St, Fra^gius flourished, about the year 560 ; cfirry with it such a reward, from the ori-
Connaught, died a. d. 574; Aedan, King of the Scots, flourished, a. d. 580; Odo, or Aedh, King of Breiffny, and Odo, or Aedh, King of Teffia, flourished, about A. D. 570 ; Foilan, son to the. King of Leinster, was a boy, before the death of his father, which occurred A. D. 576 ; St. Finian and St. Ultan flourished, about the year 590 ; St. Dageus, the master of our saint, died A. D. 586 ; St. Manchan flourished, in the year 590; St. DachuaorMochualivedto600; ^idus, son to Suibnocus, King of Ultonia,
died A. D. 590. P>om the foregoing list of names, we may judge, that Colgan has not given all those Acts of St. Berchan, that were under his eyes ; while, we miss allu-
probabilities of Colgan's arguments, accord- ing to the dictates of his own judgment ; yet, they are not unanswerable.
'^ Such, too, seems to have been the opinion of Father John Boland, who edited these Acts. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , XV. Februarii. De S. Berachio, sive I^eracho, &c. First Life, chapter iii. , n. (n), p. 837.
"* In Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the FourMasters,"thisplace,whichheiden- tifies with Killjarry, is frequently mentioned. See Index Locorum, vol. vii. , p. 32.
's See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xiv. , section vi. , p. 324.
l^lace, the magus urged an adverse claim ;
February 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 549
Various opinions have been formed, regarding this site. Archdall states,'^ it was known, afterwards, as Clooncraff,'7 in the barony of Athlone, and in the county of Roscommon. Dr. Beaufort has it as Cloncraft, in the barony
and county of Roscommon, and in the diocese of Elphin. ^^ However,
Ckiain-Coirpthe is placed by O'Flaherty on the banks of the River Shannon. '9 By Dr. O'Donovan, it has been identified with a place now called Kilbarry, situated in the parish of Termonbarry,='° in the east of Roscommon county. It was located, in what the old writers call the desert or wilderness of Kinel- Dofa. ^^ This was the territory of the O'Hanlys. " Some ruins, yet remain- ing at this place, are very interesting, for the architectural antiquary's study. ^3 They have been well described, in a letter,24 by Dr. O'Donovan. ^s St. Barry's Church, near the beautiful demesne of Lough Forbes, is on Kilbarry townland; on the opposite Shannon shore, lies the county of Longford. Near the old church is St. Barry's Well, about three miles above Termon- barry Bridge.
It is related, that one night, twelve impious men came to St. Berach's monastery, for the purpose of effecting plunder ; and, to add more to their guilt, they killed a keeper, who had charge of the monastic property. But, while driving the stolen oxen, over a rocky and shallow ford, those spears, which were used as goads, with their hands, became fixed to the spot, in the very middle of the river. St. Berach had a premonition of this outrage, and he brought a great number of his monks, to where the dead body of their brother lay. By his prayers, the dead man arose to life, in the presence of all. Afterwards, going to the river shallow, he clemently freed the bound thieves,andpermittedthemtodepart. Fullofcompunctionfortheircrimes, these prostrated themselves, at the holy abbot's feet, and under his direction, they subsequently became monks,^^
A certain disciple of Berach, who was named Colman Coel,^7 and who obtained the Kill or Cell of Cluain-ingreach^^ from the man of God, had a desire to visit Rome, and to pray at the Hmina of the Apostles. By no per-
^^ See *'Monasticon Hibernicum," p. 608.
^^ King, p. 226, is quoted by Archdall for the statement, that St. Patrick founded
ridge of Slieve Baune Mountain. It com-
prises the parishes of Kiiglass, Termon- barry, Cloontuskert, and the eastern half of Loosonuffy parish. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Topographical Poems of John O'Dub-
a monastery at Cluaincairpthe, —or Cluain-
choirpthe. Yet, Dr. L—anigan who had hagain and GioUa
na Naomh
O'Huidhrin,"
access to King's papers could not verify
this quotation. These are now preserved. in the Library of the Dublin Society.
*^ See "Memoir of a Map of Ireland," index, p. 19.
^9 In William M. Hennessy's copy of the
— of I find the follow- Martyrology Donegal,
n. 304, p. xli.
'^^
ingnote:
Cilt bAyv]\iriii A^ b)\t) riA fioriA. CAi|\ech
becliAi^. "
=° Its bounds may be found, within the barony of Ballintober North, on the " Ord- nance Survey Townland Maps for the County of Roscommon. " Sheets 18, 24, 30. The townland of Kilbarry is described
Even yet, it is locally called Doohy- Hanly. See ibid.
^3 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. iv. , n. (1), pp. 783, 784.
^^ Written from Strokestown, and dated,
August 19th, 1837.
=^5 This letter may be seen, among the
Irish Ordnance Survey Records, preserved in the Royal Irish Academy.
^^ The foregoing is related in the twen- tieth chapter of the First Life of St. Berach ; in certain particulars, it seems to resemble incidents, told in the seventh chapter of the Second or Irish Life.
=7 Colgan is not able to determine, who,
among the 150 Colmans, venerated as saints,
the present holy man was.
-^ It does not seem easy to identify this
place, among the known modern denomina- tions of Irish places.
Cillbarrack. See lAnn
on Sheets 24, 30, ibid.
^^ This extended territory
along
the River
Shannon, from Caranadoc Bridge to Drum-
daff, in the south of Kilgefin parish ; and,
it was divided from Corca-Achlann, by the
See
550 LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. [February15.
suasion or entreaty of his superior could he be diverted from this purpose. At last, when the disciple took his farewell of the monks, and had started on his meditated journey, Berach set out with him, until they came to a place, where Kieran,^9 surnamed the Bald, lived. This latter, too, endea- voured to dissuade Colman from undertaking the voyage. However, he declared, that he could have no peace of mind, until he had seen Rome, with his own eyes. Then Berach made a sign of the cross, not only over Colman'seyes,butalsooverthoseofKieran. Afterwards,throughamiracle of God's power, both saw Rome, clearly and distinctly. This vision removed further longing from Colman's mind, and he abandoned all intention of further prosecuting his travels. There, in subsequent times, two crosses were set up : one of these was to honour the saints, and this miracle, as accom-
pHshed, while the other had been dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. 3° Another time, one of Beraclvs monks, who was named Sillan,3^ had been sent on a message to a place called Rath-ond. s^' On the way, however, somerobbersrusheduponhim,andkilledtheinnocentman. Afterwards, they cut off his head, and threw it on the ground. This grievous crime was instantly revealed to St. Berach, who ran to the spot, and caught those murderers, in the very perpetration of this outrage. At once, they turned tostrikeBerachwiththeirspears; but,theirhandsandlimbsbecameim- movable. Then, those wretched men, in tears, asked pardon for their offences, promising, at the same time, to do penance, and to amend their lives for the future. This pardon the saint accorded, and ordering them to go and join the head of Sillan to his body, Berach retired to a place, covered with reeds, where, on bended knees, he earnestly besought the Almighty, to restore the murdered disciple to life. His prayers were mercifully heard, and taking a reed from the place, he wound it around the neck of the dead man, commanding him in Christ's name to rise. This command the monk obeyed, for he was miraculously brought to life. Thenceforward, those reeds, which grew at that spot, were called by the people St. Berach's reeds. It was also believed, in after time, that these were endued with preternatural efficacy, and especially were they used, as a remedy, for the cure of various diseases. 33
After his wonderful virtues, and the various miracles he wrought, had
been reported over Ireland ; the infirm and suffering flocked to his monas-
tery, from all parts, thus hoping to obtain relief, under their respective ail-
ments. Whentheysoughtsuchrelief,withfirmfaith,theyalwaysexperienced his charitable aid. Berach had the special gift of liberating possessed
persons. However, finding his last end approaching, this holy man re- doubledhisprayers,andcallinghismonkstogether,heblessedthem. Then,
recommending his soul to God, and signing himself with a sign of the cross, he resigned himself to the Creator of all things, and he calmly slept in the Lord.
Archdall tells us,34 that the founder of Cluain Cairpthess—he seems to
'5 Unless he may be the Kieran of Faithche or Foighde, venerated at the 8th of March, Colgan confesses his inability to discover him, among the many holy men, similarly named in our Calendars.
3° Their feasts occur at the 29th and 30th of lune, in Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other Trincipal Saints," vol, vi.
3' Among the many holy men so named, in our Calendars, Colgan deems it most likely his feast occurred on the 9th of Marcli,
or on the 4th of May. Yet, we need not ne-
ccssarily connect him with any one, entered
in our Martyrologies, as otherwise, he ap- j^cars to be unknown,
^^ Among Irish topogi"aphical names, at present known, it docs not seem to be easy to identify this place.
33 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Ilibcr- nia:," xv. Februarii. First Life of St. Uerach, chapters xx. , xxi. , xxii. Second
Life, chapters vii. , viii. , nn. 6, 7i 8, pp. 344, 345, 348.
February 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 55^ mean St—. Berach, although the statement is placed in apposition with St.
un- certain,37 and it does not seem to have been properly ascertained. That day, on which he departed this life, was the 15th of February, which also has been assigned for his feast. 3^ Some foreign Calendars incorrectly style him a bishop, when noting his festival. 39 Yet, in his Lives, and in our native
Calendars, he is only called an abbot.
The simple entry, Berach, Cluana Cairpthi, occurs, in the Martyrology
ofTallaghjioatthe15thofFebruary.
