35 A reference to Colgan's closing observations, in his notes to our saint's Ufe, will
establish
the accuracy of his previous statements.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v1
d.
636, when it has been supposed he finally left Ireland,
choice of anamchara," or souls' friend," who should be St. Laga (Mo naom Laga). He was a man to whom the wild deer were obedient, while he was in honour a—nd great
respect with God, as said the poet
:
1
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 351
necessity of convoking a public assembly, at which the Munster clergy and chiefs attended, as likewise the king. Besides other incidents connected with this meeting, various privileges and possessions were bestowed on the churchofSt. Molaga. s Thecouncilw—asheldatTearmainMolaga,andthe men of Munster"^ fasted to the saint
forgiveness, or for preferring a request, in the olden time. ? On this occasion, they asked him to take Cui gan mathair under the protection of his Gospel
for mercy and forgiveness. Cuan or Cuanna,^ son to Amhalgad, King of Aine Cliach,9 who descended from the celebrated Druid and hero, Mogh Roth, was present. This Druid received a grant of the territory of Feara- Muigh-feine, now Fermoy, from Fiacha Muilleathan, for the services he rendered to the Munster forces, when Cormac Mac Art, monarch of Ireland, had been driven from the province. Foremost among the ecclesiastics were Conangius 0'Daithil,'° Abbot of Emly ;" Russinus, or Ruisine," son to Lap, or Lappain ; Comorban of St. Barr,'3 from Claire southward ;'-* St. Cummin Foda;'5 St. Fursey, supposed to be the Abbot of Lagny;'^ with other renowned princes and clerics : all were subscribers to a charter, which con- firmed those grants. ^7 They were sureties also for carrying out all necessary conditions. '^ A certain prince named Flann, son to Ercus, from Gabria, or Gabhra territory, presumed to infringe on some of those privileges. He
s Mr. has furnished the '° Joseph O'Longan
some
of
subsequent statement from "The Book of notices of St. Conaing, or Connich Mic
Fermoy. " " At page 91, col. i, are re- lated, how he obtamed the freedom of his Termon from the king and men of Munster, with its boundaries north, south, east, and west, viz. , from Dairigh Mochua to Inis Gubain at the River Fuinnsion on the west, to Feirnn Leabhain, at or in the [river]
Uinnsinn, on the east, and from Ath na Lee to Dairmhach. "
^ Their grants are said to have been from Darach Muchua to Inis Goban, which was on the Uinsean westward, and from Fearan Leabain to the eastern Fuinsean, —and from Ath na Leac to middle Darmach. British Museum MS. Life.
7 We are told, that Molaga then stipulated
for the freedom or perpetuity of his Tear-
main, and th—at he obtained an Eitira or
security for it. Professor O'Looney's Manu-
script Life of St. Molaga, p. 7.
Luachair, supposed to be identical with the
present abbot.
" Colgan remarks, this account is exactly
in accordance with that contained in our
Annals, where it is stated, Conaingius O'Dathil, Abbot of Imleach lobhair, died in the year of Christ 660. See Mr. O'Dono- van's edition of the "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 270, 271.
'^ See some notices regarding a St. Rui- sen, of Inis Picht, or Spike Island, near Cork, at the 7th of April.
'3 As St. Barr founded the abbey and
of so this saint must episcopal see Cork,
have been his successor in the latter place. "
vol.
ters," i. , pp. 292, 293.
'^This latter adjunct is in Professor
*
This prince is thus named in Mr. O'Looney's Manuscript Life, p. 8.
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 258, 259, when his death is
'5St, CumminFodadiedontheI2thof November, 661. See O'Donovan's " An- nals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 270 to 273, and nn. (a, b), ibid.
about A. D. 636, he went over to Britain, and afterwards to France. See his life, already given at the i6th of this month, the day of his principal feast.
'? In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life it is added, "Victor the Angel and Patrick came from Heaven to bind and confirm it, and Patrick then enjoined on Molaga to come every Thursday to con-
verse with himself into Heaven.
•^
" Cuana, son of Ailcin, chief of Feara-Maighe [Fer-
recorded as follows, at A d.
640.
He was
called] Laech Liathmhuine. This Cuana that St. Fursey flourished about this time is called Mac Cailchine by Dr. Jeoffray and in this part of the country. Thence,
moy] died.
[the person "
who was
Keating.
'Colgan refers to various authorities for
a curious account relating to a contest of generosity between Cuana and his half-
Guaire Aidhne, and,
to an ancient manuscript of Clonmacnoise, called " Leabhar ua h Uidhre," which is
now preserved m the Library of the Royal Irish Academy, and copies of which have
been edited by Mr. Joseph O'Longan and by Professor Bryan O'Looney.
brother,
among others,
this a usual form for
being asking
See,
at the
23rd
September,
At A. D. 685, we find it stated
Abbot of Corcach-mor, died. " See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Mas-
'* Such is opinion, who says, Colgan's
In the Manuscript Life, the conclusion
:
Roisseni,
352 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
encamped an army at a place called Tulach-airdiir/:? when coming thither to transact important business with Caius. Resolved on defending the rights
already guaranteed to him and his possessions by treaty, the saint showed forth God's power, by which he was sustained in working a miracle. This
had the effect of bringing Flann, with true humilty and contrition, to ac- knowledge his fault. Throwing himself at St. Molagga's feet, and confessing his sin, he sought and obtained pardon. Afterwards, he submitted with
most exemplary resignation to a humiliating penance, imposed by Molagga.
To reward his humble and patient spirit, this saint was not only ready to
receive him again into favour, but he even showered blessings upon the
chieftain, while predicting, at the same time, that seven of his offspring
should become or ^° and should be for princes kings, distinguished many
illustrious actions. ^'
At a place called Leam-han-chia, in the eastern part of Munster, seven infidels or idolaters are said to have been taken off by a sudden death. ^^ Many holy persons grieved at the state to which their souls must be exposed in the next life. They offered up most fervent petitions to Heaven, and entreated the God of mercy to be propitious. They also joined a fast with these prayers. Their united suppHcations were of no avail, however, until St. Molagga had been addressed, and until his powerful intercession had been joined to their entreaties. A wonderful miracle resulted from those petitions of God's servant. The idolaters were immediately rescued from a mortal and from a never-ending death. "3 They were again restored to life,
of this Council is thus narrated. Cui gan could have been Prince of Gauria, at a time mathair then bowed to Molaga, and he gave indicated in the Life, as Caius was his alms (a gift), namely, his two steeds and grandson, the father of Caius being Cathald, his robe, and a cup full of silver and a dish as mentioned in the 9th chapter of our (or palena) of gold down upon it, and a saint's life, and by most of our Irish his- fully chased brooch with a Leisreach every torians. See, also, the account already year. The monarch agreed that he should
have the honour and dignity of the Anam-
chara of the King of Munster for ever, and
that it should descend to his Comoibas, ofMunster.
while the cain (injunctions) of his bell should take precedence of every other ex- cept the bell of St. Patrick. Molaga promised that this should be fulfilled, to- wards every king who should afterwards occupy Cashel, and that not one of them should ever die without an "anamchara" through his blessing. Page 8.
''This is said in Prolessor O'Looney's
Manuscript Life to have been at Tearmain
Molaga, p. 8.
'°
^' "
Coigan's Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae,"
So the Life of St. Molagga calls them.
The term should most probably be rendered
Prince ; for the seven kings, who were pre-
dicted to succeed Flann, appear to have
ruled Gauria only, and not the whole of
Munster. For during the time of Caius,
King of Munster, no prince named Flann,
Flannius, or son to Ercus, or any other
princeofMunsterraceflourished,towhom wearenottounderstandthatthoseinfidels
the origin of any king of Ireland, or even of
Munster, could be referred, not to speak
of seven kings, as stated in our saint's life.
And although there issued seven kings of
Munster from the seed of Aldus, sumamed afterwards, being converted to the trae
Flann Cathrach, he was not, however, a faith, they departed happily to our Lord. son to Ercus, but to Amalgad. This Aldus Were we to attach implicit credit to this
given in the text. Colgan, therefore, con- cludes, that the predicted kings either ruled over Gauria, or some other larger principality
XX. Januarii. Vita S. Molaggae, cap. xix. , XX. , pp. 147, 148.
"This account seems to be wantingin the copy of our saint's life, preserved in the British Museum ; but Professor O'Looney
has supplied the following passage within brackets from the Book of Fermoy. [" One time that Molaga happened to be at Cathair Lemuine in West Mimster, a place where seven Gentiles with their followers con- tinued to make adoration to the Devil, and they died in the middle of the Cathair, and were buried in it, and the saints of Erin declined to resuscitate them for their people till Molaga came,"] b. fol. 60. It will be observed, that this somewhat varies the account given in the text.
'3 Here, as in similarly related miracles,
could have been rescued from eternal pu- nishment in the other life ; but rather, per- haps, it may be assumed they were rescued from a temporal death in extremis, and
January 20. ]
LIVES 01' THE IRISH SAINTS.
353
and by the saint directed in those ways, which afterwards conducted them
to eternal happiness. *'^
Although the Acts of this saint, hitherto discoverable, make no mention
ofSt. MolagahavinggonesouthwardsfromFermoy,tofoundamonastery at Timoleague; yet, local tradition holds this to be a fact. ^5 it seems
reasonable enough to suppose this monastery was one of his establishments j and, the more especially, as the Acts of St. Molaga appear to have come down to us in an imperfect state.
Towards the close of this sainfs life, a dreadful pestilence, known as the
Buidhe Chonnuil,^^ devastated our whole island, and carried away the greater
part of the clergy and people, according to our annals. This plague occurred in the year 664 ; and among other places scourged with this visitation of Heaven, a district named Corcobhaiscind, in Munster, is specially named. In order to avert the Divine wrath, the courageous and zealous Molagga set out towards this district, and came to a place called Cam-Sioda. Here its inhabitants were all removed by death, with the exception of thirty-three men^7 and twenty-eight women. Moved by this piteous spectacle, the servant of God bestowed his benediction on those fewsurvivorsthatremained. Afterwards,notonlydidthemortalityentirely cease, but this small community increased to nine hundred souls, within a
few years. In gratitude for their preservation, St. Molagga was held in the greatest veneration by this people during life, and after death he was invoked as their chief patron. The saint appears to have survived this great plague. He must have been greatly advanced in years, at this particular period. Being distinguished for his many virtues and miracles, as also being loved by all his cotemporaries and countrymen, he resigned his happy soul to God, on the 2othdayofJanuary,^^|accordingtoourcalendars. ThecalendarsofSt. Mn^%,^^ of Marianus O'Gorman, of Cathald Maguire, and of Cashel, correspond. 3°
narrative, it would seem to prove, that these. " See also nn. (q, r, s, t, u, w),
idolatry or paganism lingered until the ibid.
seventh century among some of the people then living in the south of Ireland.
*^Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," XX. Januarii. Vita S. Molaggae, cap. xxi. , p. 148.
'^ The writer has been assured of this by
Mr. Joseph O'Longan.
**In Mr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 274 to 277, we
^ In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life there is nothing said regarding those
thirty-three men.
read
:
" The Age of Christ, 664. A great
Natalis on this day, either under the title of
Lochen, which perhaps was his first name,
or under Molagga or Molocus, which was that . under which afterwards he became better known. Thus at the 20th ofJanuary, the published Martyrology of Tallagh has, Lochin, son of Duib Diligid, p, xiii. , while the Franciscan • copy reads, toclieni pli •Ouib 'O1I151T).
mortality prevailed in Ireland this year, which was called the Buidhe Connail, and the following number of the saints of Ireland died of it : St. Feichin, Abbot of Fobhar, on the 14th of February ; St. Ronan, son of Bearach ; St. Aileran, the Wise ; St. Cro- nan,sonofSilne; St. ManchanofLiath; St. Ultan Mac h Ui-Cunga, Abbot of Cluain- Iraird [Clonard]; Colman Cas, Abbot of Cluain-mic-Nois ; and Cummine, Abbot of Cluain-mic-Nois. After Diarmaid and Blathmac, the two sons of Aedh Slaine, had been eight years in the sovereignty of Ire- land, they died of the same plague. There
^ The following comment, with his local renderings within brackets, has been oblig- ingly furnished by Professor O'Looney, from the"LeabharBreac"c—opyofthe"Feilire," at the 20th of January :
died also Maelbreasail, son of Maelduin, and
Cu-gan-mathair, King of Munster; Aengus enus, i. e. , Molagga of Tulachmhin Mo-
Uladli. There died very many ecclesiastics and laics in Ireland of this mortality besides
lagga in Munster, and of Lannbhecuir in Fingal. The Calendar of Cashel put this
Vol. I.
2 A
^^
All our domestic Hagiologists place his
" Molaca, at Land Bechuire in Bregia he is, or that he was La- chine, son of Dubhdligid, i. e. , from Tealach- min-Molaga, in Fearaile Midge (now Fer-
moy) in Munster. "
3° Marianus O'Gorman has an entry simi-
lar to that in the Martyrology of Tallagh, while his commentator calls this saint Loch-
354 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
Also the Martyrology of Donegals' sets down Loichein, son of Dubh- Dlighidh, i. e. , Molaga of Tulach min Molaga, in Munster. He belonged likewise to Lann-Beachaire, in Fine-Gall, it is remarked. He sprang
" fromtheraceofFearghus,sontoRoss,sonofRudhraighe. Inthe Kalen-
darium Dnimmondiense," this saint's name, with the names of two other Irish saints, venerated on this day, will be found at the xiii. Kalends of
32 February.
Molagga is traditionally said to have been buried at I^aba-Molagga. 33 His feast was held with great veneration, both at Tulach-mhin, in Munster, and at Lannbechuir, in Leinster. 34 From what has been already observed, this saint is a different person from several of the other Irish saints, bearing a like name, and whose various festival days are commemorated at different dates throughout the year. This will be discovered by referring to state- ments of our Hagiologists, in their several calendars and festilogies.
35 A reference to Colgan's closing observations, in his notes to our saint's Ufe, will establish the accuracy of his previous statements.
This holy man was held in great veneration throughout the southern
partsofIreland,andvariousplaceswerededicatedtohim. ThusEidhnen
Molaga was the ancient name for St. Molagga's church, near Marshalstown, countyofCork. 3^ AgaintheplacecalledAthCrosMolage,situatedabout half-way between Mitchelstown and Kildorerry, in the county of Cork, was called after him. Here was the church of the Tuath O'Cuscraidh, and within this tract was also situated Liathmuine. 37 Besides these, the Each- lascaibh, or churches of Molaga, lay on the borders of Tuath on Duinnin, which comprised the southern slopes of Sliabh Cain, now the Ballyhoura mountains. 38 This division extended from Glaise Muilinn Mairtail west- ward to Beam39 Mic Imhair, or Gap of the Son of Imhar. Timoleague,
so delightfully situated, "
By Courtmacsherry's placid bay,"*"
last-named place in the territory of Bregia, a more ancient name for it; while it states, that his origin must be attributed to Fera- mugia, in Munster,
3' Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
22, 23.
3^"Apud Hibemiam Natale Sanctorum
7th of this month. 2. St. Loichen at the 12th of January. 3. St. Mologga, of Tulach
mhin Molagga, at the present date. 4. St. Molocca, son of Colman Finn, at the 22nd of March. 5. St. Molocca, at the 26th of the same month. 6. St. Loichen, of Cong, at the 17th of April. 7. St. Loichen, at the
Confessorum Molaca Oenii Fechin celebra- 12th of June. 8. St. Moloca of Sliabh
"
tur. " See Bishop Fo—rbes'
the Scottish Saints. " Kalendarium Drum- of Tulach-h-Olainn, at the 7th of August, mondiense, p. 3. 10. St. Molocca, at the 9th of the same
33 This likewise accords with a statement month. 11. St. Molacca, son of Cairthenn, in his Irish Life, contained in the Book of at the 13th of the same month. 12. St.
Kalendars of Bloom, at the 20th of July. 9. St. Molacca,
Lismore. A stream, called Abhann Carrig
na mbrointe, or " The River of the Quern
Stones," flows north-west of Marshalstown,
into the River Funcheon, and southwards
through the glen called Leaba Molagga. This Mr. Joseph O'Longan identifies with
Glaise-Muilinn, i. e. , "the Stream of Mar-
tel's mill," or "the stream of the mortar
mill," mentioned in the translated tract,
"
Forbuis Dromadamhghaire," n. 7 to p. i. Some, however, identify it with Sheep River, west of the first-mentioned stream.
3< Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemise," XX. Januarii. Vita S. MolaggJE, cap. xxii. , p. 148.
35Thefollowingistheorderoftheirfeasts,
viz. : I. St. Molacca, of Lifeacbar, at the Abbey,"in"Poems,''byT. D. Sidlivan,p. 202.
Lochan, at the 31st of December. See notices of them at their respective days.
3* Mr. Joseph O'Longan's translation of
" Forbuis Dromadamhghaire," n. I, p. 9. Mag Floinn was the comharba, and O'Cos- crann was the clerk of the crozier to this place, according to that tract,
"
37 Mr. Joseph O'Longan's translation of
Forbuis Dromadamhghaire," pp. 6, 7, and n. i to p. 7.
38 These extend from near Buttevant to the Galtees.
3? Mr. Joseph O'Longan's Translation of "Forbuis Dromadamhghaire," im. i, 2, 3, 4, p. 14.
'* *'°Seethebeautifullegendof Timoleague
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 355
is said to have derived its name from this saint, the EngUsh equivalent being " the house of Molaga. "-*! It is probable, that a church dedicated to him stood in this place, before the foundation of the noble Franciscan Abbey in 1240. 42 Itissaid,thatthiserectionhadbeendedicatedtothelocalpatrouj^s and that it had been founded by the sept of the Mac Carthys. t4 The buildings are yet nearly entire, excepting the roof, and the walls enclose three sides of a court, sixty yards square. ^s On the east is the church, with nave and choir ; the former is thirty and the latter fifteen yards in length. From the division, a transept more than twelve yards long extends towards the south. South of the nave there is an open arcade, extending along one
Timoleague Abbey Ruins, Co. Cork.
side of the transept, and supported by seven irregular arches, resting on cylindrical and square pillars without capitals. The windows are varied in their elevation and style. The east window is composed of three lofty lights, divided by stone mullions. The south window of the transept has three
lancet-shaped lights, and the great west window two. There is a chapel on the east side of the south transept, with light and elegant windows. Those
of the nave are pointed, square-headed, obtuse, and ogee, A lofty arch divides the nave and choir. Over it rises a light square tower, 68 feet in height. 46 The dormitories, refectory, and other domestic edifices remain. 47
and the froma Dublin, copied by writer,
beautiful drawing of John Windale, pre- served among his Manuscripts in the Royal
^^MSee Rev. C. B. Gibson's " of History
the County and City of Cork," vol. ii. , chap, xxiii. , p. 504.
Topographical Dictionary of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 625.
** Beneath this tower there is a narrow and curious passage, similar to those leading to the roof-loft in the English cathedral—s.
47 See ibid. Around this ruin are
place,
monastery,
" Annals of the Four
(w), pp. 300, 301, 4^ See ibid.
Masters,"
vol. n. iii. ,
^^ See Lewis' ' '
in Irish CeAC is molAjA,
4' This
situated in the barony of Barryroe, in the county of Cork. Here probably, thinks Dr. O'Donovan, St. Molaga erected a primitive
but of this we have no
Irish
record. Dr. O'Donovan seems to distin- guish it from Tulach min Molaga. See
^3 The situation of Timoleague parish is
shown on the
''
Ordnance Survey Townland
MapsfortheCountyofCork," Sheets123, 136. On the former sheet the site and sur-
j" The swelling fields of Barryroe,
roundings
of the
abbey
ruins be traced. may
And all the westward " Carbery heights.
The accompanying engraving of this abbey has been executed by George A. Hanlon, of
—See T. D. Sullivan's " Poems"—"Timo- league Abbey," p. 202.
Irish Academy.
356
LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. ' 20. [January
In 1604, the Catholics of this place repaired the monastery,^^ and used it for
religious services; while the walls, though now unroofed, are yet very
perfect. 49
One of this saint's chief objects was by his instructions and example to
shed the light of science and religion over those ages which were kept in the shade. He also wished to demonstrate the greatness of the Church, and her sanctity allied to the constant progress of Christian civilization. He proved quite equal to such an undertaking, hard as it was, and not unfraught with peril under peculiar conditions. Deep erudition was needed, no apocryphal documents could be accepted, no doubtful texts quoted, nor contestable arguments be advanced, when he had to deal with those learned men who were his adversaries, when the relics of paganism had not been wholly extinct in Ireland, and when Christians needed the wholesome food of sound doctrine, and the salt of true wsdom, to preserve them from con lamination, and the dangers of their age.
ARTICLE II. —ST. FECHIN, ABBOT OF FOBHAR, OR FORE, COUNTY OF WESTMEATH.
[SEVENTH CENTURY. '^
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION—ST. FECHIN'S OLD AND MODERN LIVES—HIS PARENTAGE AND PLACE
OF BIRTH—PORTENTS REGARDING HIS FUTURE GREATNESS AND SANCTITY—
HIS EARLY EDUCATION—MONASTIC ESTABLISHMENTS AND CHURCHES ERECTED—IMAY—
ARD-OILEAN.
This ascetic man belonged to the class of holy and secluded anchorets, al- though he ruled as an abbot. His sanctity attracted great numbers ot disciples to his retreat. Before he had long exercised jurisdiction, his com- munity numbered over three hundred pious monks. ^ Hence, in his habits and life, he has been compared to the great archimandrite of the East, St. Anthony. * His manner of living was very austere. It has been remarked, that St. Fechin's acts have been filled with many characteristic incidents of Irish related miracles. 3 More might be added, that several of these are absurd and manifestly fabulous. * Yet are we ready to beheve, that such a man, gifted with so many rich graces from Heaven, and so purified by holi- ness in a very perfect degree, must have been distinguished during life by the achievement of various supernatural works. We shall endeavour to exercise some caution and discrimination, while unveiling the chief recorded particu-
lars of his life.
Some manuscript acts of this holy abbot are extant. s The Bollandist
^ Cox's "History of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 10.
*9 See an interesting account of this place
Brigid's feast, on the 1st day of February, and at St. Patrick's feast, on the 1 7th day of March.
3 See Rev. S. " Lives ot Baring-Gould's
the Saints," vol. i. , January xx. , pp. 310, 311.
< Yet our annals and records certify that
the personages named as this saint's con-
temporaries, when known, have been found
admirably to synchronize with statements contained in his acts,
5 Among these do we find described,
in Archdall's "Monasticon
Hibemicum,"
pp. 77, 78. — Article II. —Chapter i.
'See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Meath, Ancient and Modem," vol. iii. , chap. Ixxiv. , p. 561.
' See "The Martyrology of Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 22, 23. For this statement is quoted that very old vellum book, which is mentioned at St.
JANUARY 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 357
fathers have edited the Acts of St. Fechin, in four chapters and seventeen sections. ^ BishopChallonerhassomenoticesregardingthissaint. ?
choice of anamchara," or souls' friend," who should be St. Laga (Mo naom Laga). He was a man to whom the wild deer were obedient, while he was in honour a—nd great
respect with God, as said the poet
:
1
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 351
necessity of convoking a public assembly, at which the Munster clergy and chiefs attended, as likewise the king. Besides other incidents connected with this meeting, various privileges and possessions were bestowed on the churchofSt. Molaga. s Thecouncilw—asheldatTearmainMolaga,andthe men of Munster"^ fasted to the saint
forgiveness, or for preferring a request, in the olden time. ? On this occasion, they asked him to take Cui gan mathair under the protection of his Gospel
for mercy and forgiveness. Cuan or Cuanna,^ son to Amhalgad, King of Aine Cliach,9 who descended from the celebrated Druid and hero, Mogh Roth, was present. This Druid received a grant of the territory of Feara- Muigh-feine, now Fermoy, from Fiacha Muilleathan, for the services he rendered to the Munster forces, when Cormac Mac Art, monarch of Ireland, had been driven from the province. Foremost among the ecclesiastics were Conangius 0'Daithil,'° Abbot of Emly ;" Russinus, or Ruisine," son to Lap, or Lappain ; Comorban of St. Barr,'3 from Claire southward ;'-* St. Cummin Foda;'5 St. Fursey, supposed to be the Abbot of Lagny;'^ with other renowned princes and clerics : all were subscribers to a charter, which con- firmed those grants. ^7 They were sureties also for carrying out all necessary conditions. '^ A certain prince named Flann, son to Ercus, from Gabria, or Gabhra territory, presumed to infringe on some of those privileges. He
s Mr. has furnished the '° Joseph O'Longan
some
of
subsequent statement from "The Book of notices of St. Conaing, or Connich Mic
Fermoy. " " At page 91, col. i, are re- lated, how he obtamed the freedom of his Termon from the king and men of Munster, with its boundaries north, south, east, and west, viz. , from Dairigh Mochua to Inis Gubain at the River Fuinnsion on the west, to Feirnn Leabhain, at or in the [river]
Uinnsinn, on the east, and from Ath na Lee to Dairmhach. "
^ Their grants are said to have been from Darach Muchua to Inis Goban, which was on the Uinsean westward, and from Fearan Leabain to the eastern Fuinsean, —and from Ath na Leac to middle Darmach. British Museum MS. Life.
7 We are told, that Molaga then stipulated
for the freedom or perpetuity of his Tear-
main, and th—at he obtained an Eitira or
security for it. Professor O'Looney's Manu-
script Life of St. Molaga, p. 7.
Luachair, supposed to be identical with the
present abbot.
" Colgan remarks, this account is exactly
in accordance with that contained in our
Annals, where it is stated, Conaingius O'Dathil, Abbot of Imleach lobhair, died in the year of Christ 660. See Mr. O'Dono- van's edition of the "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 270, 271.
'^ See some notices regarding a St. Rui- sen, of Inis Picht, or Spike Island, near Cork, at the 7th of April.
'3 As St. Barr founded the abbey and
of so this saint must episcopal see Cork,
have been his successor in the latter place. "
vol.
ters," i. , pp. 292, 293.
'^This latter adjunct is in Professor
*
This prince is thus named in Mr. O'Looney's Manuscript Life, p. 8.
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 258, 259, when his death is
'5St, CumminFodadiedontheI2thof November, 661. See O'Donovan's " An- nals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 270 to 273, and nn. (a, b), ibid.
about A. D. 636, he went over to Britain, and afterwards to France. See his life, already given at the i6th of this month, the day of his principal feast.
'? In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life it is added, "Victor the Angel and Patrick came from Heaven to bind and confirm it, and Patrick then enjoined on Molaga to come every Thursday to con-
verse with himself into Heaven.
•^
" Cuana, son of Ailcin, chief of Feara-Maighe [Fer-
recorded as follows, at A d.
640.
He was
called] Laech Liathmhuine. This Cuana that St. Fursey flourished about this time is called Mac Cailchine by Dr. Jeoffray and in this part of the country. Thence,
moy] died.
[the person "
who was
Keating.
'Colgan refers to various authorities for
a curious account relating to a contest of generosity between Cuana and his half-
Guaire Aidhne, and,
to an ancient manuscript of Clonmacnoise, called " Leabhar ua h Uidhre," which is
now preserved m the Library of the Royal Irish Academy, and copies of which have
been edited by Mr. Joseph O'Longan and by Professor Bryan O'Looney.
brother,
among others,
this a usual form for
being asking
See,
at the
23rd
September,
At A. D. 685, we find it stated
Abbot of Corcach-mor, died. " See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Mas-
'* Such is opinion, who says, Colgan's
In the Manuscript Life, the conclusion
:
Roisseni,
352 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
encamped an army at a place called Tulach-airdiir/:? when coming thither to transact important business with Caius. Resolved on defending the rights
already guaranteed to him and his possessions by treaty, the saint showed forth God's power, by which he was sustained in working a miracle. This
had the effect of bringing Flann, with true humilty and contrition, to ac- knowledge his fault. Throwing himself at St. Molagga's feet, and confessing his sin, he sought and obtained pardon. Afterwards, he submitted with
most exemplary resignation to a humiliating penance, imposed by Molagga.
To reward his humble and patient spirit, this saint was not only ready to
receive him again into favour, but he even showered blessings upon the
chieftain, while predicting, at the same time, that seven of his offspring
should become or ^° and should be for princes kings, distinguished many
illustrious actions. ^'
At a place called Leam-han-chia, in the eastern part of Munster, seven infidels or idolaters are said to have been taken off by a sudden death. ^^ Many holy persons grieved at the state to which their souls must be exposed in the next life. They offered up most fervent petitions to Heaven, and entreated the God of mercy to be propitious. They also joined a fast with these prayers. Their united suppHcations were of no avail, however, until St. Molagga had been addressed, and until his powerful intercession had been joined to their entreaties. A wonderful miracle resulted from those petitions of God's servant. The idolaters were immediately rescued from a mortal and from a never-ending death. "3 They were again restored to life,
of this Council is thus narrated. Cui gan could have been Prince of Gauria, at a time mathair then bowed to Molaga, and he gave indicated in the Life, as Caius was his alms (a gift), namely, his two steeds and grandson, the father of Caius being Cathald, his robe, and a cup full of silver and a dish as mentioned in the 9th chapter of our (or palena) of gold down upon it, and a saint's life, and by most of our Irish his- fully chased brooch with a Leisreach every torians. See, also, the account already year. The monarch agreed that he should
have the honour and dignity of the Anam-
chara of the King of Munster for ever, and
that it should descend to his Comoibas, ofMunster.
while the cain (injunctions) of his bell should take precedence of every other ex- cept the bell of St. Patrick. Molaga promised that this should be fulfilled, to- wards every king who should afterwards occupy Cashel, and that not one of them should ever die without an "anamchara" through his blessing. Page 8.
''This is said in Prolessor O'Looney's
Manuscript Life to have been at Tearmain
Molaga, p. 8.
'°
^' "
Coigan's Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae,"
So the Life of St. Molagga calls them.
The term should most probably be rendered
Prince ; for the seven kings, who were pre-
dicted to succeed Flann, appear to have
ruled Gauria only, and not the whole of
Munster. For during the time of Caius,
King of Munster, no prince named Flann,
Flannius, or son to Ercus, or any other
princeofMunsterraceflourished,towhom wearenottounderstandthatthoseinfidels
the origin of any king of Ireland, or even of
Munster, could be referred, not to speak
of seven kings, as stated in our saint's life.
And although there issued seven kings of
Munster from the seed of Aldus, sumamed afterwards, being converted to the trae
Flann Cathrach, he was not, however, a faith, they departed happily to our Lord. son to Ercus, but to Amalgad. This Aldus Were we to attach implicit credit to this
given in the text. Colgan, therefore, con- cludes, that the predicted kings either ruled over Gauria, or some other larger principality
XX. Januarii. Vita S. Molaggae, cap. xix. , XX. , pp. 147, 148.
"This account seems to be wantingin the copy of our saint's life, preserved in the British Museum ; but Professor O'Looney
has supplied the following passage within brackets from the Book of Fermoy. [" One time that Molaga happened to be at Cathair Lemuine in West Mimster, a place where seven Gentiles with their followers con- tinued to make adoration to the Devil, and they died in the middle of the Cathair, and were buried in it, and the saints of Erin declined to resuscitate them for their people till Molaga came,"] b. fol. 60. It will be observed, that this somewhat varies the account given in the text.
'3 Here, as in similarly related miracles,
could have been rescued from eternal pu- nishment in the other life ; but rather, per- haps, it may be assumed they were rescued from a temporal death in extremis, and
January 20. ]
LIVES 01' THE IRISH SAINTS.
353
and by the saint directed in those ways, which afterwards conducted them
to eternal happiness. *'^
Although the Acts of this saint, hitherto discoverable, make no mention
ofSt. MolagahavinggonesouthwardsfromFermoy,tofoundamonastery at Timoleague; yet, local tradition holds this to be a fact. ^5 it seems
reasonable enough to suppose this monastery was one of his establishments j and, the more especially, as the Acts of St. Molaga appear to have come down to us in an imperfect state.
Towards the close of this sainfs life, a dreadful pestilence, known as the
Buidhe Chonnuil,^^ devastated our whole island, and carried away the greater
part of the clergy and people, according to our annals. This plague occurred in the year 664 ; and among other places scourged with this visitation of Heaven, a district named Corcobhaiscind, in Munster, is specially named. In order to avert the Divine wrath, the courageous and zealous Molagga set out towards this district, and came to a place called Cam-Sioda. Here its inhabitants were all removed by death, with the exception of thirty-three men^7 and twenty-eight women. Moved by this piteous spectacle, the servant of God bestowed his benediction on those fewsurvivorsthatremained. Afterwards,notonlydidthemortalityentirely cease, but this small community increased to nine hundred souls, within a
few years. In gratitude for their preservation, St. Molagga was held in the greatest veneration by this people during life, and after death he was invoked as their chief patron. The saint appears to have survived this great plague. He must have been greatly advanced in years, at this particular period. Being distinguished for his many virtues and miracles, as also being loved by all his cotemporaries and countrymen, he resigned his happy soul to God, on the 2othdayofJanuary,^^|accordingtoourcalendars. ThecalendarsofSt. Mn^%,^^ of Marianus O'Gorman, of Cathald Maguire, and of Cashel, correspond. 3°
narrative, it would seem to prove, that these. " See also nn. (q, r, s, t, u, w),
idolatry or paganism lingered until the ibid.
seventh century among some of the people then living in the south of Ireland.
*^Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," XX. Januarii. Vita S. Molaggae, cap. xxi. , p. 148.
'^ The writer has been assured of this by
Mr. Joseph O'Longan.
**In Mr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 274 to 277, we
^ In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life there is nothing said regarding those
thirty-three men.
read
:
" The Age of Christ, 664. A great
Natalis on this day, either under the title of
Lochen, which perhaps was his first name,
or under Molagga or Molocus, which was that . under which afterwards he became better known. Thus at the 20th ofJanuary, the published Martyrology of Tallagh has, Lochin, son of Duib Diligid, p, xiii. , while the Franciscan • copy reads, toclieni pli •Ouib 'O1I151T).
mortality prevailed in Ireland this year, which was called the Buidhe Connail, and the following number of the saints of Ireland died of it : St. Feichin, Abbot of Fobhar, on the 14th of February ; St. Ronan, son of Bearach ; St. Aileran, the Wise ; St. Cro- nan,sonofSilne; St. ManchanofLiath; St. Ultan Mac h Ui-Cunga, Abbot of Cluain- Iraird [Clonard]; Colman Cas, Abbot of Cluain-mic-Nois ; and Cummine, Abbot of Cluain-mic-Nois. After Diarmaid and Blathmac, the two sons of Aedh Slaine, had been eight years in the sovereignty of Ire- land, they died of the same plague. There
^ The following comment, with his local renderings within brackets, has been oblig- ingly furnished by Professor O'Looney, from the"LeabharBreac"c—opyofthe"Feilire," at the 20th of January :
died also Maelbreasail, son of Maelduin, and
Cu-gan-mathair, King of Munster; Aengus enus, i. e. , Molagga of Tulachmhin Mo-
Uladli. There died very many ecclesiastics and laics in Ireland of this mortality besides
lagga in Munster, and of Lannbhecuir in Fingal. The Calendar of Cashel put this
Vol. I.
2 A
^^
All our domestic Hagiologists place his
" Molaca, at Land Bechuire in Bregia he is, or that he was La- chine, son of Dubhdligid, i. e. , from Tealach- min-Molaga, in Fearaile Midge (now Fer-
moy) in Munster. "
3° Marianus O'Gorman has an entry simi-
lar to that in the Martyrology of Tallagh, while his commentator calls this saint Loch-
354 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
Also the Martyrology of Donegals' sets down Loichein, son of Dubh- Dlighidh, i. e. , Molaga of Tulach min Molaga, in Munster. He belonged likewise to Lann-Beachaire, in Fine-Gall, it is remarked. He sprang
" fromtheraceofFearghus,sontoRoss,sonofRudhraighe. Inthe Kalen-
darium Dnimmondiense," this saint's name, with the names of two other Irish saints, venerated on this day, will be found at the xiii. Kalends of
32 February.
Molagga is traditionally said to have been buried at I^aba-Molagga. 33 His feast was held with great veneration, both at Tulach-mhin, in Munster, and at Lannbechuir, in Leinster. 34 From what has been already observed, this saint is a different person from several of the other Irish saints, bearing a like name, and whose various festival days are commemorated at different dates throughout the year. This will be discovered by referring to state- ments of our Hagiologists, in their several calendars and festilogies.
35 A reference to Colgan's closing observations, in his notes to our saint's Ufe, will establish the accuracy of his previous statements.
This holy man was held in great veneration throughout the southern
partsofIreland,andvariousplaceswerededicatedtohim. ThusEidhnen
Molaga was the ancient name for St. Molagga's church, near Marshalstown, countyofCork. 3^ AgaintheplacecalledAthCrosMolage,situatedabout half-way between Mitchelstown and Kildorerry, in the county of Cork, was called after him. Here was the church of the Tuath O'Cuscraidh, and within this tract was also situated Liathmuine. 37 Besides these, the Each- lascaibh, or churches of Molaga, lay on the borders of Tuath on Duinnin, which comprised the southern slopes of Sliabh Cain, now the Ballyhoura mountains. 38 This division extended from Glaise Muilinn Mairtail west- ward to Beam39 Mic Imhair, or Gap of the Son of Imhar. Timoleague,
so delightfully situated, "
By Courtmacsherry's placid bay,"*"
last-named place in the territory of Bregia, a more ancient name for it; while it states, that his origin must be attributed to Fera- mugia, in Munster,
3' Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
22, 23.
3^"Apud Hibemiam Natale Sanctorum
7th of this month. 2. St. Loichen at the 12th of January. 3. St. Mologga, of Tulach
mhin Molagga, at the present date. 4. St. Molocca, son of Colman Finn, at the 22nd of March. 5. St. Molocca, at the 26th of the same month. 6. St. Loichen, of Cong, at the 17th of April. 7. St. Loichen, at the
Confessorum Molaca Oenii Fechin celebra- 12th of June. 8. St. Moloca of Sliabh
"
tur. " See Bishop Fo—rbes'
the Scottish Saints. " Kalendarium Drum- of Tulach-h-Olainn, at the 7th of August, mondiense, p. 3. 10. St. Molocca, at the 9th of the same
33 This likewise accords with a statement month. 11. St. Molacca, son of Cairthenn, in his Irish Life, contained in the Book of at the 13th of the same month. 12. St.
Kalendars of Bloom, at the 20th of July. 9. St. Molacca,
Lismore. A stream, called Abhann Carrig
na mbrointe, or " The River of the Quern
Stones," flows north-west of Marshalstown,
into the River Funcheon, and southwards
through the glen called Leaba Molagga. This Mr. Joseph O'Longan identifies with
Glaise-Muilinn, i. e. , "the Stream of Mar-
tel's mill," or "the stream of the mortar
mill," mentioned in the translated tract,
"
Forbuis Dromadamhghaire," n. 7 to p. i. Some, however, identify it with Sheep River, west of the first-mentioned stream.
3< Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemise," XX. Januarii. Vita S. MolaggJE, cap. xxii. , p. 148.
35Thefollowingistheorderoftheirfeasts,
viz. : I. St. Molacca, of Lifeacbar, at the Abbey,"in"Poems,''byT. D. Sidlivan,p. 202.
Lochan, at the 31st of December. See notices of them at their respective days.
3* Mr. Joseph O'Longan's translation of
" Forbuis Dromadamhghaire," n. I, p. 9. Mag Floinn was the comharba, and O'Cos- crann was the clerk of the crozier to this place, according to that tract,
"
37 Mr. Joseph O'Longan's translation of
Forbuis Dromadamhghaire," pp. 6, 7, and n. i to p. 7.
38 These extend from near Buttevant to the Galtees.
3? Mr. Joseph O'Longan's Translation of "Forbuis Dromadamhghaire," im. i, 2, 3, 4, p. 14.
'* *'°Seethebeautifullegendof Timoleague
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 355
is said to have derived its name from this saint, the EngUsh equivalent being " the house of Molaga. "-*! It is probable, that a church dedicated to him stood in this place, before the foundation of the noble Franciscan Abbey in 1240. 42 Itissaid,thatthiserectionhadbeendedicatedtothelocalpatrouj^s and that it had been founded by the sept of the Mac Carthys. t4 The buildings are yet nearly entire, excepting the roof, and the walls enclose three sides of a court, sixty yards square. ^s On the east is the church, with nave and choir ; the former is thirty and the latter fifteen yards in length. From the division, a transept more than twelve yards long extends towards the south. South of the nave there is an open arcade, extending along one
Timoleague Abbey Ruins, Co. Cork.
side of the transept, and supported by seven irregular arches, resting on cylindrical and square pillars without capitals. The windows are varied in their elevation and style. The east window is composed of three lofty lights, divided by stone mullions. The south window of the transept has three
lancet-shaped lights, and the great west window two. There is a chapel on the east side of the south transept, with light and elegant windows. Those
of the nave are pointed, square-headed, obtuse, and ogee, A lofty arch divides the nave and choir. Over it rises a light square tower, 68 feet in height. 46 The dormitories, refectory, and other domestic edifices remain. 47
and the froma Dublin, copied by writer,
beautiful drawing of John Windale, pre- served among his Manuscripts in the Royal
^^MSee Rev. C. B. Gibson's " of History
the County and City of Cork," vol. ii. , chap, xxiii. , p. 504.
Topographical Dictionary of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 625.
** Beneath this tower there is a narrow and curious passage, similar to those leading to the roof-loft in the English cathedral—s.
47 See ibid. Around this ruin are
place,
monastery,
" Annals of the Four
(w), pp. 300, 301, 4^ See ibid.
Masters,"
vol. n. iii. ,
^^ See Lewis' ' '
in Irish CeAC is molAjA,
4' This
situated in the barony of Barryroe, in the county of Cork. Here probably, thinks Dr. O'Donovan, St. Molaga erected a primitive
but of this we have no
Irish
record. Dr. O'Donovan seems to distin- guish it from Tulach min Molaga. See
^3 The situation of Timoleague parish is
shown on the
''
Ordnance Survey Townland
MapsfortheCountyofCork," Sheets123, 136. On the former sheet the site and sur-
j" The swelling fields of Barryroe,
roundings
of the
abbey
ruins be traced. may
And all the westward " Carbery heights.
The accompanying engraving of this abbey has been executed by George A. Hanlon, of
—See T. D. Sullivan's " Poems"—"Timo- league Abbey," p. 202.
Irish Academy.
356
LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. ' 20. [January
In 1604, the Catholics of this place repaired the monastery,^^ and used it for
religious services; while the walls, though now unroofed, are yet very
perfect. 49
One of this saint's chief objects was by his instructions and example to
shed the light of science and religion over those ages which were kept in the shade. He also wished to demonstrate the greatness of the Church, and her sanctity allied to the constant progress of Christian civilization. He proved quite equal to such an undertaking, hard as it was, and not unfraught with peril under peculiar conditions. Deep erudition was needed, no apocryphal documents could be accepted, no doubtful texts quoted, nor contestable arguments be advanced, when he had to deal with those learned men who were his adversaries, when the relics of paganism had not been wholly extinct in Ireland, and when Christians needed the wholesome food of sound doctrine, and the salt of true wsdom, to preserve them from con lamination, and the dangers of their age.
ARTICLE II. —ST. FECHIN, ABBOT OF FOBHAR, OR FORE, COUNTY OF WESTMEATH.
[SEVENTH CENTURY. '^
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION—ST. FECHIN'S OLD AND MODERN LIVES—HIS PARENTAGE AND PLACE
OF BIRTH—PORTENTS REGARDING HIS FUTURE GREATNESS AND SANCTITY—
HIS EARLY EDUCATION—MONASTIC ESTABLISHMENTS AND CHURCHES ERECTED—IMAY—
ARD-OILEAN.
This ascetic man belonged to the class of holy and secluded anchorets, al- though he ruled as an abbot. His sanctity attracted great numbers ot disciples to his retreat. Before he had long exercised jurisdiction, his com- munity numbered over three hundred pious monks. ^ Hence, in his habits and life, he has been compared to the great archimandrite of the East, St. Anthony. * His manner of living was very austere. It has been remarked, that St. Fechin's acts have been filled with many characteristic incidents of Irish related miracles. 3 More might be added, that several of these are absurd and manifestly fabulous. * Yet are we ready to beheve, that such a man, gifted with so many rich graces from Heaven, and so purified by holi- ness in a very perfect degree, must have been distinguished during life by the achievement of various supernatural works. We shall endeavour to exercise some caution and discrimination, while unveiling the chief recorded particu-
lars of his life.
Some manuscript acts of this holy abbot are extant. s The Bollandist
^ Cox's "History of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 10.
*9 See an interesting account of this place
Brigid's feast, on the 1st day of February, and at St. Patrick's feast, on the 1 7th day of March.
3 See Rev. S. " Lives ot Baring-Gould's
the Saints," vol. i. , January xx. , pp. 310, 311.
< Yet our annals and records certify that
the personages named as this saint's con-
temporaries, when known, have been found
admirably to synchronize with statements contained in his acts,
5 Among these do we find described,
in Archdall's "Monasticon
Hibemicum,"
pp. 77, 78. — Article II. —Chapter i.
'See Rev. A. Cogan's "Diocese of Meath, Ancient and Modem," vol. iii. , chap. Ixxiv. , p. 561.
' See "The Martyrology of Donegal," edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 22, 23. For this statement is quoted that very old vellum book, which is mentioned at St.
JANUARY 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 357
fathers have edited the Acts of St. Fechin, in four chapters and seventeen sections. ^ BishopChallonerhassomenoticesregardingthissaint. ?
