, the celebrated
Cork identified antiquary,
Temple Molaga with Athnacross.
Cork identified antiquary,
Temple Molaga with Athnacross.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v1
" Page 2.
This may furnish some clue to the site of Tulach min Molaga, the identity of which does not seem to be very clearly as- certained.
's See Genesis, xv.
^
It an almost new opens
has " that he would be a friend of leam- it,
It is likely, this was the place after-
wards called Ath Cros Molage, about mid-
way between Mitchelstown and Kildorerry,
in the county of Cork. The ruins of Agha-
cross old church are in a parish of the same
name, and situated on the banks of the
river Puncheon. See " Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Cork. ^'
Sheets i8, 19. On the latter are marked
the graveyard and church ruins. St. Mo- iv. , v. , p. 145, laga's well is close beside this ruin.
" Notices of St. Cummin Foda are to be
found at the 1 2th of November, the day for hisfestival.
»7This chieftain of Fermoy was the son of Ailcen, and he lived to the year 640. He was called Laech Liathmhuine, or the
"HeroofLiathmhuin. " SeeDr. O'Dono-
"^ Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life
»*Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemia," xx. Januarii, Vita S. Molaggae, cap. ii. , iii. ,
January 20. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 339
nourishment. ^^ Greatnumbersflockedthither,inordertowitnessthetruth
of what fame generally divulged throughout their country. Many persons, already aware of the parents' previous condition and age, were greatly sur-
prised to find them miraculously restored, and having the vigour of youth, with robust health and fair forms. The concourse of people was so great,
that Cuanna's proverbial hospitality became heavily taxed, and his resources, as a consequence, were considerably diminished. At length, the infant was brought to the laver of regeneration. It was intended he should be baptized by St. Mochuill,^9 at a place denominated Carnchuilinn. 3° But on his way, the father met St. Cummm Foda and a numerous band of clerics, after he had crossed the ford at Ath an chairn, to the north side. Cumine and his clerics were passing the earn, on the south side, and coming to the same ford. In reply to an observation made by St. Cumine, his companion, named Comdhan, remarked, that he observed angels hovering in air, over the infant and his attendants. It was then supposed by Cummin that the duty of receiving the child within Christ's fold devolved on himself 3' Cir- cumstances attending this baptism were of a miraculous character. 3^ It would appear, the ceremony took place on that spot. Heaven's wide vault being the only canopy over the heads of those present, while a fountain of running water, on the north side of the ford, and which specially flowed for the occasion, afforded matter for conferring this sacrament. 33
Having passed the years of infancy, our saint was imbued with elementary knowledge, and acquired virtues, that gave great promise of his further pro- gress. He afterwards obtained a knowledge of Holy Scripture, while he made practical and daily progress in exercising most exalted monastic duties. From being a disciple under the teaching of other masters, he was destined
van's *' AnnalsoftheFourMasters,"vol. i. ,
pp. 258, 259, and n (i).
^^ This chief was probably related to our
saint. He was remarkable in the province of Munster for his large-heartedness and great generosity. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Leabhar na g-Ceart, or the Book of Rights," n. (s), pp. 82, 83.
''s In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life he is called Muchuille. The writer has
been informed by Mr. Joseph O'Longan that there is a church, called Cill-Mochuille, about four miles east of Mitchelstown, on
the road to Ballyporeen.
3° Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life
states, that Cumine had predicted he should be baptized, not with the water of a well,
or lake, or
any washing
stream of the women
it is stated, the " regarding parents, They
or warriors of the Liathmuine, but in the
pure spring of the River Jordan. After-
wards it states, that when St. Molaga's father asked a blessing from both saints present.
"
1 shall bless the pair of whom shall be born the great auspicious son who is between them and Heaven, because they
were detained at the Cross of the Dun, in
front of the highway (Rod), just at Ath- Cross. "
3^ It is stated in the manuscript life, that rushes grew at the place where the saint was baptized. In the account of the miracle here wrought, a few lines are broken in the British Museum copy. Mr. O'Looney has supplied this defect, from the " Book of Fermoy," within brackets, but he remarks "the two ver- sions do not correspond in details. " Page 5.
33 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hi-
bemise," xx. Januarii, Vita S. Molaggae, cap. vi. , vii. , p. 146.
Cumine said,
are obedient to God.
"
And Comdan said :
" Dubhdhligidh and Mincholluig And Cumine our friend
The simpleton pursuing them
Over the summit of the hills. "
While the clerics went on their visitation to
the South of Ireland, Dabhdligidh said to
his
wife,
" Go thou southward to Ath Carn
Cuilind"—which was called Ath-Cross in the old biographer's time—"and I shall go to Ath Fachtar Feda" called Ath na g-
—— Caornach in the biographer's time "to
see if either of us would meet a comrade to commune with, for Cumine has predicted that Ireland shall be filled with the fame and renown of the son who shall be conceived at this time. " Pages 2, 3. In the " Book of Fermoy" extracts, furnished by Mr. Joseph O'Longan, it is stated, that our saint's pa- rents were met at Ath in Cairnn, in Ath- Cairnn Cuilleann, and that they were stopped by Saints Cumin Fota and Comhgan, at Cross na Tuinnidhi, at the entrance of the road into the ford of Ath Cros.
3' In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life,
340 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
by God to become a director in his own turn. Having selected the site of Tulach-mhin,34 for the erection of a monastery,35 he called together many
disciples. Under his training, these daily advanced in virtue and sacred learning. Influenced by their master's example, they laboured to imitate various perfections of their saintly superior. 3<5 There is a parish, known as TuUamain, in the barony of Middlethird, county of Tipperary. The old
Tullamain Ruins, Co. Tipperary.
churcli ruins are'tkere to be seen. ^'' In 1840, the western ends of the side walls were destroyed, excepting a small portion of the south wall and at the south-west corner. 38 The west gable was almost totally gone. At the distance of 22 feet 4 inches from the east gable, portions of a middle gable appeared, adjoining the north wall ; and on the south side there was a heap of earth, mixed with stones. So nearly as could then be ascertained, this church was about 65 feet in length, and over 24 feet in breadth. The eastern window, widening on the inside, was in the pointed style exteriorly. It consisted of two compartments, but the muUions had disappeared. 39 In
the north wall, there was another small window, greatly injured. The east
34 In this place, which lies within the ter- ritory of Feramugia, oursaint was venerated on the 20th of January, according to Mari- anus Gorman and the commentator on ^ngus.
35 Dr. Lanigan could not find in the country about Fermoy any place called by this name. See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , § iil. , n. 22, p. 85.
the Irish Ordnance Survey Sketches of Tipperary. One of these, drawn and en- graved by Mr. Gregor Grey, Dublin, accom- panies this present description.
38 The parish of Tullamain is represented
"
3* See Colgan's nire," XX. Januarii. viii. , p. 146.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita S. Molaggae, cap.
County of Tipperai7. " Sheets 61, 69. On the latter, these church ruins are to be found, within the ornamental grounds of Tullamain Castle.
39 The window was 5 feet from the ground, 4 feet 2 inches in height, and i foot 8 inches in width.
37 Three views of this locality are among
on the
"
Ordnance Survey Maps for the
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 341
gable projected at the bottom and towards the east, as also towards the north and south, so as to enter into buttresses placed on the north-east and south- eastern corners. On the south wall, at the further distance of 16 feet 8 inches, there was another buttress. The walls of this church were 10}^ feet in height, 3 feet in thickness, and formed with regular-sized stones. *" Several tombs and graves were to be seen in this then unenclosed grave- yard. '*' The Irish name of this parish has been etymologized by the late Dr. O'Donovan. '*^ There is another parish called Tullamainej^^ situated in the barony of Shillelougher, county of Kilkenny ;44 but it does not seem likely that either of the foregoing places can be the Tulach mhin founded by thepresentholyman. Itisprobable,thattherealsitewasintheparishof
which means the "
We are told, his church lay about a mile to the north-east of Kildorrery,*^ on
a bend of the River Funcheon. At present there is an extremely beautiful and a picturesque ruin at this place. An ancient well, dedicated to the saint, flows beside " lone Molaga's holy cells. "''? The peasantry ascribe manyvirtues,andtellvariousstrangelegends,regardingthisfountain. From such a description, however, it would seem that the church of Athnacross was meant. '^ Rather do we consider, that within the parish of Teampul Molaga,49 on the north-eastern boundary of Cork county, St. Molaga built his monastery. There three townlands, called respectively Labba Molaga East,LabbaMolagaWest,andLabbaMolagaMiddle,aretobefound. On the latter denomination the old church ruins of Labba Molaga are yet no- ticed. 5° These are to be seen in a beautiful situation, and within a valley or glen. Surrounded by a solid stone wall, about five feet in height and in thickness, and built about the beginning of the present century, are two buildings of unequal size. They are distant from each other over 20 feet. s^ In the vicinity of these buildings grew six ash trees. One of these was of considerable size, and it grew within the lesser building, called the Leabba, lying to the south. This is said to be of great antiquity, and dating back to
"The foregoing description is drawn 1852; but the head of one window in the
Teampal Molaga,45
Temple"
or " Church of St.
Molaga. "
from a letter of Mr. Patrick O'Keeffe, dated Cashel, Sept. i8th, 1840. See " Letters containing information relative to the An- tiquities of the County of Tipperary, col- lected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1840," vol. iii. , pp. 240 to 242.
*' Two of these tombs aqd their inscrip- tions have been traced by Mr. O'Keeffe, who adds other notices regarding antiquities in
this parish. See ibid. , pp. 243 to 247.
*' He has it C«tA§ meA'ooin, "Middle
north wall and the head of another in the south wall were gone. The chancel window on the inside was concealed by an unsightly tomb, while on the outside impenetrable ivy covered it. The door was in the west end. and evidently very ancient. It was rather narrow, with inclining jambs, and covered by a flat and rude lintel stone. The right hand jamb was rounded on the external angle ; the left hand angle is not so, and the appearance of this doorway is well sketched
Hill. "
«It is represented on the "Ordnance the back, " Topography of Co. Cork, W. &
N. E. ,"p. 75. Preserved in the Royal Irish Academy.
•'It is
represented
Survey Townland Maps for the County of Cork. " Sheets 9, 10, 18, 19.
so gee Ibid. Sheet 10. In the Visitation Book of 1 591, a manuscript in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, and classed E. 3, 4, Temple Molagy is otherwise called the church of Neylane.
s' These particulars are taken from John
Windale's " Co. manuscript, Topography
Ccr'c, W. & N. E. ," now preserved in the R. I. A. , pp. 77 to 94.
Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kilkenny. " Sheets 22, 23, 26, 27.
^ See Lewis' "
of Ireland," vol. ii. , pp. 651, 652.
on the "Ordnance
Topographical Dictionary
sSee R. D. Joyce's "Ballads, Romances, and Songs. Rose Condon, p. 67.
*Its ancient name is said to have been "
Kil-da-righ, the church of the two kings. " Ibid. , p. 66.
^7 Ibid,
•^John Windale, Esq.
, the celebrated
Cork identified antiquary,
Temple Molaga with Athnacross. This he describes as an
oblong old church, the walls of which were well preserved, when he visited it in May,
in ink.
John Windale,
—MS. of
lettered on
342 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
the seventh century. s^ The ruinous side-walls scarcely exceed six feet in
height : while they project beyond the end walls, about nine inches, so as to
presentasortoiantceaXeitherfront. Theendwallsareruinedatthegables.
The internal measurement of this old building is 13 by 9 feet. Within it,
there is a kind of kist, consisting of a large flag-stone, resting on low side
stones, and leaving an open space beneath, said to have been St. Molaga's bed. 53 Pilgrims, who resort here, afflicted with various diseases, are said to
have been completely restored, after having lain in it. 54 Again, lying nearly parallel with this, there is a somewhat larger church towards the north. ss Not more than about 6 feet in height of the walls remain,56 while all traces of windows have disappeared. The door seems to have been an ornamental one, but only a few details remain as specimens. 57 This church is supposed to be more modem than the Leabba by four centuries at least, s^ The ceme- tery surrounding both churches was greatly crowded with graves. S9 Like a vast sea of surging and gigantic billows, the Galtees stretch away to the west ; and under the influence of sunshine their swelling bosoms contrast brightly with the deeper shadows of the indented valleys and russet colours
impinged on particular spots.
An event recorded, not only in the life of our saint, but in the ancient
annals of the country, took place in the earlier part of the seventh century.
Cathald, son of Aidus, or Aedh, sumamed Flann-Cathrach, died, about the year 620. ^ He was ruler over the province of Munster, and his consort had died in giving birth to a son. At this time, accompanied by St. Mochol- mog,^' our saint chanced to visit the court. ^* The companion of Molaga may have been identical with Colman, Bishop of Lismore, who lived at an early period, and who was venerated on the 22nd of January. Or perhaps he was St. Colman Stellan, Abbot of Tyrdaglass, in Munster, who died
5* The door-way of the Leabba, consisting
of a flat lintel and a single upright stone on
either side, has been well sketched in ink by
Mr. Windale. The masonry appears to May, 1852. Mr Brash is an accomplished
have been cyclopean and massive. Mr. Windale has also given a ground plan of
the Leabba, together with a rude drawing
of the of trees in the with clump cemetery,
distant view of the Galtees mountains.
53 It lies at the south side of the chamber,
and is nearly wide enough to permit a person to stretch on the ground, but in immediate
contact with the covering flag-stone.
54 Formerly a well of clear water was here, and a brown stone cross, which rested on the covering stone of the Leabba in May, 1852, was injured and shortened since a former visit, which Mr. Windale had paid
to the place.
55 Various legends are related by the pea-
santry in reference to the old buildings in
Leabba Molaga cemetery.
5' These were faced with neatly squared
and dressed brown stones, closely jointed, and sometimes fitting into each other, after
antiquary, and his services to Irish archaeo- logy deserve a very high meed of commen- dation.
59 Some old Dallans or " Liagauns, up-
right stones," form a quadrangle near it, and these have been sketched by Sir. Windale.
^ See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol i. , pp. 244, 245, The "Annals of Clonmacnoise" place his death at A. D. 624.
*' Mocholmog is the same as Colman.
The present saint cannot be identical with
St. Colman O'Liathain, Bishop of Lismore, and a renowned Doctor, who died about
A. D. 725. Cathald, King of Munster, died
a century previous to this date.
^ The year 600 is probably about the date
to which we must ascribe this occurrence, although the Four Masters place Cui Can's death, instead of his birth, at that period.
the
hock and ham," or Pelasgic fashion.
" In the Annals
"
57 The external angle had been formed
into a column, and a cap, with gudgeon holes worked at the joint extremities, seems to have belonged to this door. This rested on the Leabba flag-stone, but it has been sketched separately by Mr. Windale.
of Ulster, at the year 603, the reading is Cui cen iriAtAi^ tn. e. , an evident error of transcribers for Cui cen mACAifv n. e. i. natusest. " Ses n. (i), iiui.
5® Such was the expressed opinion of Richard Rolt Brash, architect, who accom- panied Mr. Windale on this excursion in
"
Masters," vol. i. , pp. 228, 229. In a note
See Dr. O'Donovan's
Annals of the Four
the learned editor obser\'es
:
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 343
A. D. 624, on the 26th of May. The time and place appear favourable to
this latter conjecture. It might be supposed, likewise, that he was identical with St. Colman, son to Lenin, who died about a. d. 600 in an adjoining
territory of Munster, called Muscragia Mitine. His feast is kept on the 24th of November. The reader is referred to those various days, for notices of the respective saints. Distinctly heard, amid the lamentations of all, the
"
child, that has lost a mother," exclaimed Mocholmog. " Let him receive
"
but through the Divine clemency, let us hope that he will not be long without a mother. " The result accorded with this expression. The mother was restored to life, and her son thenceforward bore the name of Caigan Mhathair, in the Irish
this is " The mourner without a mother. " equivalent to,
orphan infant sent forth most piercing cries.
These are the wailings of a
therefore a corresponding name,"^3 said Molagga ;
In
Having received St. Molagga's benediction, this child afterwards became
language.
English
King of Munsterj^-^ and from him the family of Eoganacht Gleannamhnach was derived. ^5
CHAPTER II.
CUANNA's boundless and imprudent liberality—DESTRUCTION OF CARN CHUILINN, WITH THE FORT AND TOWN OF LIATHMUINE—ST. MOLAGA GOES TO ULSTER— HIS MIRACULOUS PASSAGE OF AN ARM OF THE SEA AT FERTAIS CHAMSA—HE NEXT VISITS ALBANIA, AND THENCE HE IS SAID TO HAVE GONE TO ST. DAVID, BISHOP OF MENEVIA—RECEIVES THE NAME LACHINUS OR MOLAGA, AND THE BOBAN MOLAGA, FROM THAT HOLY BISHOP- -HE RETURNS TO IRELAND AND ES- TABLISHES HIMSELF AT BREMORE IN FINGALL—DRUMCONDRA MISSIONARY COL- LEGE—ST. MOLAGA VISITS CLONMACNOISE—HE IS AFTERWARDS INDUCED TO RETURN TO FERMOY.
Irish bards and historians relate, that in the time of our saint, a famous contest arose between Guaire, King of Connaught, and Cuanna, Prince of Fearamugia, in Munster. ' Both wished to attain the vain-glorious object of acquiring individual reputation for superior Hberality and magnanimity. '
The former was accustomed to bestow his substance on the poor and needy, andevenonallwhoappliedforameasureofhislargesses; thelatternever
*3 In the Annals of Ukter, ad ann. 664,
he is called Cu-cen-mathair. This may be "
translated Canis-sine-matre. "
** His death is said to have taken place
A. D. 664, and it was caused by the great Buidhe Connail plague, which carried off so many Irish ecclesiastics and laics. ThisKingof Munster is also called "Cuganmathair. " See O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 276, 277.
*s Three Kings of Munster were descended from Caigan Mathair, as might be seen by
referring
be-
two were the most famous for
to the " of Catalogue Kings"
huidhre. " These acts were esteemed like-
wise, as being of great and rare value, in a historical point of view.
* "Aboutthistime(650),diedCuanaMac Cailein (otherwise called Laoch-Liath- mhuine), King of South Munster, of the posterity of Heberus fionn, and Guaire (a quo O'Heyn O'Seaghnasy, &c. ), son of
Colman, of the posterity of Heremon, who was King of Aidne in Connacht ; these
and
liberality hospitality (considering their estates) in all the kingdom, in their time. " See Mac
longing to that province.
'
— This liberality and rivalry,
Chap. ii.
we find recounted in the acts of St. Comgan and Conall ; as also in the acts of Cuanna
himself, elegantly written by his contem- porary, Fiach. These acts existed in the
Curtin's
"
Brief Discourse in Vindication of
time of Colgan, in a celebrated and old MS. "
of Clonmacnoise, called Leabhar-na-
the Antiquity of Ireland," part ii. , pp. 167, 168.
344 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
denied anything, it was in his power to give, when asked by a petitioner. 3 It would appear, that aware of these qualities, certain designing persons re- solved on turning them to their own gain ; and therefore they had proposed
a competition, whereby the respective liberality of each prince should be severely tested. Three Druids,* named Fiach, Erriach, and Eniach,^ being brothers, were subjects to Guaire. These men wished to acquire for their
prince the palm of victory in this strange contest, so that their own posses- sions in consequence might be the more augmented. Entertaining such views, and taking some companions with them, their course was directed to Cuanna, to ask a favour from him. This they had little reason to suppose
shouldbegrantedbyanyotherman. Beingadmittedtohispresence,they required to know, if he were prepared to give them certain possessions,^ be- longing to Cam-chuilinn town, together with dominion over its inhabitants. At the same time, they declared how they had been informed, he never re- fused anything possessed by him, when asked for it. In order to maintain
a reputation for liberality, he had acquired throughout the kingdom, with his usual boundless prodigality, this prince is said at once to have resigned the town and its inhabitants, to the rule of his unprincipled visitors. These had no sooner acquired possession of their property, than they confiscated goods belonging to its inhabitants. Feeling aggrieved, on account of insults and injuries, the people offered some opposition. This ended by an entire devastation of their town, with fire and sword. Its inhabitants, likewise, without distinction of age or sex, were massacred. A woman who was pregnant received a grievous wound ; yet her infant and herself were after- wards preserved, through Molagga's intervention. Hearing the first news of this tragedy, the saint had hastened to the scene of slaughter. It is need- less to add, the murderers sought safety in flight. Molagga predicted, how- ever, that by a just judgment from heaven, Cuanna should meet his death at the hands of that infant, who had been so wonderfully preserved ;? because a
culpable compliance of the prince with a most unreasonable request had caused those calamities, which he had afterwards so much cause to deplore. ^
"His- tory of Ireland," we have an account of these celebrated contemporaries, under a. d, 648. Conall and Comhdan, two famous poets of the age, regarding the foregoing
munificent and distinguished princes, com-
*In Professor
Life, the place that these Druids demanded is called Laoch Liathmuine. It is remark- able, that among the manuscripts of Trinity College, Dublin, there is a poetic dialogue between St. Molaga and the Druid Mogh Ruith. This must have been composed
after
poet's imagination has synchronized those 'two re- markable personages, who were not con-
A liberal and hospitable prince,
Was equalled in his virtues by Cuana,
Thebravean—dpiouschampionofLiath- ofDruidismandChristianity. Themanu-
3InDermodO'Connor's
Keating's
O'Looney's Manuscript
froissehd
:
—these lines translated from the original
long
the saint's time for the ;
" The most illustrious Guaire, the son of Colman,
muine. " See book ii. , p. 398.
< In the acts of our saints we frequently
find, that Druids, jesters and vagrants, were accustomed to excite contests of this kind,
from which they might derive some personal
advantages.
5 We are informed that these are different
persons from the three sons of Lyr or Lyrius, whose acts and deaths, written in one book, were sufficiently known. Their names were identical, however, with those of the Druids here noticed. See
it has been is script page on which traced,
worn along its margins, and otherwise so
damaged, as not to be entirely legible. To Professor O'Looney, the writer is indebted for the foregoing information.
7 The Manuscript Life of St. Molaga adds other legendary accounts, in reference to these transactions.
Colgan's
torum Hibemias," xx. Januarii, n. 16, p.
149.
" Acta Sanc-
book had been preserved in Colgan's time, and it contained the acts and death of Cuanna. This is said to have been written by Fiach, son of Lyrius, to whom some al- lusion has been made in a previous note.
temporaries. The subject is a relative com-
parison between the respective characteristics
*
It would seem, that a very old Irish
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 345
We are also told, that no sooner had Cam-chuilinn been destroyed, than the whole country around was consumed by a sulphureous flame ; while the tOAvn and fort of Liathmuine shared in this general conflagration. Nor did the fire cease to rage over fields and standing crops, until the inhabitants besought heaven's mercies, to interpose between them and their threatened destruction. 9
Wishing to reprove the actions of Cuanna, and to rebuke some other criminal accomplices by whose connivance and permission so many evils were brought about, Molagga resolved on leaving this part of the country.
Thence he journeyed towards Connor,'° in Ulster. On his way thither, having occasion to pass a river, or rather an arm of the sea, called Feartais Chamsa, he could find no means for conveyance, excepting the remains of a
present instance, however, nothing remained but twigs, their covering having been removed ; yet placing trust in Him who enabled Peter to walk over the waters, our saint committed himself to the chance of the waves, in this frail bark. He passed over the strait in safety, and using the same vessel, he re- turned again to his companions. Near this place, also, having left behind him a bell, which was usually carried by the holy men of this age and country, for devotional purposes," Molagga advanced nearly three miles," before he recollected the circumstance. Afterwards he recovered the missing object through a miracle. Owners of that intermediate soil, over which he had passed, then surrendered it for Termon Land to the church of Kill-foda or Seanchill. '3 ThisisaparishchurchinConnordiocese. Thetractitselfafter- wards went by the name of Tearmunn an chluig, or " Termon lands of the Bell. "'* Hence is derived the origin of an old Irish proverb. 's
"
constructed with woven oziers, and covered with the hides of animals. In the
peculiar boat, called a
curragh" by our ancestors. Boats of this kind were
See "Acta Sanctorum Hibemise," xx. Januarii, n. 17, p. 149.
wereused.
"
Various bells like this of St. Molagga were preserved in Ireland during the seven- teenth century ; these had been covered with gold, silver and gems. However, a great number had been destroyed by the Reformers, to obtain precious metals and stones, of which they were composed, or with which they had been ornamented. During times of persecution, consequent on the Reformation, several were cast into wells and hidden in holes, through fear on the part of those having custody of them. Thus they were lost, owing to neglect. Many, notwithstanding, had been preserved by devout Catholics, and these were held in great veneration. See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernias," xx. Januarii, n. 19, pp. 149, 150.
*3 This parish is situated partly in the
barony of Lower Iveagh, county of Down, but chiefly in that of Oneilland East, in the
county of Armagh, and province of Ulster, For a fuller description, the reader is re- ferred to Lewis' "Topographical Diction- ary of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 551.
'* Strangers to our country and its ancient art treasures, may inspect several of the curious old bells. These have been pre- served in public museums and in private collections. Many are of very curious work-
manship, and of great historic interest.
's See Genesis, xv.
^
It an almost new opens
has " that he would be a friend of leam- it,
It is likely, this was the place after-
wards called Ath Cros Molage, about mid-
way between Mitchelstown and Kildorerry,
in the county of Cork. The ruins of Agha-
cross old church are in a parish of the same
name, and situated on the banks of the
river Puncheon. See " Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Cork. ^'
Sheets i8, 19. On the latter are marked
the graveyard and church ruins. St. Mo- iv. , v. , p. 145, laga's well is close beside this ruin.
" Notices of St. Cummin Foda are to be
found at the 1 2th of November, the day for hisfestival.
»7This chieftain of Fermoy was the son of Ailcen, and he lived to the year 640. He was called Laech Liathmhuine, or the
"HeroofLiathmhuin. " SeeDr. O'Dono-
"^ Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life
»*Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemia," xx. Januarii, Vita S. Molaggae, cap. ii. , iii. ,
January 20. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 339
nourishment. ^^ Greatnumbersflockedthither,inordertowitnessthetruth
of what fame generally divulged throughout their country. Many persons, already aware of the parents' previous condition and age, were greatly sur-
prised to find them miraculously restored, and having the vigour of youth, with robust health and fair forms. The concourse of people was so great,
that Cuanna's proverbial hospitality became heavily taxed, and his resources, as a consequence, were considerably diminished. At length, the infant was brought to the laver of regeneration. It was intended he should be baptized by St. Mochuill,^9 at a place denominated Carnchuilinn. 3° But on his way, the father met St. Cummm Foda and a numerous band of clerics, after he had crossed the ford at Ath an chairn, to the north side. Cumine and his clerics were passing the earn, on the south side, and coming to the same ford. In reply to an observation made by St. Cumine, his companion, named Comdhan, remarked, that he observed angels hovering in air, over the infant and his attendants. It was then supposed by Cummin that the duty of receiving the child within Christ's fold devolved on himself 3' Cir- cumstances attending this baptism were of a miraculous character. 3^ It would appear, the ceremony took place on that spot. Heaven's wide vault being the only canopy over the heads of those present, while a fountain of running water, on the north side of the ford, and which specially flowed for the occasion, afforded matter for conferring this sacrament. 33
Having passed the years of infancy, our saint was imbued with elementary knowledge, and acquired virtues, that gave great promise of his further pro- gress. He afterwards obtained a knowledge of Holy Scripture, while he made practical and daily progress in exercising most exalted monastic duties. From being a disciple under the teaching of other masters, he was destined
van's *' AnnalsoftheFourMasters,"vol. i. ,
pp. 258, 259, and n (i).
^^ This chief was probably related to our
saint. He was remarkable in the province of Munster for his large-heartedness and great generosity. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Leabhar na g-Ceart, or the Book of Rights," n. (s), pp. 82, 83.
''s In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life he is called Muchuille. The writer has
been informed by Mr. Joseph O'Longan that there is a church, called Cill-Mochuille, about four miles east of Mitchelstown, on
the road to Ballyporeen.
3° Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life
states, that Cumine had predicted he should be baptized, not with the water of a well,
or lake, or
any washing
stream of the women
it is stated, the " regarding parents, They
or warriors of the Liathmuine, but in the
pure spring of the River Jordan. After-
wards it states, that when St. Molaga's father asked a blessing from both saints present.
"
1 shall bless the pair of whom shall be born the great auspicious son who is between them and Heaven, because they
were detained at the Cross of the Dun, in
front of the highway (Rod), just at Ath- Cross. "
3^ It is stated in the manuscript life, that rushes grew at the place where the saint was baptized. In the account of the miracle here wrought, a few lines are broken in the British Museum copy. Mr. O'Looney has supplied this defect, from the " Book of Fermoy," within brackets, but he remarks "the two ver- sions do not correspond in details. " Page 5.
33 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hi-
bemise," xx. Januarii, Vita S. Molaggae, cap. vi. , vii. , p. 146.
Cumine said,
are obedient to God.
"
And Comdan said :
" Dubhdhligidh and Mincholluig And Cumine our friend
The simpleton pursuing them
Over the summit of the hills. "
While the clerics went on their visitation to
the South of Ireland, Dabhdligidh said to
his
wife,
" Go thou southward to Ath Carn
Cuilind"—which was called Ath-Cross in the old biographer's time—"and I shall go to Ath Fachtar Feda" called Ath na g-
—— Caornach in the biographer's time "to
see if either of us would meet a comrade to commune with, for Cumine has predicted that Ireland shall be filled with the fame and renown of the son who shall be conceived at this time. " Pages 2, 3. In the " Book of Fermoy" extracts, furnished by Mr. Joseph O'Longan, it is stated, that our saint's pa- rents were met at Ath in Cairnn, in Ath- Cairnn Cuilleann, and that they were stopped by Saints Cumin Fota and Comhgan, at Cross na Tuinnidhi, at the entrance of the road into the ford of Ath Cros.
3' In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life,
340 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
by God to become a director in his own turn. Having selected the site of Tulach-mhin,34 for the erection of a monastery,35 he called together many
disciples. Under his training, these daily advanced in virtue and sacred learning. Influenced by their master's example, they laboured to imitate various perfections of their saintly superior. 3<5 There is a parish, known as TuUamain, in the barony of Middlethird, county of Tipperary. The old
Tullamain Ruins, Co. Tipperary.
churcli ruins are'tkere to be seen. ^'' In 1840, the western ends of the side walls were destroyed, excepting a small portion of the south wall and at the south-west corner. 38 The west gable was almost totally gone. At the distance of 22 feet 4 inches from the east gable, portions of a middle gable appeared, adjoining the north wall ; and on the south side there was a heap of earth, mixed with stones. So nearly as could then be ascertained, this church was about 65 feet in length, and over 24 feet in breadth. The eastern window, widening on the inside, was in the pointed style exteriorly. It consisted of two compartments, but the muUions had disappeared. 39 In
the north wall, there was another small window, greatly injured. The east
34 In this place, which lies within the ter- ritory of Feramugia, oursaint was venerated on the 20th of January, according to Mari- anus Gorman and the commentator on ^ngus.
35 Dr. Lanigan could not find in the country about Fermoy any place called by this name. See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , § iil. , n. 22, p. 85.
the Irish Ordnance Survey Sketches of Tipperary. One of these, drawn and en- graved by Mr. Gregor Grey, Dublin, accom- panies this present description.
38 The parish of Tullamain is represented
"
3* See Colgan's nire," XX. Januarii. viii. , p. 146.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita S. Molaggae, cap.
County of Tipperai7. " Sheets 61, 69. On the latter, these church ruins are to be found, within the ornamental grounds of Tullamain Castle.
39 The window was 5 feet from the ground, 4 feet 2 inches in height, and i foot 8 inches in width.
37 Three views of this locality are among
on the
"
Ordnance Survey Maps for the
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 341
gable projected at the bottom and towards the east, as also towards the north and south, so as to enter into buttresses placed on the north-east and south- eastern corners. On the south wall, at the further distance of 16 feet 8 inches, there was another buttress. The walls of this church were 10}^ feet in height, 3 feet in thickness, and formed with regular-sized stones. *" Several tombs and graves were to be seen in this then unenclosed grave- yard. '*' The Irish name of this parish has been etymologized by the late Dr. O'Donovan. '*^ There is another parish called Tullamainej^^ situated in the barony of Shillelougher, county of Kilkenny ;44 but it does not seem likely that either of the foregoing places can be the Tulach mhin founded by thepresentholyman. Itisprobable,thattherealsitewasintheparishof
which means the "
We are told, his church lay about a mile to the north-east of Kildorrery,*^ on
a bend of the River Funcheon. At present there is an extremely beautiful and a picturesque ruin at this place. An ancient well, dedicated to the saint, flows beside " lone Molaga's holy cells. "''? The peasantry ascribe manyvirtues,andtellvariousstrangelegends,regardingthisfountain. From such a description, however, it would seem that the church of Athnacross was meant. '^ Rather do we consider, that within the parish of Teampul Molaga,49 on the north-eastern boundary of Cork county, St. Molaga built his monastery. There three townlands, called respectively Labba Molaga East,LabbaMolagaWest,andLabbaMolagaMiddle,aretobefound. On the latter denomination the old church ruins of Labba Molaga are yet no- ticed. 5° These are to be seen in a beautiful situation, and within a valley or glen. Surrounded by a solid stone wall, about five feet in height and in thickness, and built about the beginning of the present century, are two buildings of unequal size. They are distant from each other over 20 feet. s^ In the vicinity of these buildings grew six ash trees. One of these was of considerable size, and it grew within the lesser building, called the Leabba, lying to the south. This is said to be of great antiquity, and dating back to
"The foregoing description is drawn 1852; but the head of one window in the
Teampal Molaga,45
Temple"
or " Church of St.
Molaga. "
from a letter of Mr. Patrick O'Keeffe, dated Cashel, Sept. i8th, 1840. See " Letters containing information relative to the An- tiquities of the County of Tipperary, col- lected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1840," vol. iii. , pp. 240 to 242.
*' Two of these tombs aqd their inscrip- tions have been traced by Mr. O'Keeffe, who adds other notices regarding antiquities in
this parish. See ibid. , pp. 243 to 247.
*' He has it C«tA§ meA'ooin, "Middle
north wall and the head of another in the south wall were gone. The chancel window on the inside was concealed by an unsightly tomb, while on the outside impenetrable ivy covered it. The door was in the west end. and evidently very ancient. It was rather narrow, with inclining jambs, and covered by a flat and rude lintel stone. The right hand jamb was rounded on the external angle ; the left hand angle is not so, and the appearance of this doorway is well sketched
Hill. "
«It is represented on the "Ordnance the back, " Topography of Co. Cork, W. &
N. E. ,"p. 75. Preserved in the Royal Irish Academy.
•'It is
represented
Survey Townland Maps for the County of Cork. " Sheets 9, 10, 18, 19.
so gee Ibid. Sheet 10. In the Visitation Book of 1 591, a manuscript in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, and classed E. 3, 4, Temple Molagy is otherwise called the church of Neylane.
s' These particulars are taken from John
Windale's " Co. manuscript, Topography
Ccr'c, W. & N. E. ," now preserved in the R. I. A. , pp. 77 to 94.
Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kilkenny. " Sheets 22, 23, 26, 27.
^ See Lewis' "
of Ireland," vol. ii. , pp. 651, 652.
on the "Ordnance
Topographical Dictionary
sSee R. D. Joyce's "Ballads, Romances, and Songs. Rose Condon, p. 67.
*Its ancient name is said to have been "
Kil-da-righ, the church of the two kings. " Ibid. , p. 66.
^7 Ibid,
•^John Windale, Esq.
, the celebrated
Cork identified antiquary,
Temple Molaga with Athnacross. This he describes as an
oblong old church, the walls of which were well preserved, when he visited it in May,
in ink.
John Windale,
—MS. of
lettered on
342 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
the seventh century. s^ The ruinous side-walls scarcely exceed six feet in
height : while they project beyond the end walls, about nine inches, so as to
presentasortoiantceaXeitherfront. Theendwallsareruinedatthegables.
The internal measurement of this old building is 13 by 9 feet. Within it,
there is a kind of kist, consisting of a large flag-stone, resting on low side
stones, and leaving an open space beneath, said to have been St. Molaga's bed. 53 Pilgrims, who resort here, afflicted with various diseases, are said to
have been completely restored, after having lain in it. 54 Again, lying nearly parallel with this, there is a somewhat larger church towards the north. ss Not more than about 6 feet in height of the walls remain,56 while all traces of windows have disappeared. The door seems to have been an ornamental one, but only a few details remain as specimens. 57 This church is supposed to be more modem than the Leabba by four centuries at least, s^ The ceme- tery surrounding both churches was greatly crowded with graves. S9 Like a vast sea of surging and gigantic billows, the Galtees stretch away to the west ; and under the influence of sunshine their swelling bosoms contrast brightly with the deeper shadows of the indented valleys and russet colours
impinged on particular spots.
An event recorded, not only in the life of our saint, but in the ancient
annals of the country, took place in the earlier part of the seventh century.
Cathald, son of Aidus, or Aedh, sumamed Flann-Cathrach, died, about the year 620. ^ He was ruler over the province of Munster, and his consort had died in giving birth to a son. At this time, accompanied by St. Mochol- mog,^' our saint chanced to visit the court. ^* The companion of Molaga may have been identical with Colman, Bishop of Lismore, who lived at an early period, and who was venerated on the 22nd of January. Or perhaps he was St. Colman Stellan, Abbot of Tyrdaglass, in Munster, who died
5* The door-way of the Leabba, consisting
of a flat lintel and a single upright stone on
either side, has been well sketched in ink by
Mr. Windale. The masonry appears to May, 1852. Mr Brash is an accomplished
have been cyclopean and massive. Mr. Windale has also given a ground plan of
the Leabba, together with a rude drawing
of the of trees in the with clump cemetery,
distant view of the Galtees mountains.
53 It lies at the south side of the chamber,
and is nearly wide enough to permit a person to stretch on the ground, but in immediate
contact with the covering flag-stone.
54 Formerly a well of clear water was here, and a brown stone cross, which rested on the covering stone of the Leabba in May, 1852, was injured and shortened since a former visit, which Mr. Windale had paid
to the place.
55 Various legends are related by the pea-
santry in reference to the old buildings in
Leabba Molaga cemetery.
5' These were faced with neatly squared
and dressed brown stones, closely jointed, and sometimes fitting into each other, after
antiquary, and his services to Irish archaeo- logy deserve a very high meed of commen- dation.
59 Some old Dallans or " Liagauns, up-
right stones," form a quadrangle near it, and these have been sketched by Sir. Windale.
^ See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol i. , pp. 244, 245, The "Annals of Clonmacnoise" place his death at A. D. 624.
*' Mocholmog is the same as Colman.
The present saint cannot be identical with
St. Colman O'Liathain, Bishop of Lismore, and a renowned Doctor, who died about
A. D. 725. Cathald, King of Munster, died
a century previous to this date.
^ The year 600 is probably about the date
to which we must ascribe this occurrence, although the Four Masters place Cui Can's death, instead of his birth, at that period.
the
hock and ham," or Pelasgic fashion.
" In the Annals
"
57 The external angle had been formed
into a column, and a cap, with gudgeon holes worked at the joint extremities, seems to have belonged to this door. This rested on the Leabba flag-stone, but it has been sketched separately by Mr. Windale.
of Ulster, at the year 603, the reading is Cui cen iriAtAi^ tn. e. , an evident error of transcribers for Cui cen mACAifv n. e. i. natusest. " Ses n. (i), iiui.
5® Such was the expressed opinion of Richard Rolt Brash, architect, who accom- panied Mr. Windale on this excursion in
"
Masters," vol. i. , pp. 228, 229. In a note
See Dr. O'Donovan's
Annals of the Four
the learned editor obser\'es
:
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 343
A. D. 624, on the 26th of May. The time and place appear favourable to
this latter conjecture. It might be supposed, likewise, that he was identical with St. Colman, son to Lenin, who died about a. d. 600 in an adjoining
territory of Munster, called Muscragia Mitine. His feast is kept on the 24th of November. The reader is referred to those various days, for notices of the respective saints. Distinctly heard, amid the lamentations of all, the
"
child, that has lost a mother," exclaimed Mocholmog. " Let him receive
"
but through the Divine clemency, let us hope that he will not be long without a mother. " The result accorded with this expression. The mother was restored to life, and her son thenceforward bore the name of Caigan Mhathair, in the Irish
this is " The mourner without a mother. " equivalent to,
orphan infant sent forth most piercing cries.
These are the wailings of a
therefore a corresponding name,"^3 said Molagga ;
In
Having received St. Molagga's benediction, this child afterwards became
language.
English
King of Munsterj^-^ and from him the family of Eoganacht Gleannamhnach was derived. ^5
CHAPTER II.
CUANNA's boundless and imprudent liberality—DESTRUCTION OF CARN CHUILINN, WITH THE FORT AND TOWN OF LIATHMUINE—ST. MOLAGA GOES TO ULSTER— HIS MIRACULOUS PASSAGE OF AN ARM OF THE SEA AT FERTAIS CHAMSA—HE NEXT VISITS ALBANIA, AND THENCE HE IS SAID TO HAVE GONE TO ST. DAVID, BISHOP OF MENEVIA—RECEIVES THE NAME LACHINUS OR MOLAGA, AND THE BOBAN MOLAGA, FROM THAT HOLY BISHOP- -HE RETURNS TO IRELAND AND ES- TABLISHES HIMSELF AT BREMORE IN FINGALL—DRUMCONDRA MISSIONARY COL- LEGE—ST. MOLAGA VISITS CLONMACNOISE—HE IS AFTERWARDS INDUCED TO RETURN TO FERMOY.
Irish bards and historians relate, that in the time of our saint, a famous contest arose between Guaire, King of Connaught, and Cuanna, Prince of Fearamugia, in Munster. ' Both wished to attain the vain-glorious object of acquiring individual reputation for superior Hberality and magnanimity. '
The former was accustomed to bestow his substance on the poor and needy, andevenonallwhoappliedforameasureofhislargesses; thelatternever
*3 In the Annals of Ukter, ad ann. 664,
he is called Cu-cen-mathair. This may be "
translated Canis-sine-matre. "
** His death is said to have taken place
A. D. 664, and it was caused by the great Buidhe Connail plague, which carried off so many Irish ecclesiastics and laics. ThisKingof Munster is also called "Cuganmathair. " See O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 276, 277.
*s Three Kings of Munster were descended from Caigan Mathair, as might be seen by
referring
be-
two were the most famous for
to the " of Catalogue Kings"
huidhre. " These acts were esteemed like-
wise, as being of great and rare value, in a historical point of view.
* "Aboutthistime(650),diedCuanaMac Cailein (otherwise called Laoch-Liath- mhuine), King of South Munster, of the posterity of Heberus fionn, and Guaire (a quo O'Heyn O'Seaghnasy, &c. ), son of
Colman, of the posterity of Heremon, who was King of Aidne in Connacht ; these
and
liberality hospitality (considering their estates) in all the kingdom, in their time. " See Mac
longing to that province.
'
— This liberality and rivalry,
Chap. ii.
we find recounted in the acts of St. Comgan and Conall ; as also in the acts of Cuanna
himself, elegantly written by his contem- porary, Fiach. These acts existed in the
Curtin's
"
Brief Discourse in Vindication of
time of Colgan, in a celebrated and old MS. "
of Clonmacnoise, called Leabhar-na-
the Antiquity of Ireland," part ii. , pp. 167, 168.
344 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
denied anything, it was in his power to give, when asked by a petitioner. 3 It would appear, that aware of these qualities, certain designing persons re- solved on turning them to their own gain ; and therefore they had proposed
a competition, whereby the respective liberality of each prince should be severely tested. Three Druids,* named Fiach, Erriach, and Eniach,^ being brothers, were subjects to Guaire. These men wished to acquire for their
prince the palm of victory in this strange contest, so that their own posses- sions in consequence might be the more augmented. Entertaining such views, and taking some companions with them, their course was directed to Cuanna, to ask a favour from him. This they had little reason to suppose
shouldbegrantedbyanyotherman. Beingadmittedtohispresence,they required to know, if he were prepared to give them certain possessions,^ be- longing to Cam-chuilinn town, together with dominion over its inhabitants. At the same time, they declared how they had been informed, he never re- fused anything possessed by him, when asked for it. In order to maintain
a reputation for liberality, he had acquired throughout the kingdom, with his usual boundless prodigality, this prince is said at once to have resigned the town and its inhabitants, to the rule of his unprincipled visitors. These had no sooner acquired possession of their property, than they confiscated goods belonging to its inhabitants. Feeling aggrieved, on account of insults and injuries, the people offered some opposition. This ended by an entire devastation of their town, with fire and sword. Its inhabitants, likewise, without distinction of age or sex, were massacred. A woman who was pregnant received a grievous wound ; yet her infant and herself were after- wards preserved, through Molagga's intervention. Hearing the first news of this tragedy, the saint had hastened to the scene of slaughter. It is need- less to add, the murderers sought safety in flight. Molagga predicted, how- ever, that by a just judgment from heaven, Cuanna should meet his death at the hands of that infant, who had been so wonderfully preserved ;? because a
culpable compliance of the prince with a most unreasonable request had caused those calamities, which he had afterwards so much cause to deplore. ^
"His- tory of Ireland," we have an account of these celebrated contemporaries, under a. d, 648. Conall and Comhdan, two famous poets of the age, regarding the foregoing
munificent and distinguished princes, com-
*In Professor
Life, the place that these Druids demanded is called Laoch Liathmuine. It is remark- able, that among the manuscripts of Trinity College, Dublin, there is a poetic dialogue between St. Molaga and the Druid Mogh Ruith. This must have been composed
after
poet's imagination has synchronized those 'two re- markable personages, who were not con-
A liberal and hospitable prince,
Was equalled in his virtues by Cuana,
Thebravean—dpiouschampionofLiath- ofDruidismandChristianity. Themanu-
3InDermodO'Connor's
Keating's
O'Looney's Manuscript
froissehd
:
—these lines translated from the original
long
the saint's time for the ;
" The most illustrious Guaire, the son of Colman,
muine. " See book ii. , p. 398.
< In the acts of our saints we frequently
find, that Druids, jesters and vagrants, were accustomed to excite contests of this kind,
from which they might derive some personal
advantages.
5 We are informed that these are different
persons from the three sons of Lyr or Lyrius, whose acts and deaths, written in one book, were sufficiently known. Their names were identical, however, with those of the Druids here noticed. See
it has been is script page on which traced,
worn along its margins, and otherwise so
damaged, as not to be entirely legible. To Professor O'Looney, the writer is indebted for the foregoing information.
7 The Manuscript Life of St. Molaga adds other legendary accounts, in reference to these transactions.
Colgan's
torum Hibemias," xx. Januarii, n. 16, p.
149.
" Acta Sanc-
book had been preserved in Colgan's time, and it contained the acts and death of Cuanna. This is said to have been written by Fiach, son of Lyrius, to whom some al- lusion has been made in a previous note.
temporaries. The subject is a relative com-
parison between the respective characteristics
*
It would seem, that a very old Irish
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 345
We are also told, that no sooner had Cam-chuilinn been destroyed, than the whole country around was consumed by a sulphureous flame ; while the tOAvn and fort of Liathmuine shared in this general conflagration. Nor did the fire cease to rage over fields and standing crops, until the inhabitants besought heaven's mercies, to interpose between them and their threatened destruction. 9
Wishing to reprove the actions of Cuanna, and to rebuke some other criminal accomplices by whose connivance and permission so many evils were brought about, Molagga resolved on leaving this part of the country.
Thence he journeyed towards Connor,'° in Ulster. On his way thither, having occasion to pass a river, or rather an arm of the sea, called Feartais Chamsa, he could find no means for conveyance, excepting the remains of a
present instance, however, nothing remained but twigs, their covering having been removed ; yet placing trust in Him who enabled Peter to walk over the waters, our saint committed himself to the chance of the waves, in this frail bark. He passed over the strait in safety, and using the same vessel, he re- turned again to his companions. Near this place, also, having left behind him a bell, which was usually carried by the holy men of this age and country, for devotional purposes," Molagga advanced nearly three miles," before he recollected the circumstance. Afterwards he recovered the missing object through a miracle. Owners of that intermediate soil, over which he had passed, then surrendered it for Termon Land to the church of Kill-foda or Seanchill. '3 ThisisaparishchurchinConnordiocese. Thetractitselfafter- wards went by the name of Tearmunn an chluig, or " Termon lands of the Bell. "'* Hence is derived the origin of an old Irish proverb. 's
"
constructed with woven oziers, and covered with the hides of animals. In the
peculiar boat, called a
curragh" by our ancestors. Boats of this kind were
See "Acta Sanctorum Hibemise," xx. Januarii, n. 17, p. 149.
wereused.
"
Various bells like this of St. Molagga were preserved in Ireland during the seven- teenth century ; these had been covered with gold, silver and gems. However, a great number had been destroyed by the Reformers, to obtain precious metals and stones, of which they were composed, or with which they had been ornamented. During times of persecution, consequent on the Reformation, several were cast into wells and hidden in holes, through fear on the part of those having custody of them. Thus they were lost, owing to neglect. Many, notwithstanding, had been preserved by devout Catholics, and these were held in great veneration. See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernias," xx. Januarii, n. 19, pp. 149, 150.
*3 This parish is situated partly in the
barony of Lower Iveagh, county of Down, but chiefly in that of Oneilland East, in the
county of Armagh, and province of Ulster, For a fuller description, the reader is re- ferred to Lewis' "Topographical Diction- ary of Ireland," vol. ii. , p. 551.
'* Strangers to our country and its ancient art treasures, may inspect several of the curious old bells. These have been pre- served in public museums and in private collections. Many are of very curious work-
manship, and of great historic interest.
