See
it has been is script page on which traced,
worn along its margins, and otherwise so
damaged, as not to be entirely legible.
it has been is script page on which traced,
worn along its margins, and otherwise so
damaged, as not to be entirely legible.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v1
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.
"
"
9 See Colgan's nise," XX. Januarii. X. , xi. , p. 146.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Acta S. Molaggse, cap.
'° Colgan remarks, in his day, that Connor was but a village, the ruins in which could
scarcely give an idea of its former greatness, as a city. From the time of St. Patrick, it has been constituted a bishop's see ; but in Colgan's time, this bishopric had been united with the neighbouring one of Down. See ibid. , n. 18, p. 149.
" Colgan remarks, that in the lives ot
Irish and British saints, we have frequent
m&ni\onoitintinnabula,cymbala, campanula, which were used for various ecclesiastical
purposes. First, they were employed to call
for silence amongst religious, who were in
the habit of reciting the Divine office.
Again, they were used in fulminating the sentence of excommunication against those
who contemned church authority, who op- pressed God's servants, or who attempted
any outrage against ecclesiastical immunities.
While they rang, several miracles are said
to have been wrought, in punishment for
those crimes denounced. Afterwards those
bells were held in great veneration among
our people. Not only in instances of the
nature already specified, but even in restor-
ing the sick, in detecting theft, or perjury,
&c. , the bells belonging to holy persons '^
Dermad an chleirig ar a chlog," in
246
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
After these occurrences, Molagga passed over into Scotland, which was then called Albania,'^ as we read in the life of our saint. There bestowing his benediction on a boy, who was dumb from the period of birth to his seven- teenth year, this child recovered the use of speech. From Scotland, he went to Wales, for the purpose, it is stated, of visiting St. David,'? bishop over Menevia. ^^ By this holy prelate, as the acts have it, he was received with great kindness and respect. David'9 appointed one of his servants, as a constant attendant^" on the saint. Being in a passion, some expressions escaped from this servant, and these were marked by irreverence. As a punishment for his fault, the attendant shortly afterwards met with a very
sudden death. ^* St. David was soon informed of this occurrence. He de- sired another servant to wait on our saint, while preparations were making for the sepulture of his former attendant. Filled with grief for the deceased,
Molagga poured forth his prayers to the God of Mercy, that he might be propitious towards one taken away by so untimely an end. The attendant
was restored to life through these prayers. Immediately he resumed the duties of office towards God's holy servant ; but, on the second succeeding day, he was called from this life to the enjoyment of the next. " In com- memoration of this reputed miracle, it is said. Bishop David -nnshed our saint to assume the name of his dependant, called Lachinus or Molagga. ''3 In compliance with this request, our saint, heretofore baptized with a name, now unknown to us, assumed that by which he was afterwards called. "^
From this time fonvard, a mutual friendship is said to have been formed betweenSt. DavidandSt. Molagga. Asatokenofesteem,theholybishop made him a present of a bell, and at a place which, owing to this circum- stance, was afterwards called Boban Molagga. An angel had warned our saint, in a vision, he must return to Ireland, and, having previously made a tour to Clonmacnoise, that he should afterwards revisit his own part of the country. Taking with him this bell given by St. David, Molagga sailed from Menevia for Athcliath, now Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. Here, he healed a chieftain who then ruled over this place from some wasting ulcer.
English,"Thecleric'smistakeofhisbell. "— **In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript
Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life of St.
Molaga, pp. 10, II.
'* That part of Britain was called Alba,
in the old Irish language, and Albania, in Latin.
Life, he is called Laichin Brethnach, or
'7 See his Life at the ist of March. 11. p.
»* " Menevia is situated in a most remote *»
comer of land upon the Irish ocean, the soil stony and barren, neither clothed with woods, distinguished by rivers, nor adorned by meadows, ever exposed to the winds and
"
Richard Colt Hoare's
bishop Baldwin through Wales, a. d.
mclxxxviii. ," by Giraldus de Barri, vol. ii. , book ii. , chap, i. , pp. i, 2.
'9 The English Martyrology states, that St. David lived only before the year 592.
Dr. Lanigan adds ;
live later than A. D.
asks, "could Molaga, who was alive after 665, have been the abbot of a monastery before David's death ? And, what comes still nearer to the point, we are told that Molaga was baptized by Cummin Foda, who was not born until 592 (chap, xv. , § 8). How can this agree with Molaga's being ac- quainted with St. David ? " See " Ecclesi-
and to the continually subject
then,"
tempests,
hostile attacks of the Flemings, on one side, and of the Welsh, on the other. " See
593.
Itinerary of Arch-
Wherefore, as our saint is assumed to have astical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap,
been a contemporary, Molagga must have lived before that date, were we to attach credit to our saint's acts and to the foregoing authority. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," xx. Januarii, n. 22, p. 150.
xviii. , § iii. , p. 83, and n. 23, p. 85.
*3 A Welch name.
"< Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae,"
xx. Januarii. Vita S. Molaggae, cap. xiii. , xiv. , xv. , p. 147.
'•
Laichin the Briton. "
*' Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life states, that he died between the Cuchtair
(cooking-house) and the Airecul (pantry),
visit to St. David is, however, thought to be quite irreconcilable with the rest of his history, and with the respective times in which both saints lived. In a note, that St. David did not " How he
Molagga's
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 347
Under this the chieftain had long laboured. In gratitude towards Molagga,
the toparch assigned him a place, in Fingall,^s where he erected a church, and an annual tribute was paid for its support. ^^ It is said, our saint re-
moved to this spot the bees, which were brought by St. Modhomnoc,^? from Wales. Inconsequence,thislocalitywasafterwardsnamed,LannBeachaire,''^
" Church of the Bees. "^9 Some are of
with Breemore, where the remains of a castle, belonging to a branch of the Barnewall family, and situated a little to the north of Balbriggan town, in the parish of Balrothery and barony of Balrothery East, in the county of Dublin, may be seen. 3° Here too are the ruins of an old church, or chapel,3* sur-
or,
opinion,
that this is identical place
^'^W-^^/t^u RuinsofBremore,nearBalbriggan,Co. Dublin.
rounded by a graveyard, still much used for interments. 3» In the year 1200,
the Archbishop of Dublin gave the chapel of Lambecher, at Bremore, to the religious house of the Blessed Virgin of Kilbixy, and to the canons there serving God. 33 Another conjecture has been offered, that Lann Beachaire
"5 The Calendar of Cashel, at the 20th of January, has a notice that St. Molaga had been revered at Lann Beachaire in Fingall.
^ Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life
-' See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," XX. Januarii. Vita S. Molaggae, cap. xvi. , xvii. , p. 147.
3° The site is represented on the ' ' Ord- states, that the tribute of a pingin (penny) nance Survey Townland Maps for the
from every one in Ath Cliath (Dublin) v/as ordered by the King of Dun Dubhline to be
paid every third year to Molaga, while he was decreed to have a Baile (home) in Fine
Gall (Fingal), i. e. , Lann Bechuire, page 12. °7 The reader is referred to the 13th of February, on which day the Natalis of St. Modomnoc is kept, for notices of this holy
man, and likewise to the i8th of May, when another festival was observed in his honour.
County of Dublin. " Sheet 2.
3' The accompanying view of Bremore
ruins was drawn on the spot, by Martin O'CarroU, L. R. C. S. I. , Dublin: the en- graving is by George A. Hanion.
32 We are told by Mr. D'Alton, that in early times the chapelry of Lambecher at Bremore was subservient to the church of Lusk, and that a pension was paid thereto, long after its disunion.
33 See D'Alton's " of the History
County ^* Lann has the same meaning in Welch of Dublin," pp. 458, 459, and pp. 479,
as Kill in Irish, and Beach is the Irish for 480. "bee. "
348 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
stood on or near the site of the present All-Hallows' Missionary College,34 at Drumcondra, near Dublin. ^s This, however, is incorrect, although, meta-
"
cincts of this truly noble and national establishment.
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.
"
"
9 See Colgan's nise," XX. Januarii. X. , xi. , p. 146.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Acta S. Molaggse, cap.
'° Colgan remarks, in his day, that Connor was but a village, the ruins in which could
scarcely give an idea of its former greatness, as a city. From the time of St. Patrick, it has been constituted a bishop's see ; but in Colgan's time, this bishopric had been united with the neighbouring one of Down. See ibid. , n. 18, p. 149.
" Colgan remarks, that in the lives ot
Irish and British saints, we have frequent
m&ni\onoitintinnabula,cymbala, campanula, which were used for various ecclesiastical
purposes. First, they were employed to call
for silence amongst religious, who were in
the habit of reciting the Divine office.
Again, they were used in fulminating the sentence of excommunication against those
who contemned church authority, who op- pressed God's servants, or who attempted
any outrage against ecclesiastical immunities.
While they rang, several miracles are said
to have been wrought, in punishment for
those crimes denounced. Afterwards those
bells were held in great veneration among
our people. Not only in instances of the
nature already specified, but even in restor-
ing the sick, in detecting theft, or perjury,
&c. , the bells belonging to holy persons '^
Dermad an chleirig ar a chlog," in
246
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
After these occurrences, Molagga passed over into Scotland, which was then called Albania,'^ as we read in the life of our saint. There bestowing his benediction on a boy, who was dumb from the period of birth to his seven- teenth year, this child recovered the use of speech. From Scotland, he went to Wales, for the purpose, it is stated, of visiting St. David,'? bishop over Menevia. ^^ By this holy prelate, as the acts have it, he was received with great kindness and respect. David'9 appointed one of his servants, as a constant attendant^" on the saint. Being in a passion, some expressions escaped from this servant, and these were marked by irreverence. As a punishment for his fault, the attendant shortly afterwards met with a very
sudden death. ^* St. David was soon informed of this occurrence. He de- sired another servant to wait on our saint, while preparations were making for the sepulture of his former attendant. Filled with grief for the deceased,
Molagga poured forth his prayers to the God of Mercy, that he might be propitious towards one taken away by so untimely an end. The attendant
was restored to life through these prayers. Immediately he resumed the duties of office towards God's holy servant ; but, on the second succeeding day, he was called from this life to the enjoyment of the next. " In com- memoration of this reputed miracle, it is said. Bishop David -nnshed our saint to assume the name of his dependant, called Lachinus or Molagga. ''3 In compliance with this request, our saint, heretofore baptized with a name, now unknown to us, assumed that by which he was afterwards called. "^
From this time fonvard, a mutual friendship is said to have been formed betweenSt. DavidandSt. Molagga. Asatokenofesteem,theholybishop made him a present of a bell, and at a place which, owing to this circum- stance, was afterwards called Boban Molagga. An angel had warned our saint, in a vision, he must return to Ireland, and, having previously made a tour to Clonmacnoise, that he should afterwards revisit his own part of the country. Taking with him this bell given by St. David, Molagga sailed from Menevia for Athcliath, now Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. Here, he healed a chieftain who then ruled over this place from some wasting ulcer.
English,"Thecleric'smistakeofhisbell. "— **In Professor O'Looney's Manuscript
Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life of St.
Molaga, pp. 10, II.
'* That part of Britain was called Alba,
in the old Irish language, and Albania, in Latin.
Life, he is called Laichin Brethnach, or
'7 See his Life at the ist of March. 11. p.
»* " Menevia is situated in a most remote *»
comer of land upon the Irish ocean, the soil stony and barren, neither clothed with woods, distinguished by rivers, nor adorned by meadows, ever exposed to the winds and
"
Richard Colt Hoare's
bishop Baldwin through Wales, a. d.
mclxxxviii. ," by Giraldus de Barri, vol. ii. , book ii. , chap, i. , pp. i, 2.
'9 The English Martyrology states, that St. David lived only before the year 592.
Dr. Lanigan adds ;
live later than A. D.
asks, "could Molaga, who was alive after 665, have been the abbot of a monastery before David's death ? And, what comes still nearer to the point, we are told that Molaga was baptized by Cummin Foda, who was not born until 592 (chap, xv. , § 8). How can this agree with Molaga's being ac- quainted with St. David ? " See " Ecclesi-
and to the continually subject
then,"
tempests,
hostile attacks of the Flemings, on one side, and of the Welsh, on the other. " See
593.
Itinerary of Arch-
Wherefore, as our saint is assumed to have astical History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap,
been a contemporary, Molagga must have lived before that date, were we to attach credit to our saint's acts and to the foregoing authority. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," xx. Januarii, n. 22, p. 150.
xviii. , § iii. , p. 83, and n. 23, p. 85.
*3 A Welch name.
"< Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae,"
xx. Januarii. Vita S. Molaggae, cap. xiii. , xiv. , xv. , p. 147.
'•
Laichin the Briton. "
*' Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life states, that he died between the Cuchtair
(cooking-house) and the Airecul (pantry),
visit to St. David is, however, thought to be quite irreconcilable with the rest of his history, and with the respective times in which both saints lived. In a note, that St. David did not " How he
Molagga's
January 20. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 347
Under this the chieftain had long laboured. In gratitude towards Molagga,
the toparch assigned him a place, in Fingall,^s where he erected a church, and an annual tribute was paid for its support. ^^ It is said, our saint re-
moved to this spot the bees, which were brought by St. Modhomnoc,^? from Wales. Inconsequence,thislocalitywasafterwardsnamed,LannBeachaire,''^
" Church of the Bees. "^9 Some are of
with Breemore, where the remains of a castle, belonging to a branch of the Barnewall family, and situated a little to the north of Balbriggan town, in the parish of Balrothery and barony of Balrothery East, in the county of Dublin, may be seen. 3° Here too are the ruins of an old church, or chapel,3* sur-
or,
opinion,
that this is identical place
^'^W-^^/t^u RuinsofBremore,nearBalbriggan,Co. Dublin.
rounded by a graveyard, still much used for interments. 3» In the year 1200,
the Archbishop of Dublin gave the chapel of Lambecher, at Bremore, to the religious house of the Blessed Virgin of Kilbixy, and to the canons there serving God. 33 Another conjecture has been offered, that Lann Beachaire
"5 The Calendar of Cashel, at the 20th of January, has a notice that St. Molaga had been revered at Lann Beachaire in Fingall.
^ Professor O'Looney's Manuscript Life
-' See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," XX. Januarii. Vita S. Molaggae, cap. xvi. , xvii. , p. 147.
3° The site is represented on the ' ' Ord- states, that the tribute of a pingin (penny) nance Survey Townland Maps for the
from every one in Ath Cliath (Dublin) v/as ordered by the King of Dun Dubhline to be
paid every third year to Molaga, while he was decreed to have a Baile (home) in Fine
Gall (Fingal), i. e. , Lann Bechuire, page 12. °7 The reader is referred to the 13th of February, on which day the Natalis of St. Modomnoc is kept, for notices of this holy
man, and likewise to the i8th of May, when another festival was observed in his honour.
County of Dublin. " Sheet 2.
3' The accompanying view of Bremore
ruins was drawn on the spot, by Martin O'CarroU, L. R. C. S. I. , Dublin: the en- graving is by George A. Hanion.
32 We are told by Mr. D'Alton, that in early times the chapelry of Lambecher at Bremore was subservient to the church of Lusk, and that a pension was paid thereto, long after its disunion.
33 See D'Alton's " of the History
County ^* Lann has the same meaning in Welch of Dublin," pp. 458, 459, and pp. 479,
as Kill in Irish, and Beach is the Irish for 480. "bee. "
348 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 20.
stood on or near the site of the present All-Hallows' Missionary College,34 at Drumcondra, near Dublin. ^s This, however, is incorrect, although, meta-
"
cincts of this truly noble and national establishment.
