between the Hy-Neill and the Cruithni, at the
celebrated
fort of DunKehern.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
Finbarr's death.
48
On a certain occasion, when St. Columba had sailed in a vessel from lona Island, to the monastery of Bangor; it happened, that one of his brethren died on board. When landed at the mouth of a river, and at a port, named Iniver Beg, the whole company hastened towards Bangor monastery, where theywerereceivedwithmuchjoy. ]\Ieantime,theirdeceasedcompanionwas laid with the baggage, in a secret part of the vessel. When the voyagers had received a kiss of peace, Comgall washed their feet, and asked, if they had any person, besides the assembled number, during the voyage. St. Columba replied, that one remained on board ; Comgall requested, he might be sent for, that he might have an opportunity of enjoying their community's conversation and society. " For," said he, " after the labours of this voyage, the hands and feet of all must find rest, and the vessel with its effects must be taken under our care. " St. Columba replied, " That brother will not come, unless you go to him. " Without delay, Comgall went to the vessel ; but, not
immediately finding the brother, he searched among the luggage, where he thoughtthemonkmightbesleeping. There,however,hewasfounddead. The servant of God was astonished, but betaking himself to prayer, Comgall said,
the former day, there are some aUusions to him, in vol. ii. of this work, at Art. xvi. However, the Acts of this saint are reserved for the lOth of September, which seems to have been his chief feast. The name, Fiubarr, or Findbarr, applied to him, means " white- head," in English; and, proliably, it arose from the circumstance of his locks having been white originally, or because they had become venerably hoarj', in his advanced years.
^5 Now Movilla, or Moville, in the parish of Newtown Ards, barony of Lower Ards, in the county of Down. An abbey was founded here, so early as 540, by St. Finbai r, and consequently, it had been erected before St. Comgall's, at Bangor. A very interesting accountofSt. Finnian, or Findbarr, and of his monastery, at Moville, will be found in Rev. James O'Laverty's "Historical Account of the Diocese n'Di. wn an<l Connor, Anciviu
and Modern," vol. ii. , pp. 10 to 28.
'•^ See " Acta Sanctorum,"- tomus ii. , x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et
editione Sirini, cap. ii. , num. 26, p. 585.
^^ This anecdote shows, how the profes- sion of a scribe was one anciently cultivated in the Irish schools. "Though prayer was the principal, it was by no means the only, duty of a monk. Labour was scarcely secondary—much of his time was devoted to the Scriptorium, where there were written and illuminated those m? nuscripts that are the glory of that age and the wonder of this. " —Rev. James OLaverty's "Historical Account of the Diocese of Down and Connor,
Ancient and Modern," vol. ii. , p. 129.
*^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , x. ^^aii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et editione Sirini, cap. ii. , num. 27, 28, p.
585.
-". See "Acta Sanclorum," tnnuis ii,, x,
May io. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
173
" In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ arise, and hasten with me to thy brotliers. " As if awaking from sleep, the dead man arose, and coming with our Abbot to his monastery, the latter observed, that his companion was de- prived of one eye. The saint declared, that as he had prayed to God for a perfect restoration, in all his limbs and body, the monk should not labour under such a defect. At the same time, a fountain of water sprung from the earth, whereon they stood. In its water, the Abbot ordered that monk to
. bathe his face, when he recovered the eye, which he before wanted. Its lustre continued undiminished, even in his old age. While St. Columba remained with our saint, they entered a church together, to recite Hours. Afterwards, returning to the monastery for supper, St. Comgall ordered a brother to bring some food, which it was thought the house did not contain. But, on going to the cellar, that brother brought the required viands, which were placed before both great saints. These pa*-took thereof, giving thanks. Knowing this to be the gift of God, St. Columba said to St. Comgall, " O holy father, this food is not to be taken with indifference, for it has not been providedbymen,butbyGod'sAngels. " Those,whowerepresent,imme- diately said, " Blessed be God for his gifts. "^9 It is recorded, that on another day, while these two great saints were at table, they saw the devil placed in a seat reserved for the cook of the monastery. s^ Surprised at this sight, the saints entertained suspicions, regarding the virtue of this cook. On being sent for, seeing his place occupied by a demon, the cook cried out with a stern voice, " Wretched demon, what brings you here ? or what folly induces youtooccupythisseat? Certainly,frommyyouthIhaveneverservedthee, and if otherwise, declare it : fly therefore to the sea-depths, or to the desert solitudes, where thou canst hurt no person. "^' The demon then fled in silence. St. Columba and St. Comgall did penance for harbouring unjtist suspicions, concerning that brother.
Being in some necessity, the Abbot one day required a monk to cross over the strait of the sea, in a direct course. This brother, we are told, passed over with dry feet, and returned safely to the saint. At another time, he required one of the monks, to go into the workshop of a smith, who was absent, and to make a frame, on which fishes might be boiled. At the same time, Comgall blessed his hands. That brother, hitherto unskilled in the smith's art, made the article as required, together with many other useful things, on the same day. St. Comgall had three nephews, who were saints, and his sister's children. These lived in a monas- tery,apartfromhisown. TheysenttoComgall,requestingacymbal,which they are said to have received, through the hands of an Angel. Then, they gave thanks to God, for this present. Again, our saint \i said to have procured almsforapoorman,inamiraculousmanner. When,too,inaspiritofobe- dience, one of his monks bore a hot stone from the fire to St. Comgall, his hands were preserved from being burned, for which singular favour he returned thanks to God. s^ Although in the course of time, Comgall's rule might have been observed far and wide throughout Ireland yet, it is to be
;
supposed, that during his lifetime, it did not extend very much beyond such
the Saints," vol. v. , May 10, p. 144.
5= gee "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et editione Sirini, cap. iii. , num. 32, 33, 34, 35,
5° From this quaint legend, we may glean,
that special places were reserved for the
monks, in the refectories of early monastic History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect, establishments. xii. ,n. 201, p. 67.
5' See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of S4 ggg Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex tribus codicibus MSS. , num. 7. pp. 5S1, 582. Also, Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et editione Sirini, cap. iii. , num. 29, 31, p. 586.
36, 37, p. 586.
53 ^ee Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
174
a St. Comgeli of Cambos, as if distinct from the great St. Comgall of Bangor. See ? W</. "Index Chronologicus," at a. d. dlxxx. , p. 533.
*" In Colgan's edition of Adamnan's Vila date. Other accounts have it so late as S. Columbre, we have not Congell but Com-
590.
57 This was fought a. d. 629. The "Annals
of Ulster " have it A. d. 628.
5** In Irish written TJun Ceichii\n, and
Latinized Ahinilio Ccthirui. This fortifica- lion has been identified, by John O'Donovan, with the Sconce, about four miles west of Coleraine town, in the parish of Dunboe.
of St. Columba," lib. i. , cap. xlix.
55 See Archdall's " Monasticon Hibenii-
cum," p. io6.
5* The " Annals of Ulster " place it, at
a. d. 574, which is supposed to be the true
Now Lough Foyle, near Derry, and mentioned by Prince O'Donnell, rum Antiquilates," cap. xiii. , p. 237. In as having been passed, when St. Columkille consequence of this doubt, Usshcr mentions set out on his journey to lona. See Colgan's
59 See Usshcr's " Britannicarum Ecclesia-
and, in his notes on that chapter, he
gell
supposed, and indeed justly, that he was no other than Comgall of Bangor.
^' There is no reason for admitting any distinction, as Rev Dr. Lanigan shows, in his " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. ,
;
chap. x. ,scct. xii. , n. 201, p. 67.
Chapter iv. —'
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May id.
places, as it could have been convenient for him to visit in person. 53 One of these subordinate monasteries seems to have been at Cambos,? '* now Camus,s5 on the River Bann, in the barony of Coleraine. Thither, after the royal con- vention at Drumceat,5^ St. Columba came, and he had an interesting inter- view, with St. Comgellus. There, too, he predicted a battle, which should take places?
between the Hy-Neill and the Cruithni, at the celebrated fort of DunKehern. s^ ThiswascalledafterCethern,oneoftheRedBranchheroes, who flourished in Ulster, about the Christian era's commencement. That prophecy of St. Columba was afterwards fulfilled. A doubt has been expressed,59 as to whether Comgall of Bangor was the same as St. Comgeli ofCambos,orCambas. Wefind,however,thatComgallus,orComgellus,^° is sometimes written Congellus. There can be no doubt, regarding our St. Comgall being the person spoken of, in Adamnan's Life of St. Columba, and in that passage, to which reference has been made. ^'
CHAPTER IV.
THE ABBOT VISITS LOUGH FOYLE—CORMAC, A PRINCE OF HY-KINSALLAGH BECOMES A DISCIPLE OF ST. COMGALL, AND BESTOWS VARIOUS POSSESSIONS ON BANGOR SEVERAL MIRACLES RECORDED—ST. COMGALL IS SAID TO HAVE HAD A SHARE IN THE CONVERSION OF BRUDEUS, KING OF THE PICTS—THE HOLY ABBOT'S LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH—HIS RELICS—MONUMENTS AND COMMEMORATIONS OF ST. COMGALL—CONCLUSION.
One day, when with his disciples passing near the shore of Lough Feabhail,' the Abbot heard and saw some swans singing melodiously, while floating on the water. There, the brethren asked their holy senior, to bring the swans to them, that they might touch them with their hands. At this time, the monks should have partaken of the refection, which had not yet been prepared. The Abbot replied to their request, if it were the will of God, that they should be gratified ; when, immediately, the swans flew towards the servants of Christ. One of them even alighted on the breast of their Abbot. Again, when on another occasion, this holy man had a revelation, regarding the approach of St. Columba and his disciples ; while these were labouring at the oar, Com- gall besought our Lord to send him food for his guests. Whereupon, an Angel collected a shoal offish in the sea, and brought them towards the shore, quite near to the saint's dwelling. Knowing what had occurred, the Abbot ordered his monks to bear these captured fishes towards his monastery. There, the com-
May io. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
^15
nuinity and guests, on tlieir arrival, partook of them. ^ Diarmad, Kino-of Lein- ster, had a son named Cormac, who was a native of that part of the country named Hy-Kinselleach. 3 He was kept as a prisoner for some time, by Colum or Colman,4 King of North Leinster, until released, at the intercession of St. Fintan,AbbotofClonenagh. Thatprincereceivedhisblessing,andafter- wards ruled over the principality of South Leinster. s It seems probable enough, that he and St. Comgall were fellow-students and intimate friends,
Castle of Carlow.
while both studied together at Clonenagh. ^ This Cormac is mentioned, in the Life of St. Fintan, 7 and the circumstance of his having become a monk of St. Comgall. ^ This prince relinquished the sceptre,, in his more advanced
"Trias Thaumaturga," Sexta Vita S. Columbse, lib. iii. , cap. xxi. , p. 434.
' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. , aiitiquo et editione Sirini, cap. iii. , num. 38, 39, p. 586.
3 It was so called, because its people were regarded as the descendants of Eanna Ceinn- sealach, who was fourth in descent from Cathaier, monarch of Ireland, about the year 358.
» He died at Slieve Mairge, a. d. 576. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 208, 209, and n. (t).
s Comprising the present counties of Wex- ford and Carlow.
gree of St. Comgall been obligingly trans- cribed, by Mr. J. J. MacSweeny, Librarian's Clerk to the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. On the father's side, it shows his descent from Conall Cearnach, head of the Leinster- men. Thus it occurs in the Book of Leacan, at fol. 141, col. 3, line 27 : —ComgAtl, t)e4iToc]iAi|v, 111 AC Seen A, 111 ac eAcliAic, 111AC bi\oni, 111AC Voi^co, niAc epiAifC, 11U\c CiMfnchAint) liic . h. Ch)\inichAinD Chtnb Aguf minp'OAm <\e|\nA, tllAc OAchAIC, 111 AC tuj'OAch, 111 AC UofA uy CoiiaII CeiMiAch hi^xet 5UiniiiA]A, iriAc CoiiAibL Ce]\nAcli Ajuf LoiiT)chuit)i injeAn echAtc echbeoit. According to the same authority, the name of St. Comgall's mother
* From two different sources has the pedi- was Dealbai ; thus, "OeAibAi a IIIacai^
176 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
years, in order to lead a religious life. 9 He presented, as an offering to God and to St. Comgall, himself and three castles. These forts were situated in his owndistrictofLeinster. ThesethreecastlesweredenominatedCatharlach,'° now Carlow," on the banks of the River Barrow, Foibran,'^ and Ardarema. '3 Coming to the province of Ulster, he became a monk, under the rule of St. Comgall, and he remained in the monastery of Bangor. Afterwards, he suffered from temptations suggested by the devil, and felt concerned about the welfare of his children, relations, patrimonial possessions, and country. In great agitation of mind, this prince had an interview with St. Comgall, and declared, that he could not remain at Bangor, without visiting his native country. Finding he would not be restrained from this desire, Comgall sent himonhiswaywithsomebrethren,ascompanions. Attheirdeparture,the Abbot offered up his prayers. Cormac felt oppressed with sleep, on a high hill '4 —where the Asylum of Benchor '5 was established —and slept there from the first, to the ninth, hour of the day. Here, in a dream, he thought he had walked over the bounds of Leinster, and had beheld many cities and castles. This imagining had conduced him through many flour- ishing fields and pleasant meadows. He seemed, even to have possessed his favourite chariots and kingdom, while chiefs, magistrates, and magnates, belonging to his kingdom, appeared to sit around him, with all the insignia of royalty. When satisfied with this vision, he awoke. Through the grace of God, he felt a tedium and dislike, for all he had seen in that dream. '^ He then returned to the Abbot Comgall, with a relation of what he imagined, and he remained under religious rule, to the very day of his death. '?
While walking, St. Comgall and his disciples, entered a deserted house on their way. The monks, who were suffering from cold, brought some faggots, which they found, to their superior, and asked him to kindle a fire. He blew them
•mei]\co'Lpn do we find the entry. Again, on the father's side, we have the following ]">edigree from the copy, contained in the Koyal Irish Academy, of Duald l\Iac Fir- bisigh's valuable " Book of Genealogies, "in the TlAOiiti]'eAiicu]', at p. 736 : —ConigAlL benc<Mi\ ULjiIX) tllAoi. 10, IIIac SeutariA, tllAC eAcliAC, lIlAc biMuin, tllAC {:oi\5A, tllAC e^MUMne (no e]\cnAi|'5), mAC Cy\ein- cliAinT), niAC eAcliAC, 111 AC Lu5t)AC, 111 AC llofA, rilAC lowcA'OA, lllAC ITe-obimce, HI AC CAif, 111 AC pAchAC A^AAi-oe (ecc).
1 At the 17th of February, in vol. ii. of this work.
* See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," xvii. Febniarii. Vita S. P'intani de Cluain Edneach, cap. xviii. , p. 352, and nn. 17, 18, 19, p. 354.
9 See De liurgo's " Officia Propria Sanctorum Hibernia:," Die x. Maii. In Festo S. Congalli, ii. Nocturno, Lect. vi. , p. 53.
'" This is probably one of the earliest notices on record, of a castle having existed there at a remote period. Mr. D'Allon tells us, that in a. d. 634, an alibcy had been here founded. Sec " Irish Penny Magazine," vol. i. , No. 40, p. 313.
"The accompanying illustration of the existing remains of Carlow Castle has been taken from a hitherto original point of view, and from a Photograph ; the drawing has
been made on the wood, by William F. Wakeman, and the engraving is by Mrs. Millard.
'- This place has not been identified, There was a Faebhran or Foibhren monas- tery, in the territory of Graighrighe, com- prising the present barony of Coolavin, in the county of Sligo and a great portion of northern Roscommon. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , n. (t^, p. 357, and pp. 424, 425, nn. (y, z).
'3 Its location does not seem to be known, under this ancient name ; but, probably, it must be sought for, within the bounds of ancient Hy-Kinsellagh.
'•• The second Life of St. Comgall has it "in collo imminenti Astilo Beunchor," num. 40.
'5 The text of the Life is thus corrected at note (d), by Father Godefrid Henschenn, " Idem asylo Benchor. "
'* See "Acta Sanctorum, tomus ii. , x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et ediiione Sirini, cap. iii. , num. 40, and pp. 586 to 588.
'' Father John C'olgan supposes, that he was the St. Cormac, who was venerated at Achadh-Finnich, in Leinster, at the 7lh rcct€\\\\\—ofMay. See"ActaSanctorum llibernia? ," xvii. Fcbruarii. Vita S. Fin- tani, Abbatis de Cluain-Ednech, cap. xviii. , n, 19, p. 354.
—
May io. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
177
into a flame, and thus the brothers \varn:\ed themselves. On another day, in company with his monks, a dark and cold night fell upon them, in a desert valley. The brethren, in like manner, benumbed with cold, asked our saint, in God's name, to afford them the solace of a fire. With his breath, Com- gall again kindled some dry wood, before their eyes, whereby the darkness around them was dispelled, and they became warmed. On the following day, no trace of fire was seen, where the pile of wood had been kindled, but the place seemed full of leaves and branches. This was a subject for admira- tion to the brethren, who returned thanks to God. At another time, our holy Abbot fasted '^ during the night, against a certain merciless chieftain, who lived in a castle, named Trachim. '9 In the middle of the night, this castle shook to its very foundations. Weapons and other matters fell from its walls. Terrified by such w^onderful portents, die tyrant did' penance, to the great joy of our saint. ^° Again, Comgall fasted against a prince, who
but, this inexorable king refused to hear God's servant. Then, in presence of this king, of his children, and of his friends, a large stone appeared rent before them, through the merits of our saint. This warning so much alarmed the chief, that he humbly subjected himself to pen- ance, granting, at the same time, the particular request of Abbot Comgall. A certain young monk, named Conuath,*^ came to the Abbot, that he might
learn what manner of life Comgall led. That young man supposed himself to have followed a more austere life than others, and he requested our saint, not to conceal any of his accustomed practices. The latter, in the middle of the night, conducted him towards a neighbouring river. The young monk felt himself unable to bear certain alternations of heat and cold, in the water, whenheentereditwithSt. Comgall. Admiringthenceforththoseausterities and graces enjoyed by our saint, his former presumption immediately vanished, and he became a monk, under Comgall's rule. Another day, while the Abbot sailed over an arm of the sea, he reproved a young monk, named Crimac- than. 23 This devout servant immediately left the vessel. Prostrating himself on the sea, it was able to support him, as if he had stood upon dry land. There he remained, until the Abbot called him into the bark. This he entered, with garments not even moist. The vessel continued motionless, meanwhile, in the same place, although the winds blew, and sails were set.
E.
On a certain occasion, when St. Columba had sailed in a vessel from lona Island, to the monastery of Bangor; it happened, that one of his brethren died on board. When landed at the mouth of a river, and at a port, named Iniver Beg, the whole company hastened towards Bangor monastery, where theywerereceivedwithmuchjoy. ]\Ieantime,theirdeceasedcompanionwas laid with the baggage, in a secret part of the vessel. When the voyagers had received a kiss of peace, Comgall washed their feet, and asked, if they had any person, besides the assembled number, during the voyage. St. Columba replied, that one remained on board ; Comgall requested, he might be sent for, that he might have an opportunity of enjoying their community's conversation and society. " For," said he, " after the labours of this voyage, the hands and feet of all must find rest, and the vessel with its effects must be taken under our care. " St. Columba replied, " That brother will not come, unless you go to him. " Without delay, Comgall went to the vessel ; but, not
immediately finding the brother, he searched among the luggage, where he thoughtthemonkmightbesleeping. There,however,hewasfounddead. The servant of God was astonished, but betaking himself to prayer, Comgall said,
the former day, there are some aUusions to him, in vol. ii. of this work, at Art. xvi. However, the Acts of this saint are reserved for the lOth of September, which seems to have been his chief feast. The name, Fiubarr, or Findbarr, applied to him, means " white- head," in English; and, proliably, it arose from the circumstance of his locks having been white originally, or because they had become venerably hoarj', in his advanced years.
^5 Now Movilla, or Moville, in the parish of Newtown Ards, barony of Lower Ards, in the county of Down. An abbey was founded here, so early as 540, by St. Finbai r, and consequently, it had been erected before St. Comgall's, at Bangor. A very interesting accountofSt. Finnian, or Findbarr, and of his monastery, at Moville, will be found in Rev. James O'Laverty's "Historical Account of the Diocese n'Di. wn an<l Connor, Anciviu
and Modern," vol. ii. , pp. 10 to 28.
'•^ See " Acta Sanctorum,"- tomus ii. , x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et
editione Sirini, cap. ii. , num. 26, p. 585.
^^ This anecdote shows, how the profes- sion of a scribe was one anciently cultivated in the Irish schools. "Though prayer was the principal, it was by no means the only, duty of a monk. Labour was scarcely secondary—much of his time was devoted to the Scriptorium, where there were written and illuminated those m? nuscripts that are the glory of that age and the wonder of this. " —Rev. James OLaverty's "Historical Account of the Diocese of Down and Connor,
Ancient and Modern," vol. ii. , p. 129.
*^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , x. ^^aii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et editione Sirini, cap. ii. , num. 27, 28, p.
585.
-". See "Acta Sanclorum," tnnuis ii,, x,
May io. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
173
" In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ arise, and hasten with me to thy brotliers. " As if awaking from sleep, the dead man arose, and coming with our Abbot to his monastery, the latter observed, that his companion was de- prived of one eye. The saint declared, that as he had prayed to God for a perfect restoration, in all his limbs and body, the monk should not labour under such a defect. At the same time, a fountain of water sprung from the earth, whereon they stood. In its water, the Abbot ordered that monk to
. bathe his face, when he recovered the eye, which he before wanted. Its lustre continued undiminished, even in his old age. While St. Columba remained with our saint, they entered a church together, to recite Hours. Afterwards, returning to the monastery for supper, St. Comgall ordered a brother to bring some food, which it was thought the house did not contain. But, on going to the cellar, that brother brought the required viands, which were placed before both great saints. These pa*-took thereof, giving thanks. Knowing this to be the gift of God, St. Columba said to St. Comgall, " O holy father, this food is not to be taken with indifference, for it has not been providedbymen,butbyGod'sAngels. " Those,whowerepresent,imme- diately said, " Blessed be God for his gifts. "^9 It is recorded, that on another day, while these two great saints were at table, they saw the devil placed in a seat reserved for the cook of the monastery. s^ Surprised at this sight, the saints entertained suspicions, regarding the virtue of this cook. On being sent for, seeing his place occupied by a demon, the cook cried out with a stern voice, " Wretched demon, what brings you here ? or what folly induces youtooccupythisseat? Certainly,frommyyouthIhaveneverservedthee, and if otherwise, declare it : fly therefore to the sea-depths, or to the desert solitudes, where thou canst hurt no person. "^' The demon then fled in silence. St. Columba and St. Comgall did penance for harbouring unjtist suspicions, concerning that brother.
Being in some necessity, the Abbot one day required a monk to cross over the strait of the sea, in a direct course. This brother, we are told, passed over with dry feet, and returned safely to the saint. At another time, he required one of the monks, to go into the workshop of a smith, who was absent, and to make a frame, on which fishes might be boiled. At the same time, Comgall blessed his hands. That brother, hitherto unskilled in the smith's art, made the article as required, together with many other useful things, on the same day. St. Comgall had three nephews, who were saints, and his sister's children. These lived in a monas- tery,apartfromhisown. TheysenttoComgall,requestingacymbal,which they are said to have received, through the hands of an Angel. Then, they gave thanks to God, for this present. Again, our saint \i said to have procured almsforapoorman,inamiraculousmanner. When,too,inaspiritofobe- dience, one of his monks bore a hot stone from the fire to St. Comgall, his hands were preserved from being burned, for which singular favour he returned thanks to God. s^ Although in the course of time, Comgall's rule might have been observed far and wide throughout Ireland yet, it is to be
;
supposed, that during his lifetime, it did not extend very much beyond such
the Saints," vol. v. , May 10, p. 144.
5= gee "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et editione Sirini, cap. iii. , num. 32, 33, 34, 35,
5° From this quaint legend, we may glean,
that special places were reserved for the
monks, in the refectories of early monastic History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect, establishments. xii. ,n. 201, p. 67.
5' See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of S4 ggg Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's " Life
Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex tribus codicibus MSS. , num. 7. pp. 5S1, 582. Also, Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antique et editione Sirini, cap. iii. , num. 29, 31, p. 586.
36, 37, p. 586.
53 ^ee Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
174
a St. Comgeli of Cambos, as if distinct from the great St. Comgall of Bangor. See ? W</. "Index Chronologicus," at a. d. dlxxx. , p. 533.
*" In Colgan's edition of Adamnan's Vila date. Other accounts have it so late as S. Columbre, we have not Congell but Com-
590.
57 This was fought a. d. 629. The "Annals
of Ulster " have it A. d. 628.
5** In Irish written TJun Ceichii\n, and
Latinized Ahinilio Ccthirui. This fortifica- lion has been identified, by John O'Donovan, with the Sconce, about four miles west of Coleraine town, in the parish of Dunboe.
of St. Columba," lib. i. , cap. xlix.
55 See Archdall's " Monasticon Hibenii-
cum," p. io6.
5* The " Annals of Ulster " place it, at
a. d. 574, which is supposed to be the true
Now Lough Foyle, near Derry, and mentioned by Prince O'Donnell, rum Antiquilates," cap. xiii. , p. 237. In as having been passed, when St. Columkille consequence of this doubt, Usshcr mentions set out on his journey to lona. See Colgan's
59 See Usshcr's " Britannicarum Ecclesia-
and, in his notes on that chapter, he
gell
supposed, and indeed justly, that he was no other than Comgall of Bangor.
^' There is no reason for admitting any distinction, as Rev Dr. Lanigan shows, in his " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. ,
;
chap. x. ,scct. xii. , n. 201, p. 67.
Chapter iv. —'
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May id.
places, as it could have been convenient for him to visit in person. 53 One of these subordinate monasteries seems to have been at Cambos,? '* now Camus,s5 on the River Bann, in the barony of Coleraine. Thither, after the royal con- vention at Drumceat,5^ St. Columba came, and he had an interesting inter- view, with St. Comgellus. There, too, he predicted a battle, which should take places?
between the Hy-Neill and the Cruithni, at the celebrated fort of DunKehern. s^ ThiswascalledafterCethern,oneoftheRedBranchheroes, who flourished in Ulster, about the Christian era's commencement. That prophecy of St. Columba was afterwards fulfilled. A doubt has been expressed,59 as to whether Comgall of Bangor was the same as St. Comgeli ofCambos,orCambas. Wefind,however,thatComgallus,orComgellus,^° is sometimes written Congellus. There can be no doubt, regarding our St. Comgall being the person spoken of, in Adamnan's Life of St. Columba, and in that passage, to which reference has been made. ^'
CHAPTER IV.
THE ABBOT VISITS LOUGH FOYLE—CORMAC, A PRINCE OF HY-KINSALLAGH BECOMES A DISCIPLE OF ST. COMGALL, AND BESTOWS VARIOUS POSSESSIONS ON BANGOR SEVERAL MIRACLES RECORDED—ST. COMGALL IS SAID TO HAVE HAD A SHARE IN THE CONVERSION OF BRUDEUS, KING OF THE PICTS—THE HOLY ABBOT'S LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH—HIS RELICS—MONUMENTS AND COMMEMORATIONS OF ST. COMGALL—CONCLUSION.
One day, when with his disciples passing near the shore of Lough Feabhail,' the Abbot heard and saw some swans singing melodiously, while floating on the water. There, the brethren asked their holy senior, to bring the swans to them, that they might touch them with their hands. At this time, the monks should have partaken of the refection, which had not yet been prepared. The Abbot replied to their request, if it were the will of God, that they should be gratified ; when, immediately, the swans flew towards the servants of Christ. One of them even alighted on the breast of their Abbot. Again, when on another occasion, this holy man had a revelation, regarding the approach of St. Columba and his disciples ; while these were labouring at the oar, Com- gall besought our Lord to send him food for his guests. Whereupon, an Angel collected a shoal offish in the sea, and brought them towards the shore, quite near to the saint's dwelling. Knowing what had occurred, the Abbot ordered his monks to bear these captured fishes towards his monastery. There, the com-
May io. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
^15
nuinity and guests, on tlieir arrival, partook of them. ^ Diarmad, Kino-of Lein- ster, had a son named Cormac, who was a native of that part of the country named Hy-Kinselleach. 3 He was kept as a prisoner for some time, by Colum or Colman,4 King of North Leinster, until released, at the intercession of St. Fintan,AbbotofClonenagh. Thatprincereceivedhisblessing,andafter- wards ruled over the principality of South Leinster. s It seems probable enough, that he and St. Comgall were fellow-students and intimate friends,
Castle of Carlow.
while both studied together at Clonenagh. ^ This Cormac is mentioned, in the Life of St. Fintan, 7 and the circumstance of his having become a monk of St. Comgall. ^ This prince relinquished the sceptre,, in his more advanced
"Trias Thaumaturga," Sexta Vita S. Columbse, lib. iii. , cap. xxi. , p. 434.
' See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. , aiitiquo et editione Sirini, cap. iii. , num. 38, 39, p. 586.
3 It was so called, because its people were regarded as the descendants of Eanna Ceinn- sealach, who was fourth in descent from Cathaier, monarch of Ireland, about the year 358.
» He died at Slieve Mairge, a. d. 576. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 208, 209, and n. (t).
s Comprising the present counties of Wex- ford and Carlow.
gree of St. Comgall been obligingly trans- cribed, by Mr. J. J. MacSweeny, Librarian's Clerk to the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. On the father's side, it shows his descent from Conall Cearnach, head of the Leinster- men. Thus it occurs in the Book of Leacan, at fol. 141, col. 3, line 27 : —ComgAtl, t)e4iToc]iAi|v, 111 AC Seen A, 111 ac eAcliAic, 111AC bi\oni, 111AC Voi^co, niAc epiAifC, 11U\c CiMfnchAint) liic . h. Ch)\inichAinD Chtnb Aguf minp'OAm <\e|\nA, tllAc OAchAIC, 111 AC tuj'OAch, 111 AC UofA uy CoiiaII CeiMiAch hi^xet 5UiniiiA]A, iriAc CoiiAibL Ce]\nAcli Ajuf LoiiT)chuit)i injeAn echAtc echbeoit. According to the same authority, the name of St. Comgall's mother
* From two different sources has the pedi- was Dealbai ; thus, "OeAibAi a IIIacai^
176 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May io.
years, in order to lead a religious life. 9 He presented, as an offering to God and to St. Comgall, himself and three castles. These forts were situated in his owndistrictofLeinster. ThesethreecastlesweredenominatedCatharlach,'° now Carlow," on the banks of the River Barrow, Foibran,'^ and Ardarema. '3 Coming to the province of Ulster, he became a monk, under the rule of St. Comgall, and he remained in the monastery of Bangor. Afterwards, he suffered from temptations suggested by the devil, and felt concerned about the welfare of his children, relations, patrimonial possessions, and country. In great agitation of mind, this prince had an interview with St. Comgall, and declared, that he could not remain at Bangor, without visiting his native country. Finding he would not be restrained from this desire, Comgall sent himonhiswaywithsomebrethren,ascompanions. Attheirdeparture,the Abbot offered up his prayers. Cormac felt oppressed with sleep, on a high hill '4 —where the Asylum of Benchor '5 was established —and slept there from the first, to the ninth, hour of the day. Here, in a dream, he thought he had walked over the bounds of Leinster, and had beheld many cities and castles. This imagining had conduced him through many flour- ishing fields and pleasant meadows. He seemed, even to have possessed his favourite chariots and kingdom, while chiefs, magistrates, and magnates, belonging to his kingdom, appeared to sit around him, with all the insignia of royalty. When satisfied with this vision, he awoke. Through the grace of God, he felt a tedium and dislike, for all he had seen in that dream. '^ He then returned to the Abbot Comgall, with a relation of what he imagined, and he remained under religious rule, to the very day of his death. '?
While walking, St. Comgall and his disciples, entered a deserted house on their way. The monks, who were suffering from cold, brought some faggots, which they found, to their superior, and asked him to kindle a fire. He blew them
•mei]\co'Lpn do we find the entry. Again, on the father's side, we have the following ]">edigree from the copy, contained in the Koyal Irish Academy, of Duald l\Iac Fir- bisigh's valuable " Book of Genealogies, "in the TlAOiiti]'eAiicu]', at p. 736 : —ConigAlL benc<Mi\ ULjiIX) tllAoi. 10, IIIac SeutariA, tllAC eAcliAC, lIlAc biMuin, tllAC {:oi\5A, tllAC e^MUMne (no e]\cnAi|'5), mAC Cy\ein- cliAinT), niAC eAcliAC, 111 AC Lu5t)AC, 111 AC llofA, rilAC lowcA'OA, lllAC ITe-obimce, HI AC CAif, 111 AC pAchAC A^AAi-oe (ecc).
1 At the 17th of February, in vol. ii. of this work.
* See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," xvii. Febniarii. Vita S. P'intani de Cluain Edneach, cap. xviii. , p. 352, and nn. 17, 18, 19, p. 354.
9 See De liurgo's " Officia Propria Sanctorum Hibernia:," Die x. Maii. In Festo S. Congalli, ii. Nocturno, Lect. vi. , p. 53.
'" This is probably one of the earliest notices on record, of a castle having existed there at a remote period. Mr. D'Allon tells us, that in a. d. 634, an alibcy had been here founded. Sec " Irish Penny Magazine," vol. i. , No. 40, p. 313.
"The accompanying illustration of the existing remains of Carlow Castle has been taken from a hitherto original point of view, and from a Photograph ; the drawing has
been made on the wood, by William F. Wakeman, and the engraving is by Mrs. Millard.
'- This place has not been identified, There was a Faebhran or Foibhren monas- tery, in the territory of Graighrighe, com- prising the present barony of Coolavin, in the county of Sligo and a great portion of northern Roscommon. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , n. (t^, p. 357, and pp. 424, 425, nn. (y, z).
'3 Its location does not seem to be known, under this ancient name ; but, probably, it must be sought for, within the bounds of ancient Hy-Kinsellagh.
'•• The second Life of St. Comgall has it "in collo imminenti Astilo Beunchor," num. 40.
'5 The text of the Life is thus corrected at note (d), by Father Godefrid Henschenn, " Idem asylo Benchor. "
'* See "Acta Sanctorum, tomus ii. , x. Maii. Vita S. Comgalli, ex MS. antiquo et ediiione Sirini, cap. iii. , num. 40, and pp. 586 to 588.
'' Father John C'olgan supposes, that he was the St. Cormac, who was venerated at Achadh-Finnich, in Leinster, at the 7lh rcct€\\\\\—ofMay. See"ActaSanctorum llibernia? ," xvii. Fcbruarii. Vita S. Fin- tani, Abbatis de Cluain-Ednech, cap. xviii. , n, 19, p. 354.
—
May io. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
177
into a flame, and thus the brothers \varn:\ed themselves. On another day, in company with his monks, a dark and cold night fell upon them, in a desert valley. The brethren, in like manner, benumbed with cold, asked our saint, in God's name, to afford them the solace of a fire. With his breath, Com- gall again kindled some dry wood, before their eyes, whereby the darkness around them was dispelled, and they became warmed. On the following day, no trace of fire was seen, where the pile of wood had been kindled, but the place seemed full of leaves and branches. This was a subject for admira- tion to the brethren, who returned thanks to God. At another time, our holy Abbot fasted '^ during the night, against a certain merciless chieftain, who lived in a castle, named Trachim. '9 In the middle of the night, this castle shook to its very foundations. Weapons and other matters fell from its walls. Terrified by such w^onderful portents, die tyrant did' penance, to the great joy of our saint. ^° Again, Comgall fasted against a prince, who
but, this inexorable king refused to hear God's servant. Then, in presence of this king, of his children, and of his friends, a large stone appeared rent before them, through the merits of our saint. This warning so much alarmed the chief, that he humbly subjected himself to pen- ance, granting, at the same time, the particular request of Abbot Comgall. A certain young monk, named Conuath,*^ came to the Abbot, that he might
learn what manner of life Comgall led. That young man supposed himself to have followed a more austere life than others, and he requested our saint, not to conceal any of his accustomed practices. The latter, in the middle of the night, conducted him towards a neighbouring river. The young monk felt himself unable to bear certain alternations of heat and cold, in the water, whenheentereditwithSt. Comgall. Admiringthenceforththoseausterities and graces enjoyed by our saint, his former presumption immediately vanished, and he became a monk, under Comgall's rule. Another day, while the Abbot sailed over an arm of the sea, he reproved a young monk, named Crimac- than. 23 This devout servant immediately left the vessel. Prostrating himself on the sea, it was able to support him, as if he had stood upon dry land. There he remained, until the Abbot called him into the bark. This he entered, with garments not even moist. The vessel continued motionless, meanwhile, in the same place, although the winds blew, and sails were set.
E.
