Hence, he applied with all diHgence to commit those stanzas to mfe- mory ; notwithstanding, he was unable to
recollect
more than one half the entire poem.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v1
557, 558.
^The " Life of Maedhogof Fearns,"chap. Ixxii. , states, that Sf. Dalian of Cill-Dal-
lain was a first cousin to St. Maedhog of
Fearns. The two children are said to have
been brothers' sons, viz. , Maedhog was son
of Sedna, son to Ere, while Dalian was son remarks, it is more probable, those who
of Colla, son to Ere. See Rev. Drs. Todd's
flourished at the same period were equi-
distant from the same common than stem,
that they had a greater diversity of genealogy, See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," n. 8,
p. 204.
^
Colgan argues, that such must have been the name of his mother, as from a preced- ing note, it will be seen that his father was named Colla, and not Forgaill or Forchella.
'Also from a Life of St. Columba, as
likewise from Mai-ianus O'Gorman, and the
Martyrology of Tallagh, where this saint is called the son of Forgaill.
and Reeves' " pp. 30, 31.
of Martyrology Donegal,"
3 The "Menologic Genealogy," chap, xii. , has such a statement, as likewise a Preface to the Acts of Drumcheat Synod, and a Life of St. Columba, chap, ccxviii. , as stated by Colgan. He gives the Life of St. Dalian, Martyr, with notes, compiled from various sources, at this day. See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xxix. Januarii. De S. Dallano Martyre, pp. 203 to 205.
4 This monarch began to reign A. D. 323, and A. D. 326, in the fourth year of his reign, Muireadhach Tireach expelled him, with his brothers and three hundred others, to Alba or Scotland. See Dr. O'Donovan's "An- nals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 122,
123.
5 The "Menologic Genealogy" says, that
Ere here mentioned was grandson to King Colla, by his son Feradach; while the genealogies of St, Maidoc and of other
®
Near the River Roe, county of London-
Vol, I.
2 K
Forgaill. However, the grandfather of St.
Maidoc was not grandson to King Colla,
but removed from him by many generations,
This would be seen, by referring to the
" " Such an Menologic Genealogy.
opinion is in accordance with Colgan's views ; for he
derry.
^ The Acts of St. Maidoc will be found at
the 31st of January.
'°This is set forth in Colgan's "Acta
Sanctorum Hibernise," xxx. Januarii. Vita S. Maidoci, Appendix, cap. iv. , p. 223.
''This monarch began his reign about A. D. 568, and was killed A. D. 594, in the battle of|Dun-bolg in Leinster, after having oc-
grandfather
498 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 29.
son to Ainmirech, a monarch of Ireland. This was towards the latter end ofthesixthcentury. " ThesaintwasbomataplacecalledMasrige'3and Cathrige Sleacht/4 by the ancients/s and by more modern ^vriters, leallach
Eathach, within the province of Connaught. '^ Most probably early in or towards the middle of that age he first saw the light. When very young, he was placed under charge of suitable instructors. These took care to indocti- nate him in sacred and profane learning. He made such rapid progress in a short time, that very few of his contemporaries excelled him in the arcana of sacred science, while none were his superiors in secular learning. ^7 He acquired a profound knowledge of his native country's antiquities. '^ He wrote various works, in the Irish language. From the peculiar structure of their ancient idiom, these are not easily understood by modem readers. '9 On this account, various commentaries were added, in after ages, by scholars well versed in the lore of our native tongue, and skilled in the elucidation of Ireland'sancientmonuments. Itisprobable,Eachodiusaddictedhimselfso much to study, that in course of time, he became deprived of sight. Hence
"
this holy man acquired the name Dalian, which signifies this designation he was afterwards best known. ^°
blind," and by
Besides his knowledge of history and antiquities, he was a most excellent poet. He wrote St. Columba's praise, in a sort of rythmical panegyric, called "Ambhra Choluim Kille. "^' Copies of his poems are yet preserved in manuscript. ^^ The occasion for writing this much- esteemed poem was thus afforded. Aldus, King of Ireland, having convoked certain chiefs of Ulster and Leinster to a great council, held at Drumcheat,^^ in Kinnacht territory,^* St. Columkille returned from Scotland to assist at
this synod. His presence and influence brought the deliberations and reso- lutions to a peaceful and successful issue. One of the great objects had in view, at this assembly, was to control the tendency of Irish poets to satirize
cupied the throne of Ireland twenty-seven years. The contemporaneous incidents of his ireign are narrated in Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 206 to 221.
^^This is expressly stated, in a Preface to
remote date of composition, and a great pro- bability of their being authentic productions of this learned man.
^"'See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
the Acts of Drumcheat
and in the
i. , ii. , iii. , p. 203.
^' a
Synod,
Life of St. Columbse, cap. 218. Colgan
remarks, that these were authorities he prin-
cipally used, in compiling St. Dalian's Life, as he had not in his possession proper Acts of this saint. See AA. , SS. , nn. i, 2, p. 204.
'3 It seems difficult, at present, to identify
this place.
'^In Dr. O'Donovan's "Leabhar na g-
" Ceart,orBookofRights, thereisadistrict.
called Crotraidhe, but its situation was un-
work,
Among the collection of Messrs. Hodges
known to the editor.
See pp. 1 70 to 1 72,
and Smith, preserved in the Royal Irish Academy, there is a poem on St. Colum- kille, attributed to Dalian Forgill. It is a 4to vellum, marked No. 226.
=3 Dramcheat is a situated in the place
diocese of Derry, and this synod has in- vested it with historic importance.
^^ Not only before, but even in the time of Colgan, Drumcheat was famous for frequent pilgrimages made thereto, and for a great festival, held on the day of All Saints, in memory of the aforesaid synod. To this festival, which was celebrated each year, in Colgan's time, great numbers were accus- tomed to resort, from all the adjoining pa- rishes. See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xxix. Januarii, n, 13, p. 204.
and n
'S So it is stated, in a Preface to the Acts
of Drumcheat Synod.
^*
According to Colgan, it was on the Ulster boundary.
'7 He was called the Arch-master or su- preme Professor of the Antiquities of Ireland. See Harris' Ware, vol. iii. " The Writers of Ireland," book i. , chap, iii. , p. 20.
^®
It is to be regretted so much of our na- tive history and literature should be suffered to remain so long buried in manuscripts.
*9 This furnishes intrinsic evidence of their
(r).
nise," xxix. Januarii.
Vita S. Dallani, cap.
of this
which was finely written, but he declared, that its meaning could scarcely be penetrated, even by those best acquainted with the Irish language, only for numerous commentaries affixed to it. See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," xxix. Januarii, n. 12, p. 204.
^^
Colgan possessed
copy
January 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 499
those who were not sufficiently compliant with their demands for payment ; and for the correction of such an abuse legislation of too sweeping a character hadbeenagitated. Atthistimethenumberofbardshadincreasedtosucha degree, it is stated, that thirty used to be in the company of each Ollom, and fifteeninthecompanyofeachAnrad. ^s Thus,too,MacFirbisstates,that in the time of Conor Mac Nessa, there were no less than 1,200 poets in one company ; at another time 1,000 ; while at the period of Aedh Mac Ain- mireandColumCilletherewere700. Thisimposedaheavytaxonthe people for their support and endowment. It sometimes occasioned great discontent, and it was thought so oppressive, that the people desired to restrictthenumberfollowingthebardicprofession; whileanattempt,onthree different occasions, was made to banish the bards out of Erinn, but the Ul- tonians gave them shelter and hospitality. St. Columba became their pro- tector, yet he also aided in procuring a regulation enactment, that a single poet should be assigned to each king and territory. Provision was made,
^^
Dalian waited upon Columkille, and asked permission to read for him that
poem, composed in his praise. ^7 This permission having been obtained, the
poet proceeded with a recitation of his verses. St. Columkille began to
experience complacency, when St. Baithen,^^ a disciple, who was present, warned his master regarding dangerous illusions. Taking the alarm, Columba forbid Dalian to proceed in his reading, or even to publish what he had al- ready recited ; remarking at the same time, that no person should be praised during life, and that only the man who had persevered in virtue to the end of his course deserved applause. ^9 Dalian vainly sought permission for the publicationofhispoem,atthattime; butwithgreatdifficultyheobtained leave to issue it in case he should survive St. Columkille, and that the latter should have happily terminated his mortal career. After returning to Scot- land, this great saint died after the year 590,3° when, it is said, Dalian had a visit from an angel, in which he was immediately informed regarding this circumstance. The publication of the " Ambhra Cholium Kille" was con- sequently permitted, as the previous interdict had been withdrawn. 3^ A preliminary discourse3^ professes to inform us, that this Amhra was composed at Dromceat in the North, and in Cianachta of Glenn Geimhin, where the great assembly was held. Its time, moreover, was the time of Aodh, son of Ainmhereach, monarch of Ireland, who had convened this assembly. 33
ht)wever, to preserve history and literature in every successive generation.
^5 See the "Forespeech," corresponding with our notions of a preface, in O'Beirne Crowe's edition of "The Amra Choluim
30 gt. Columkille, we are told, died on Whit Sunday, the 9th of June, A. D. 592, ac- cording to the Four Masters, or A. D. 597, according to Tigemach.
31 Imperfect copies of the Amhra, written on vellum, are, or were, in various hands, One copy is in Marsh's Library, another is in the library of Trinity College, one was in the collection of William Monck Mason, Esq. , and another, written in 1313, was in the collection of Edward O'Reilly, who had also a perfect copy, written on paper. This
"
Irish and Literal Translation, p'. 9.
Chilli of Dalian Forgaill.
The original
^*
See Professor Eugene O'Curry's "Lee-
tures on the Manuscript Materials of Ancient
Irish History," Lect. x. , p. 218.
"' In the " Vita S. lib. Quinta Columbas,"
iii. , cap. viii. , as written by Prince O'Don-
nell, the reader will find an account of this
matter, which took place at the assembly of
Drumcheat. See Colgan's "Trias Thau- was once the property of Cucoigcriche
maturga," p. 432. ""^Thiswasprobablyhisconstantattendant,
St. Baithen, who immediately succeeded his master in the abbacy of lona, and whose feast will also be found at the 9th of June.
*9 See the Life of St. Columba, at the 9th of June.
O'Clery, one of the persons employed com- pilingthe "AnnalsoftheFourMasters. "
3= Called in Irish TleiriifceL.
We are informed
"
— There were also
33
thirteen kings in Ireland at this time, and Aodh was the name of each of them, as
said the poet :
'
Aodh son of Ainmhereach,
:
Soo LIVES dF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 29.
These circumstances are briefly stated in this introduction. 34 At the same
time, Dalian recovered the use of sight, and obtained, it is said, as a special
favour from heaven, that whoever could recite his poem with a good memory
and suitable should afterwards die the death of the 35 It has devotion, just.
been stated,36 ^j^g^i- among the relics left by St. Colum Cille was the Amhra, to protect the men of Erinn from all dangers. Although aware it was to have been written and published only after his death, it is not to be credited that he should think of bequeathing it under such circumstances. 37
After the general publication of this panegyric, certain superstitious pesons began to suppose it mattered not what sort of a life had been led, provided they were enabled, by means of a good memory, to commit these verses, and to recite them. Amongst others, mention is made of a certain persons^ who led an abandoned life. This he took no care to reform. Nevertheless, he supposed, that by committing to memory the poem of Dalian, he should escape, at his last hour, the consequences of evil actions perpetrated in this life.
Hence, he applied with all diHgence to commit those stanzas to mfe- mory ; notwithstanding, he was unable to recollect more than one half the entire poem. Still, no thought occurred to him of doing penance for his transgressions. Under the influence of a desire to learn all, he approached St. Columkille's sepulchre. He remained there fasting during one whole night, which he spent in vigil. On the following morning, this person was enabled to recite the part of which he was heretofore ignorant ; but, withal, that part, which he thought he had already learned, passed away altogether from his memory. 39 This Dalian is said to have composed another little poem, eulogizing St. Senan, of Iniscathy. It was called the " Amhra Sea- nan •"^° yet it may have been the production of another Dalian, called the disciple of St. Seanan. *^ From its antique structure of style and language, it can now be only understood with great difiiculty. ^^ This, and the " Amhra Coluim Cille," are in the Bearla Feni, or Fenian dialect of the Irish language. Colgan, who was an excellent Irish scholar in his day,*had a copy of the Amhra Coluim Cille and of the Amhra Senan. He says, they could scarcely be comprehended without the antiquary's glosses. 43 It was believed by pious persons, that whoever could recite from memory the verses of the poem, Amhra Seanan, should be preserved from blindness, and enjoy other peculiar favours. 44 Dalian wrote another work, laudatory of St. Conall Coel,'*5
of battles,' &c. " The Amhra begins, '"Oia,
cap. 218. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctoram
Hibernire," xxix. Januarii, n. 14, p. 204.
39 Hence we may learn, that those who will not repent of their evil deeds during life, deserve little to participate in the fruit of
•01A T)o
x^e j:\&y iriA jniiif. " See O'Reilly's Chronological Account of nearly Fom- Hundred Irish Writers," &c. , vol. i. ,
part1. , p. xxxix. —
yM-"£AX
34 It begins: "toco -oon elAi'oenfi privileges and prerogatives granted by Christ
•OjMiimmcheACA hi cmaic 1 ciAriAccA glini
through his saints. See 2/^/^. , cap. vi. , p. 204.
5eAitnin, ai|\ if An •00 y,ow&x> in
oiMimo cecco. 1n Ainife]A, nnoiAiw . 1.
4o ggg the" "
edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 30, 31.
Aimi'ei\ -Ao-oo rtiAc -ATnme|AAc
iiToe^iiA'D in ni6]TOAil. llo bACU^A c|\a c^m IMgA -oecin heitMii in CAn pn, ociij^ Aox>
4i him Dr. Regarding
•01b. Uc dixc in mAC Aimtiipg nA neAll," ecc.
"
^6)^
CAc
^1
pliT) ;
Aotj
3= Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernite," xxix. Januarii. VitaS. Dallani,cap. iv. ,v. , pp. 203, 204.
36 In a spurious poem, attributed to St. Colum Cille.
37 See Professor
Eugene O'Curry's
"
Lee-
tures on the Manuscript Materials of Ancient
Irish History," Lect. xix. , pp. 405, 406.
38
This is stated in the Life of St. Columba,
motTOAil
of Martyrology Donegal,"
-pi hei\eii
Lanigan
could find See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sec.
iv. , n. 35, p. 94.
42 jhis ^. ^s an elegy on the death of St.
Seanan, beginning, SenAn -poe^A pt) acoi|\, or " Noble Seanan, peaceful father. " A copy of this poem was in the collection of Edward
O'Reilly.
• 43 Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum HiberniK,"
xxix. Januarii, nn. 12, 15, pp. 204, 205.
44 See ibid. , cap. vii. , p. 204.
« See the life of this saint, at the 1 2th of
May.
nothing satisfactory.
January 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 501
Abbot of Inis-coel, in Tyrconell. ^^ This is the modem Iniskeel, in the county of Donegal. 47 Here Dalian most earnestly desired his life and labours should close, and that he might receive rites of sepulture'*^ in that remote and isolated spot. There is a poem attributed to this saint, among the manuscripts of Trinity College. 49 It is possible, many works of St. Dalianareextant,althoughtheyhavenotcomewithinourknowledge. 5° As the proper name of this holy man was Eochodius, there are reasons ad- vanced^' for supposing he must have been identical with St. Eochaidh,s3 or St. Eochodius,53 a disciple and travelling companion of St. Columkille on his journey into Britain. S4 This Eochodius is falsely called Eoglodius, in the English Martyrology's by Boetius,^^ and by other writers. Colgan thinks St. Dallan57 was not a distinct personage from this lat—ter holy man.
—aint to die in a favourite The desire of our s
situated as any other in Ireland was accorded. After a spiritual conference, while Dalian was at Iniscoel as a guest, he retired to a chamber. In the mean- time, some pirates or robbers broke in and rifled the monastery. —Not satis-
4^ It is said, by Colgan, to have been in
the particular district known as Bugellaigh. 47 The island of Inishkeel, in the parish
so denominated, is exhibited in the barony of Boylagh, on the " Ordnance Survey Town-
land {Maps for the County of Donegal," Sheet 64. The ruined churches, graveyard, and holy well may there be seen on an island, which at low water is accessible from the mainland. A little to the south, and on the mainland coast, the site of an old church, in
an old graveyard, denominated Churchtown, is shown.
4^ For further particulars of Dalian For- *'
gain, see Keating's General History of
Ireland," book ii. There he is called Eochaidh Eigeas, and he is said to have been president over all the poets of Ireland. He had power to examine the qualifications of
over the kingdom.
49 Upon the arms of Duach Dubh, King
of Oirgailla. From this it appears, that the shaft of Duach's spear was made of the eo lloffA, or "yew of Ross. "
s° See "
O'Reilly's Chronological
by Drs, Todd and Reeves, declares this to have been his true name. See pp. 30, 31.
^3 gge his life, already given at the 25th of January.
^^ Colgan, in his "Trias Thaumaturga," ranks him among the disciples of St. Co-
''
other and to poets,
^^ This is called "''
them to
and endowments with the lords of cantreds
a sacred to Conall place
of such a
sacrificed Dalian to their fury.
these wretches
Perhaps he had offered
fied with the — perpetration
Pagan sea-rovers
some resistance to their outrages. They cut off the head of our saint, who was then advanced in years. His head was thrown by them into the neigh- bouring ocean ; but it was recovered afterwards, and united to his body. Both were buried, with due honour, in the church of Inis-coel. s^ There his memory was afterwards greatly revered,59 and he is honoured as a martyr. Although it is generally supposed the Pagan sea-rovers did not land in Ire- land, until about the year a. d. 795 f° there is reason to believe, that long before this period freebooters had been occasionally engaged on piratical expeditions, causing loss of property and of Ufe to the people dwelling around our coasts.
appoint
posts
Account of nearly Four Hundred Irish Writers," &c. ,
^Atthis the "Annales year,
vol. i. , part i. , pp. xxxix. , xl.
5' By Colgan.
M. A. , has this notice
"
— Primus adventus
:
s* The " of Martyrology Donegal,"
edited
•
gentilium apud dextrales ad Hibemiam. "
See 11. p.
sacrilege,
probably
spot romantically
lumkille. See
S. Columbce," cap. x. , p. 489.
Quarta Appendix ad Acta
^^ At the 25th of January,
^^ See " Historia Scotorum," lib. ix.
^^ There was another Dalian, also a poet
and historiographer to a King of Leinster. He wrote a poem on the battle of Belach
Mugna, or Ballymoon, in which he gives very full particulars. This was to be seen
in the Book of Cluain Aidhnach(Cl'onenagh) Fiontan in Leix. See Bishop Nicolson's
"Irish Historical Library. " Appendix Numb. i. , p. 68.
''
of Inis Caoil, in the Martyrology of Do-
negal," edited by Drs. Todd and. Reeves,
pp. 30, 31.
59Colgan's "ActaSanctorumHibemise,"
xxix. Januarii. Vita S. Dallani, cap. vii. , viii. , ix. , p. 204.
Cambriae," edited by Rev. John Williams ab Ithel,
502 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 29.
When Dalian Forgaill died, about a. d. 598, Senchan Torpeist, then a File^^ of distinction, was called upon to pronounce a funeral elegy or oration on the deceased chief File. The young File acquitted himself of this task with so much satisfaction to his assembled brethren, that immediately they elected him Ard OUamh in Filedecht, that is, the chief File of Erinn. ^' Among the difficult ancient books of Ireland to be interpreted by good Irish scholars, the Amhra or Elegy on the Death of St. Columcille is always no- ticed. ^3
Thememoryofthissaintwasvenerated,atthechurchofMagin. ^* It wasinthedioceseofMeath. ^5 HewasveneratedatthechurchofCluain
Dallain, now Kildallon,^^ East Breiffney, formerly in the province of Con- naught, and within Kilmore diocese. *^? At Disert Dallain^^ and at Tullagh^9
or Tulach Dallain,7° in the diocese of Raphoe,? ^ this saint was greatly vene- rated. There is a townland denomination of Clondallan, in this part of Ireland,72asalsoaCloondalininWestmeath. 73 Aparochialchurch,called Cluain Dalian, is said \o be in a part of eastern Ulster, named Ivechia. It has been stated, that Dr. Keating intimates, in his History of the Kings of Ireland, when treating about King Aidus, already mentioned, that this church received its name from our saint. 74 He was venerated in many other places, especially throughout the province of Ulster. His festival is found atthisdateintheIrishCalendars. TheparishofClondalan,inthediocese
^' This word, generally translated by the
English word " Poet," was a general epithet applied to a scholar in or a professor of literature and philosophy. See Professor Eugene O'Curry's "Lectures on the Manu- script Materials of Ancient Irish History,"
Banagh, marked on the "Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Donegal," Sheet 84. It appears to consist of wild mountain land, having a summit altitude of 1 706 feet ; but no site of a church can there be traced.
Lect. i. ,
*- See ibid. , Lect. ii. , p. 29.
^3 See ibid. , Lect. viii.
^The " Life of Maedhogof Fearns,"chap. Ixxii. , states, that Sf. Dalian of Cill-Dal-
lain was a first cousin to St. Maedhog of
Fearns. The two children are said to have
been brothers' sons, viz. , Maedhog was son
of Sedna, son to Ere, while Dalian was son remarks, it is more probable, those who
of Colla, son to Ere. See Rev. Drs. Todd's
flourished at the same period were equi-
distant from the same common than stem,
that they had a greater diversity of genealogy, See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," n. 8,
p. 204.
^
Colgan argues, that such must have been the name of his mother, as from a preced- ing note, it will be seen that his father was named Colla, and not Forgaill or Forchella.
'Also from a Life of St. Columba, as
likewise from Mai-ianus O'Gorman, and the
Martyrology of Tallagh, where this saint is called the son of Forgaill.
and Reeves' " pp. 30, 31.
of Martyrology Donegal,"
3 The "Menologic Genealogy," chap, xii. , has such a statement, as likewise a Preface to the Acts of Drumcheat Synod, and a Life of St. Columba, chap, ccxviii. , as stated by Colgan. He gives the Life of St. Dalian, Martyr, with notes, compiled from various sources, at this day. See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xxix. Januarii. De S. Dallano Martyre, pp. 203 to 205.
4 This monarch began to reign A. D. 323, and A. D. 326, in the fourth year of his reign, Muireadhach Tireach expelled him, with his brothers and three hundred others, to Alba or Scotland. See Dr. O'Donovan's "An- nals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 122,
123.
5 The "Menologic Genealogy" says, that
Ere here mentioned was grandson to King Colla, by his son Feradach; while the genealogies of St, Maidoc and of other
®
Near the River Roe, county of London-
Vol, I.
2 K
Forgaill. However, the grandfather of St.
Maidoc was not grandson to King Colla,
but removed from him by many generations,
This would be seen, by referring to the
" " Such an Menologic Genealogy.
opinion is in accordance with Colgan's views ; for he
derry.
^ The Acts of St. Maidoc will be found at
the 31st of January.
'°This is set forth in Colgan's "Acta
Sanctorum Hibernise," xxx. Januarii. Vita S. Maidoci, Appendix, cap. iv. , p. 223.
''This monarch began his reign about A. D. 568, and was killed A. D. 594, in the battle of|Dun-bolg in Leinster, after having oc-
grandfather
498 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 29.
son to Ainmirech, a monarch of Ireland. This was towards the latter end ofthesixthcentury. " ThesaintwasbomataplacecalledMasrige'3and Cathrige Sleacht/4 by the ancients/s and by more modern ^vriters, leallach
Eathach, within the province of Connaught. '^ Most probably early in or towards the middle of that age he first saw the light. When very young, he was placed under charge of suitable instructors. These took care to indocti- nate him in sacred and profane learning. He made such rapid progress in a short time, that very few of his contemporaries excelled him in the arcana of sacred science, while none were his superiors in secular learning. ^7 He acquired a profound knowledge of his native country's antiquities. '^ He wrote various works, in the Irish language. From the peculiar structure of their ancient idiom, these are not easily understood by modem readers. '9 On this account, various commentaries were added, in after ages, by scholars well versed in the lore of our native tongue, and skilled in the elucidation of Ireland'sancientmonuments. Itisprobable,Eachodiusaddictedhimselfso much to study, that in course of time, he became deprived of sight. Hence
"
this holy man acquired the name Dalian, which signifies this designation he was afterwards best known. ^°
blind," and by
Besides his knowledge of history and antiquities, he was a most excellent poet. He wrote St. Columba's praise, in a sort of rythmical panegyric, called "Ambhra Choluim Kille. "^' Copies of his poems are yet preserved in manuscript. ^^ The occasion for writing this much- esteemed poem was thus afforded. Aldus, King of Ireland, having convoked certain chiefs of Ulster and Leinster to a great council, held at Drumcheat,^^ in Kinnacht territory,^* St. Columkille returned from Scotland to assist at
this synod. His presence and influence brought the deliberations and reso- lutions to a peaceful and successful issue. One of the great objects had in view, at this assembly, was to control the tendency of Irish poets to satirize
cupied the throne of Ireland twenty-seven years. The contemporaneous incidents of his ireign are narrated in Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 206 to 221.
^^This is expressly stated, in a Preface to
remote date of composition, and a great pro- bability of their being authentic productions of this learned man.
^"'See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
the Acts of Drumcheat
and in the
i. , ii. , iii. , p. 203.
^' a
Synod,
Life of St. Columbse, cap. 218. Colgan
remarks, that these were authorities he prin-
cipally used, in compiling St. Dalian's Life, as he had not in his possession proper Acts of this saint. See AA. , SS. , nn. i, 2, p. 204.
'3 It seems difficult, at present, to identify
this place.
'^In Dr. O'Donovan's "Leabhar na g-
" Ceart,orBookofRights, thereisadistrict.
called Crotraidhe, but its situation was un-
work,
Among the collection of Messrs. Hodges
known to the editor.
See pp. 1 70 to 1 72,
and Smith, preserved in the Royal Irish Academy, there is a poem on St. Colum- kille, attributed to Dalian Forgill. It is a 4to vellum, marked No. 226.
=3 Dramcheat is a situated in the place
diocese of Derry, and this synod has in- vested it with historic importance.
^^ Not only before, but even in the time of Colgan, Drumcheat was famous for frequent pilgrimages made thereto, and for a great festival, held on the day of All Saints, in memory of the aforesaid synod. To this festival, which was celebrated each year, in Colgan's time, great numbers were accus- tomed to resort, from all the adjoining pa- rishes. See " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xxix. Januarii, n, 13, p. 204.
and n
'S So it is stated, in a Preface to the Acts
of Drumcheat Synod.
^*
According to Colgan, it was on the Ulster boundary.
'7 He was called the Arch-master or su- preme Professor of the Antiquities of Ireland. See Harris' Ware, vol. iii. " The Writers of Ireland," book i. , chap, iii. , p. 20.
^®
It is to be regretted so much of our na- tive history and literature should be suffered to remain so long buried in manuscripts.
*9 This furnishes intrinsic evidence of their
(r).
nise," xxix. Januarii.
Vita S. Dallani, cap.
of this
which was finely written, but he declared, that its meaning could scarcely be penetrated, even by those best acquainted with the Irish language, only for numerous commentaries affixed to it. See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," xxix. Januarii, n. 12, p. 204.
^^
Colgan possessed
copy
January 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 499
those who were not sufficiently compliant with their demands for payment ; and for the correction of such an abuse legislation of too sweeping a character hadbeenagitated. Atthistimethenumberofbardshadincreasedtosucha degree, it is stated, that thirty used to be in the company of each Ollom, and fifteeninthecompanyofeachAnrad. ^s Thus,too,MacFirbisstates,that in the time of Conor Mac Nessa, there were no less than 1,200 poets in one company ; at another time 1,000 ; while at the period of Aedh Mac Ain- mireandColumCilletherewere700. Thisimposedaheavytaxonthe people for their support and endowment. It sometimes occasioned great discontent, and it was thought so oppressive, that the people desired to restrictthenumberfollowingthebardicprofession; whileanattempt,onthree different occasions, was made to banish the bards out of Erinn, but the Ul- tonians gave them shelter and hospitality. St. Columba became their pro- tector, yet he also aided in procuring a regulation enactment, that a single poet should be assigned to each king and territory. Provision was made,
^^
Dalian waited upon Columkille, and asked permission to read for him that
poem, composed in his praise. ^7 This permission having been obtained, the
poet proceeded with a recitation of his verses. St. Columkille began to
experience complacency, when St. Baithen,^^ a disciple, who was present, warned his master regarding dangerous illusions. Taking the alarm, Columba forbid Dalian to proceed in his reading, or even to publish what he had al- ready recited ; remarking at the same time, that no person should be praised during life, and that only the man who had persevered in virtue to the end of his course deserved applause. ^9 Dalian vainly sought permission for the publicationofhispoem,atthattime; butwithgreatdifficultyheobtained leave to issue it in case he should survive St. Columkille, and that the latter should have happily terminated his mortal career. After returning to Scot- land, this great saint died after the year 590,3° when, it is said, Dalian had a visit from an angel, in which he was immediately informed regarding this circumstance. The publication of the " Ambhra Cholium Kille" was con- sequently permitted, as the previous interdict had been withdrawn. 3^ A preliminary discourse3^ professes to inform us, that this Amhra was composed at Dromceat in the North, and in Cianachta of Glenn Geimhin, where the great assembly was held. Its time, moreover, was the time of Aodh, son of Ainmhereach, monarch of Ireland, who had convened this assembly. 33
ht)wever, to preserve history and literature in every successive generation.
^5 See the "Forespeech," corresponding with our notions of a preface, in O'Beirne Crowe's edition of "The Amra Choluim
30 gt. Columkille, we are told, died on Whit Sunday, the 9th of June, A. D. 592, ac- cording to the Four Masters, or A. D. 597, according to Tigemach.
31 Imperfect copies of the Amhra, written on vellum, are, or were, in various hands, One copy is in Marsh's Library, another is in the library of Trinity College, one was in the collection of William Monck Mason, Esq. , and another, written in 1313, was in the collection of Edward O'Reilly, who had also a perfect copy, written on paper. This
"
Irish and Literal Translation, p'. 9.
Chilli of Dalian Forgaill.
The original
^*
See Professor Eugene O'Curry's "Lee-
tures on the Manuscript Materials of Ancient
Irish History," Lect. x. , p. 218.
"' In the " Vita S. lib. Quinta Columbas,"
iii. , cap. viii. , as written by Prince O'Don-
nell, the reader will find an account of this
matter, which took place at the assembly of
Drumcheat. See Colgan's "Trias Thau- was once the property of Cucoigcriche
maturga," p. 432. ""^Thiswasprobablyhisconstantattendant,
St. Baithen, who immediately succeeded his master in the abbacy of lona, and whose feast will also be found at the 9th of June.
*9 See the Life of St. Columba, at the 9th of June.
O'Clery, one of the persons employed com- pilingthe "AnnalsoftheFourMasters. "
3= Called in Irish TleiriifceL.
We are informed
"
— There were also
33
thirteen kings in Ireland at this time, and Aodh was the name of each of them, as
said the poet :
'
Aodh son of Ainmhereach,
:
Soo LIVES dF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 29.
These circumstances are briefly stated in this introduction. 34 At the same
time, Dalian recovered the use of sight, and obtained, it is said, as a special
favour from heaven, that whoever could recite his poem with a good memory
and suitable should afterwards die the death of the 35 It has devotion, just.
been stated,36 ^j^g^i- among the relics left by St. Colum Cille was the Amhra, to protect the men of Erinn from all dangers. Although aware it was to have been written and published only after his death, it is not to be credited that he should think of bequeathing it under such circumstances. 37
After the general publication of this panegyric, certain superstitious pesons began to suppose it mattered not what sort of a life had been led, provided they were enabled, by means of a good memory, to commit these verses, and to recite them. Amongst others, mention is made of a certain persons^ who led an abandoned life. This he took no care to reform. Nevertheless, he supposed, that by committing to memory the poem of Dalian, he should escape, at his last hour, the consequences of evil actions perpetrated in this life.
Hence, he applied with all diHgence to commit those stanzas to mfe- mory ; notwithstanding, he was unable to recollect more than one half the entire poem. Still, no thought occurred to him of doing penance for his transgressions. Under the influence of a desire to learn all, he approached St. Columkille's sepulchre. He remained there fasting during one whole night, which he spent in vigil. On the following morning, this person was enabled to recite the part of which he was heretofore ignorant ; but, withal, that part, which he thought he had already learned, passed away altogether from his memory. 39 This Dalian is said to have composed another little poem, eulogizing St. Senan, of Iniscathy. It was called the " Amhra Sea- nan •"^° yet it may have been the production of another Dalian, called the disciple of St. Seanan. *^ From its antique structure of style and language, it can now be only understood with great difiiculty. ^^ This, and the " Amhra Coluim Cille," are in the Bearla Feni, or Fenian dialect of the Irish language. Colgan, who was an excellent Irish scholar in his day,*had a copy of the Amhra Coluim Cille and of the Amhra Senan. He says, they could scarcely be comprehended without the antiquary's glosses. 43 It was believed by pious persons, that whoever could recite from memory the verses of the poem, Amhra Seanan, should be preserved from blindness, and enjoy other peculiar favours. 44 Dalian wrote another work, laudatory of St. Conall Coel,'*5
of battles,' &c. " The Amhra begins, '"Oia,
cap. 218. See Colgan's "Acta Sanctoram
Hibernire," xxix. Januarii, n. 14, p. 204.
39 Hence we may learn, that those who will not repent of their evil deeds during life, deserve little to participate in the fruit of
•01A T)o
x^e j:\&y iriA jniiif. " See O'Reilly's Chronological Account of nearly Fom- Hundred Irish Writers," &c. , vol. i. ,
part1. , p. xxxix. —
yM-"£AX
34 It begins: "toco -oon elAi'oenfi privileges and prerogatives granted by Christ
•OjMiimmcheACA hi cmaic 1 ciAriAccA glini
through his saints. See 2/^/^. , cap. vi. , p. 204.
5eAitnin, ai|\ if An •00 y,ow&x> in
oiMimo cecco. 1n Ainife]A, nnoiAiw . 1.
4o ggg the" "
edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 30, 31.
Aimi'ei\ -Ao-oo rtiAc -ATnme|AAc
iiToe^iiA'D in ni6]TOAil. llo bACU^A c|\a c^m IMgA -oecin heitMii in CAn pn, ociij^ Aox>
4i him Dr. Regarding
•01b. Uc dixc in mAC Aimtiipg nA neAll," ecc.
"
^6)^
CAc
^1
pliT) ;
Aotj
3= Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernite," xxix. Januarii. VitaS. Dallani,cap. iv. ,v. , pp. 203, 204.
36 In a spurious poem, attributed to St. Colum Cille.
37 See Professor
Eugene O'Curry's
"
Lee-
tures on the Manuscript Materials of Ancient
Irish History," Lect. xix. , pp. 405, 406.
38
This is stated in the Life of St. Columba,
motTOAil
of Martyrology Donegal,"
-pi hei\eii
Lanigan
could find See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sec.
iv. , n. 35, p. 94.
42 jhis ^. ^s an elegy on the death of St.
Seanan, beginning, SenAn -poe^A pt) acoi|\, or " Noble Seanan, peaceful father. " A copy of this poem was in the collection of Edward
O'Reilly.
• 43 Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum HiberniK,"
xxix. Januarii, nn. 12, 15, pp. 204, 205.
44 See ibid. , cap. vii. , p. 204.
« See the life of this saint, at the 1 2th of
May.
nothing satisfactory.
January 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 501
Abbot of Inis-coel, in Tyrconell. ^^ This is the modem Iniskeel, in the county of Donegal. 47 Here Dalian most earnestly desired his life and labours should close, and that he might receive rites of sepulture'*^ in that remote and isolated spot. There is a poem attributed to this saint, among the manuscripts of Trinity College. 49 It is possible, many works of St. Dalianareextant,althoughtheyhavenotcomewithinourknowledge. 5° As the proper name of this holy man was Eochodius, there are reasons ad- vanced^' for supposing he must have been identical with St. Eochaidh,s3 or St. Eochodius,53 a disciple and travelling companion of St. Columkille on his journey into Britain. S4 This Eochodius is falsely called Eoglodius, in the English Martyrology's by Boetius,^^ and by other writers. Colgan thinks St. Dallan57 was not a distinct personage from this lat—ter holy man.
—aint to die in a favourite The desire of our s
situated as any other in Ireland was accorded. After a spiritual conference, while Dalian was at Iniscoel as a guest, he retired to a chamber. In the mean- time, some pirates or robbers broke in and rifled the monastery. —Not satis-
4^ It is said, by Colgan, to have been in
the particular district known as Bugellaigh. 47 The island of Inishkeel, in the parish
so denominated, is exhibited in the barony of Boylagh, on the " Ordnance Survey Town-
land {Maps for the County of Donegal," Sheet 64. The ruined churches, graveyard, and holy well may there be seen on an island, which at low water is accessible from the mainland. A little to the south, and on the mainland coast, the site of an old church, in
an old graveyard, denominated Churchtown, is shown.
4^ For further particulars of Dalian For- *'
gain, see Keating's General History of
Ireland," book ii. There he is called Eochaidh Eigeas, and he is said to have been president over all the poets of Ireland. He had power to examine the qualifications of
over the kingdom.
49 Upon the arms of Duach Dubh, King
of Oirgailla. From this it appears, that the shaft of Duach's spear was made of the eo lloffA, or "yew of Ross. "
s° See "
O'Reilly's Chronological
by Drs, Todd and Reeves, declares this to have been his true name. See pp. 30, 31.
^3 gge his life, already given at the 25th of January.
^^ Colgan, in his "Trias Thaumaturga," ranks him among the disciples of St. Co-
''
other and to poets,
^^ This is called "''
them to
and endowments with the lords of cantreds
a sacred to Conall place
of such a
sacrificed Dalian to their fury.
these wretches
Perhaps he had offered
fied with the — perpetration
Pagan sea-rovers
some resistance to their outrages. They cut off the head of our saint, who was then advanced in years. His head was thrown by them into the neigh- bouring ocean ; but it was recovered afterwards, and united to his body. Both were buried, with due honour, in the church of Inis-coel. s^ There his memory was afterwards greatly revered,59 and he is honoured as a martyr. Although it is generally supposed the Pagan sea-rovers did not land in Ire- land, until about the year a. d. 795 f° there is reason to believe, that long before this period freebooters had been occasionally engaged on piratical expeditions, causing loss of property and of Ufe to the people dwelling around our coasts.
appoint
posts
Account of nearly Four Hundred Irish Writers," &c. ,
^Atthis the "Annales year,
vol. i. , part i. , pp. xxxix. , xl.
5' By Colgan.
M. A. , has this notice
"
— Primus adventus
:
s* The " of Martyrology Donegal,"
edited
•
gentilium apud dextrales ad Hibemiam. "
See 11. p.
sacrilege,
probably
spot romantically
lumkille. See
S. Columbce," cap. x. , p. 489.
Quarta Appendix ad Acta
^^ At the 25th of January,
^^ See " Historia Scotorum," lib. ix.
^^ There was another Dalian, also a poet
and historiographer to a King of Leinster. He wrote a poem on the battle of Belach
Mugna, or Ballymoon, in which he gives very full particulars. This was to be seen
in the Book of Cluain Aidhnach(Cl'onenagh) Fiontan in Leix. See Bishop Nicolson's
"Irish Historical Library. " Appendix Numb. i. , p. 68.
''
of Inis Caoil, in the Martyrology of Do-
negal," edited by Drs. Todd and. Reeves,
pp. 30, 31.
59Colgan's "ActaSanctorumHibemise,"
xxix. Januarii. Vita S. Dallani, cap. vii. , viii. , ix. , p. 204.
Cambriae," edited by Rev. John Williams ab Ithel,
502 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January 29.
When Dalian Forgaill died, about a. d. 598, Senchan Torpeist, then a File^^ of distinction, was called upon to pronounce a funeral elegy or oration on the deceased chief File. The young File acquitted himself of this task with so much satisfaction to his assembled brethren, that immediately they elected him Ard OUamh in Filedecht, that is, the chief File of Erinn. ^' Among the difficult ancient books of Ireland to be interpreted by good Irish scholars, the Amhra or Elegy on the Death of St. Columcille is always no- ticed. ^3
Thememoryofthissaintwasvenerated,atthechurchofMagin. ^* It wasinthedioceseofMeath. ^5 HewasveneratedatthechurchofCluain
Dallain, now Kildallon,^^ East Breiffney, formerly in the province of Con- naught, and within Kilmore diocese. *^? At Disert Dallain^^ and at Tullagh^9
or Tulach Dallain,7° in the diocese of Raphoe,? ^ this saint was greatly vene- rated. There is a townland denomination of Clondallan, in this part of Ireland,72asalsoaCloondalininWestmeath. 73 Aparochialchurch,called Cluain Dalian, is said \o be in a part of eastern Ulster, named Ivechia. It has been stated, that Dr. Keating intimates, in his History of the Kings of Ireland, when treating about King Aidus, already mentioned, that this church received its name from our saint. 74 He was venerated in many other places, especially throughout the province of Ulster. His festival is found atthisdateintheIrishCalendars. TheparishofClondalan,inthediocese
^' This word, generally translated by the
English word " Poet," was a general epithet applied to a scholar in or a professor of literature and philosophy. See Professor Eugene O'Curry's "Lectures on the Manu- script Materials of Ancient Irish History,"
Banagh, marked on the "Ordnance Survey
Townland Maps for the County of Donegal," Sheet 84. It appears to consist of wild mountain land, having a summit altitude of 1 706 feet ; but no site of a church can there be traced.
Lect. i. ,
*- See ibid. , Lect. ii. , p. 29.
^3 See ibid. , Lect. viii.
