Having
retained
him under his own rule, the mind of this young religious was imbued, with a knowledge of letters, and he was trained to monastic discipline.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
.
Senani, cap.
vi.
These particulars are more diffusely related, in Vita Metrica S.
Senani, cap.
iii.
, p.
513, As, however, there is an omission of
closely Clonderalaw.
^* " See Dr. Lanigan's
Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, ix. , sect, iv. , and nn. 56, 61, pp. 445, 448, 449. Mr.
of St. Senanus, the territory of Corca-Bhais-
cinn originally comprised the barony of Ibrickan, as we—ll as those of Moyarta and Clonderalaw. " "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , n. (g), p. 48.
*3 The—Metrical Life thus expresses it,
iii. :
O'Donovan " It from the Life says, appears
from
vi. , it is more than probable, these accounts
cap.
exp^iari. "
This verse affords an ancient doctrinal ex-
position of baptismal effects, as understood by our Irish ancestors, and according exactly with correct theological teaching.
''
chap.
remarkable fact, that on the ex-
°f ^oop Head, a high rocky islet distance out in the Atlantic
"
Baptism! tinctus flamine (flumine) ,
^*
crimine Et (si esset) actuali
Original!
*y^"\^ ^"^,
Potuisset
! ^^"^^ ^^^'"le
<^'^^^"' completely disrupted and mac-
J"*
cessible from the main shore. In 1866, the
writer, in company with the Rev. Sylvester Malone, author of the learned and valuable "Church History of Ireland" visited this romantic spot. From the mainland, we
notation,
cap.
iii. to
cap.
belong to one, or both, of the intermediate numbers.
^^
vii. The circumstances of this miracle are
See the Prose Life of St. Senan, chap.
differently related, in St. Senan's Metrical
Life. See iii.
'^f-
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 219
habitants, and their vakiables, as Core, Dathan and Abiron were buried alive, in the desert, during the time of Moyses and Aaron,^7 or as, at Jerico, in the time of Joshua, when the walls fell down by God's power,^^ and without the violence of man being required, for their destruction. ^9 In the meantime,
accompanied by his mother and family, Senan went to the sea-shore, expect- ing to find a vessel, which might convey them to the opposite coast. Not finding one, the youth offered up his prayers to God, that some means of passageshouldbeaffordedthem. TheAlmightyheardtheprayersofhis servant, and together with the members of his family, who were present, Senan found himself safely conveyed to the opposite shore. 7°
Abbey of Corcomroe, County of Clare.
His religious vocation seems to have been early determined, as this
following anecdote, recorded in his Life, will sufficiently show. Not only was he careful to avoid all occasions of sin, in the whole course of his actions ; but, he felt a marked reluctance to be made the instrument of in- justice, even when he was not morally accountable. Being a young man, he was bound by an oath of fealty, to serve the Dynast of that territory, in which he lived. The following occasion called him forth, unwillingly to bear arms, inamilitaryforay. HischiefofCorcobaschind,havingcollectedanarmyof retainers,marchedagainstthepeopleofCorcomroe. 7' Inthisancientterri- tory are still to be found many interesting vestiges of antiquity ; and, espe-
^^ See Josue vi.
were enabled to trace with the eye very dis-
tinctly, what appeared to both to have been
remains of ancient buildings and artificial
earthworks, covering the surface of this in-
accessible island, the sides of which are com-
posed of almost perpendicular cliffs, and
having not even a landing-place. The local
inhabitants have a tradition, that here was
once an ancient city, and that the waves tore
away the intermediate rocks, which once
joined it to the shore, near Loop Head Survey Office. He says, that Corcomroe
lighthouse. East, or Burren, in Irish, boi^eAtin, has the ^' See Numbers xvi. name and extent of the ancient territory pre-
*9 See the Metrical Life of St. Senan, chap. iii.
7° See the Metrical Life of St. Senan,
cap. vi.
? ' John O'Donovan gives an interesting
description of the territory of Corcomroe, East and West, in elucidation of his Ancient
Map of the County of Clare, preserved among the records of the Irish Ordnance
220 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
cially a fine old Abbey,7*^ which was founded by Donnell O'Brien, King of Thomond, in 1194. 73 It is in the early pointed style. 74 St. Senan was
obliged to bear part in an expedition, which was unjustly undertaken, and which proved an unsuccessful one, for the invading force. A battle having been fought, between those hostile clans, the Corcobaschind bands were put to flight, and pursued by their enemies, with great slaughter. Senan got separated from the rest of his companions, during their confused retreat. He fled for safety, to a place, where he hoped to find refuge, from the infuriated pursuers. Havingconcealedhimselfnearastackofwheat,hewasdiscovered in this place, by some of the enemy, returning from the pursuit. Suddenly, the spot, where our saint lay, seemed to be surrounded with bright flames \ but, wonderful to relate ! although they played around a very combustible material,thewheatenstrawwasnotconsumed. WhenthemenofCorcom- roe75 approached nearer, they discovered Senan seated in the midst of the flames. On his coming out, they asked who he was, and why he had been foundinthisposition. Theholyyouth,whowouldnottellafalsehood,even to save his life, declared, that he belonged to the routed host, and that, through fear of the victors, he had there sought a place of refuge and conceal- ment. The men of Corcomroe, seeing the young man's face bright as that of an Angel, recognised the power of God, by this miraculous preservation, in the midst of flames. They at once spared Senan's life, and gave him liberty to depart, whithersoever he pleased. ? ^ On leaving them, the servant of God felt greatly the pressure of hunger and thirst. Being totally destitute, he made application for relief, at the house of a chieftain, who was then absent. Notwithstanding his humble request, and his forlorn condition, the servants of this chieftain refused hospitality. They even drove him away, thus adding injury to insult. The saint, however, bore these reproaches meekly ; but, towards evening, the owner of this castle returned. Supper had been prepared, in the meantime, and tables were loaded with all the requisitesforaluxuriousbanquet. But,theheartlessservantsfoundnota sufficiency of food, for their own wants ; for, what had been set before them, inagreatmeasure,disappeared. However,allofthose,whohadeaten,began to exhibit symptoms of insanity. Whereupon, by some heaven-inspired instinct, the chieftain made inquiry, if during his absence, his servants had
served in those of the modern barony. It is so called, owing to its rocky surface. The present barony of Corcomroe formed the western division. Both baronies, as consti- tuting the ancient territory, were co-extensive with the Diocese of Kilfenora. The terri- tory was named from the descendants of Modh Ruadh, the third son of Fearghus, dethroned King of Ulster, by Meadhljh or Maud, Queen of Connaught, in the first century. See Dr. O'Donovan's " Leabhar na g-Ceart," or, Book of Rights, n. (z), pp. 65, 66.
gress of the Ordnance Survey in 1829," vol. i. , pp. 15 to 35. Letter, dated Inistymon, Oct. 21st, 1839. "
73 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. v. , n. (a), pp. 1330, 1331-
t- The accompanying illustration, drawn on the spot by William F. Wakeman, and by him transferred to the wood, has been engraved by Mrs. Millard,
? = After the establishment of surnames, the two chiefs and rival families of Modh Ruadh's race took surnames. In course of
7=
andbaronyofBurren. See,fortheparish
"
It is situated in the parish of Abbey, time, the territory was divided between
Ordnance Sui-vey Townland
them. The senior took the name of O'Con- chobhair or O'Conor, and he was chieftain over the western or southern division, Cor- comroe proper ; while, the eastern or
bounds, the
Maps for the County of Clare," Sheets 3, 5,
6. The Abbey church was built, in a beau-
tiful style, and it is still in a good state of northern portion, . Burren, was ruled by
preservation. Mr. O'Donovan has given a very complete account of the parish of
"
Letters containing Infor- mation relative to the Antiquities of the County of Clare, collected during the pro-
O'Lochlainn or O'Loughlin.
? * See the Metrical Life of St. Senan,
chap. vii. The circumstances of this narra- tive are almost identical, in the Second or Prose Life of St. Senan, chap. viii. See,
Abbey, in the
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 221
injuredanywanderer,orhaddeniedhospitalitytoanypoorperson. Atonce, they recollected their uncharitable behaviour, towards that destitute young man, whom they had driven away with blows. They related these circum- stances to their master. The compassionate chieftain then desired them to go forth, to seek this young man, and to bring him back when found, whether he felt willing or not to come, that thus he might partake of food with them, and pardon the rude treatment, he had already received, at their hands. Theseorderswereobeyed. Theyoungmanwasfound,andbroughtbackto the chieftain, who treated him with marked respect. Senan readily forgave the insolent servants ; and, having poured forth his prayers, an abundance of food appeared on the table. Of this, all partook ; and, thus finding the miraculous powers, possessed by this young man, the chieftain offered him perpetual possession of a farm, attached to his mansion. 77 At the time, when the author of St. Senan's Metrical Life lived, this very farm was regarded as a possession, belonging to Iniscatthy See. 7^
At one time, while Senan was conducting a herd of cattle, belonging to his parents, from a place, called Irros, lying towards the west, to Magh- lacha,79 bearing eastward from it ; the ocean tide flowed into an estuary,
which separated both places. Evening coming on, at the same time, he
found himself unable to pass over that night. Hence, he was compelled to
return to a neighbouring castle, at a place called Dun-mechair,^° to require shelter until the following day. The owner of this castle, who was called Macharius, being absent at the time, his servants refused the belated wanderer'sapplication. Thelatter,havingnootherplaceofrefugenearhim, went back to the sea-shore, to wait the ebbing tide. To his surprise, the shore was perfectly dry, and with his oxen preceding him, Senan passed over to the opposite bank. When he reached it, on looking back, he found the waves rising to their former level, until they had come up to high water mark. Then our holy youth, admiring God's wonderful goodness towards him, resolved, as he had formerly borne arms under a temporal chief, that for the future, he would become a soldier of Christ. Presently, having struck a spear, which he then carried, in the ground, he fashioned it, so as to repre- sent a cross. He made three several genuflexions before it, and a vow, offer- ing himself and all he possessed to God, whom he resolved on serving for the future. After this had occurred, the enemies of Macharius beset his castle
also, "The Legend of Iniscathy," in Duffy's " Hibernian Magazine," vol. i. , No. I, p.
of Iniscatthy, died, A. D. Il88. Besides
this, it must be known, that the offices of
bishop and abbot, are very frequently found
37.
Ti See
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber- niae," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani,
united in the same ruler, over a
Colgan's
particular church and monastery. These offices, again, cap. viii. , p. 515. The circumstances of are oftentimes found, to have been held at
this miracle are differently, and more sue-
cinctly, related, in St. Senan's Second Life,
the same time, but by distinct persons. See, ibid. , n. 6, pp. 524, 525.
'9 This Magh-lacha was perhaps identical
chap, ix. , p. 527.
? ^ From what is mentioned, of this farm with the IllAgLAchA, marked on Mr.
having been a possession belonging to Inis- catthy See, Colgan infers, that the writer of St. Senan's Metrical Life must have lived, before that see had lost its episcopal title.
O'Donovan's Ancient Map of Clare County, now preserved, with the Records of the Irish Ordnance Survey Office in the Royal Irish Academy. This district is located, in the western part of the present Kilrush parish, in Moyarta barony, and county of Clare. But, no place, lying west of it, is marked Irros.
and dignity. This, however, will not prove
the writer to have lived, at a very remote
period. Although, in the "Annals of the
Four Masters," we find, that Aedhan, who
died A. D. 861, is called simply Abbot, and
not Bishop, of Iniscatthy, and although the
decease of many successors is likewise our saint "saw in the distance, an enemy noticed ; yet, we find from this same approaching the inhospitable dwelling of authority, that yEdus O'Beachain, Bishop Dun-maghair, where he had asked in vain
^° The name of this place now appears to be obsolete.
^' In "The Legend of Iniscathy," it is said,
222 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
and took possession of it®* Having killed his son, and taken his wife away, as a captive, they plundered it, and seized all the valuables it contained. ®'
Distinguished by the performance of such miracles, while retaining the habit of a secular, and finding himself thus wondrously moved by God's
grace, Senan resolved on entering a religious enclosure, where he might avoid all intercourse with the world. Having taken leave of his parents and friends, he placed himself under the direction of a holy man, named Cassidus orCassidanus. ®3 Senandesiredtoassumethereligioushabit,thatthushe mightresignhimselfwhollytoGod'swork. Finding,inthisyoungpostulant, all the marks of a divine vocation, the saintly abbot®+ at once invested Senan, with the distinctive badges of a religious life.
Having retained him under his own rule, the mind of this young religious was imbued, with a knowledge of letters, and he was trained to monastic discipline. So great were the natural talents of Senan, that, in a short time, he made vast proficiency in liberal sciences, and in ecclesiastical learning, necessary either for an accom- plished laic, or for a doctor of the Church. Like an industrious bee, our saint stored within his mind those sweet treasures, which were afterwards to be expended, in furnishing mental entertainment and instruction, for the benefit of others. But, Senan was careful to practise humility and charity, in such a high degree, that his learning might not degenerate into that vain and ostentatious pedantry, which too often accompanies its profession. What- ever he heard or read was converted into a treasure, from which he drew forth virtues, that sanctified his state. When using his natural and acquired gifts, by conveying words of heavenly wisdom to others, he laboured at all times to put in practice those devout exercises, which were calculated to ensure his own sanctification. ^s
CHAPTER II.
—HE REMOVES TO INISCONIRTHE, OR INISCOIRTHE, NOW ENNISCORTHV, ON THE RIVER SLANEY—IT IS SAID, HE AFTERWARDS WENT TO ROME, GAUL, AND BRITAIN —SENAN RETURNS TO IRELAND, AND LANDS AT ARDMENEDH ISLAND—HE GOES TO THE ISLAND OF INISCARA—HE REMOVES FROM IT TO INIS-LUINGE, AND THERE HE BUILDS A CHURCH—HE FOUNDS ANOTHER AT INIS-TUAISCHERT—HE VISITS INISMORE, AND THERE FOUNDS A MONASTERY—HE BUILDS AN ORATORY ON INIS- CAORACH—AGAIN, ON INIS-CUNLA HE CONSTRUCTS A CELL FOR HIS DISCIPLES, FINAN. AND FINNIAN.
The Abbot Cassidus had a vision, in which he received a Divine mandate, to send his novice Senan to a holy man named Natalus, or Nattal,' who was
ST. SENAN STUDIES AT KIL-NA-MANAGH, IN OSSORV—MIRACULOUS GIFTS WHILE THERE
for lodging, and despoil it before his eyes. "
Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani,
cap. X. , p. 527. After this account, the
writer adds, that the place remained without
an inhabitant, in his day, and, it was thought, must so remain for ever.
present barony of Kerricurlchy, between the
—Duffy's "Hibernian Magazine," vol. i,,
mouth of Cork harbour and Kinsale. "
See, No.
No. I, p. 37.
*' "
Duffy's Hibernian Magazine," vol. i, p. 37.
i. ,
See Colgan's
*t Amongst Irish saints, Colgan was un- able to discover, in our domestic Martyr- ologies, the festival of any saint, named Cassidus or Cassidanus, but many who were called Cassan. Marianus O'Gorman and the Martyrology of Tallagh mention saints, bearing this latter name, at the 28th of March, at the 4th and 20th of June, and at
" Acta Sancto- have been a native of Kerry-cuirke, the rum Hibernise," viii. Martii, n. 7, p. 525.
^3 He is called indifferently, Cassidus and
Cassidius, in the Metrical Life, and in the
Prose Life, he is named Cassidanus. In
this latter Life, he is said to have been the 3rd of December. At the 4th of June, "Abbatem qui oriundus erat de regione Colgan promised to say more, regarding Kierraighe Chuirke et tunc habitabat in this Saint Cassidus, or Cassidanus, now regione Irras. " This saint is thought to under consideration.
See,
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 223
then Abbot of Kilmanagh,^ or Kil-na-managh, in Ossory ; that, under his rule, our saint might be more fully prepared and instructed, in monastic dis-
cipline. Senan felt grieved at being obliged to leave his first master, and that place he had chosen as a retreat. Recollecting, however, that obedience is better than sacrifice, and that he must in all things obey the Divine will, he set out for his new habitation, where he was honourably received by Nattal, among his religious band. Under this new director, Senan was dis- tinguished for his obedience, his devout exercises, and his many exalted virtues. According to the instructions of Natalis, while Senan was one day tending a herd, belonging to his master, he endeavoured to prevent the calves from approaching their dams, that thus milk might be preserved, for use of the monastic brethren. But, after many vain efforts, to effect a separation between those cows and calves, which were impatient of restraint, the saint placed his staff in an upright position between them. Afterwards, he returned to finish his prayers, which had been interrupted. The animals found themselves unable to meet, or to pass a boundary thus marked out ;
so that, on future occasions, when our saint wished to devote himself to
prayer or reading, he adopted the same expedient, and, with like success. 3
Having
often reflected on those words of the
Saviour,
" He that is
greatest
among you
shall be
your
servant
'•
Senan desired
always
to
obtain,
and to
during night.
replied,
See, also, Bishop Challoner's "Britannia Sancta," part i. , March viii. , pp. 163, 164. ^'^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nioe," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani,
Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kilkenny," Sheets 18, 22. The town and townland proper are on Sheet 18.
;"
be employed in, the most humble offices. Hence, he assumed the care of
grinding corn, at a mill, belonging to the monastery. Some robbers, in this
neighbourhood, noticing that Senan was often alone, and engaged during
night, tending the mill, formed a design of entering it, to take away corn, be-
longing to the monks. Before putting their intentions into execution, they
approached the door, and looking through an opening, they discovered two young men—one was engaged at reading, while the other tended the mill. The robbers doubted if they should enter, as there were two persons within ; but, one of the band gave it as his opinion, that they must wait for some
time, as those two young men could not be members of the same family, or
employed at the same duties. One was supposed to be the miller, and the
other, a person who had brought corn to be ground, which, when ready, he
would take away. It was proposed, by the robbers, to await the presumed egress of this latter person, whom they intended to deprive of the com, and
whatever else he might possess. Having accomplished these objects, they
were afterwards to attack that man, who remained alone in the mill, and thus
take all they might be able there to procure. This counsel was generally
approved, by the others ; but, whilst expecting the egress of one or other of
those young men, they waited in vain, and for a long time. They observed,
likewise, that neither of them slept until morning, when Senan came forth,
with an intention of returning to the monastery. On opening the mill-door, those robbers rushed forward and entered it. They asked, at the same time,
where and who was that other young man, who assisted in working the mill,
" What if it were of whom it is he he, said,
Senan
sleeps not, nor shall he sleep, who watches over Israel ? " 5 They insisted on finding out, where his companion should be found, when the saint replied :
3 gee Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- cap. viii. , ix. , pp, 515, 516, and Vita niae," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani,
Secunda S. Senani, cap. xi. , p. 527.
cap. x. , p. 516, and Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xii. , pp. 527, 528.
• Matt, xxiii. , II.
s See Psalms cxx. , 4.
^ See "The Legend of Iniscathy," in
Chapter ii. —' See his of July.
Life,
at the
31st
This parish is in tlie barony of Cran- nagh, and it is described on tlie " Ordnance
224 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
" He is near to all who invoke him. " At these words, the robbers were
touched with sorrow, and bursting into tears, they promised to repent and to amend their lives. At the same time, they asked to be received among the brethren. Full of joy, our saint promised that their request should be attended to, and he led them to St. Natalis. ^ Having received the monastic habit, they continued with him, in a holy course of living, to the end of their mortal pilgrimage. 7 At another time, St. Senan asked the monastic cook for some candles, which should be necessary for him, while prosecuting his labours at the mill. ^ The cook answered, in a short time, he expected to havesomeready,buthehadnone,atthatpresentmoment. Senanwentto the mill, at the same instant, and he did not return for a week, to repeat his demand, on the cook. Wondering how Senan had obtained light, to prose- cute his labours, during this lengthened period, the cook resolved to see, if he had been engaged at work, during all this time, or how he had procured light. At nightfall, going to the mill, and on looking through a crevice in the door, he saw a candle placed in a candlestick, while Senan was engaged reading; and,themillstonescontinuedgrindingwithoutcessation,noperson being required to supply the grain, nor to furnish any human assistance. Astonished at such a wonderful spectacle, the cook returned to his cell ; and, on a second and third visit, he witnessed a repetition of what had at first occurred : moreover, he observed, that it was the same candle, which he had given many days before, and which yet remained miraculously unconsumed. The cook related this whole affair to St. Natalis, who extolled the virtues of our saint. At the same time, he predicted, that God would afterwards work many and great miracles through him. 9
After relating an occurrence, which will be found in the Acts of St.
'°
— and
to a miracle
thire" the Metrical Life of our Saint is defective ; but, it is to be presumed,
that this deficiency, in a great measure, is supplied by the Second Life. After stating the circumstances of the miracle alluded to, it proceeds with a narra- tive of events, in the following order. We are told, that this wonder and other
St. the fame of his far and — miracles, wrought by Senan, spread sanctity, wide,
Natalis, referring
at a called Killmor-aradh- wrought place
through
all the
adjoining regions.
Numbersof
people infirmity
resorted to him
— might be instructed by him, in the practice of a spiritual life
that
" Hibernian
Duffy's I, p. 37.
be relieved from
and
that many, to ask
some,
they might
pains
others, —
they
Magazine,"
vol.
monks. discovered some names, in the Irish Calen- dars, which seem to correspond with those of Conmacus, Cyrillus and Hilarius, and whose festivals are assigned to different days of the year ; he would not undertake to assert, nevertheless, that these were to be confounded with the monks, who lived under
1 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nias," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xiii. , p. 528. The author of this Life
"
No. been robbers became
i. , holy
adds, regarding those converts,
sunt qui de se hanc historiam narraverunt. "
The foregoing circumstances are almost
similarly related, in the Vita Metrica S. St. Natalis' rule. ^&e. , ibid. , w. 9, p. 525.
et ipsi
Senani, cap. xii. , pp. 517, 518 ; but, in the latter, we are told, the num—ber and names
*
Another story is to the effect, that he read at night, using the fingers of his left
of those robbers, as follows
hand as candles. See Rev. S.
Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March viii. , p. 160.
» See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xiv. ,p. 528. Thecircumstancesofthis miracle are related differently, and much more extravagantly, in Vita Metrica S. Senani, cap. xi. , pp. 516, 517.
'°
At the 31st of July,
" The situation of this place is not known,
at present.
:
Per idem tempus Conmacus, Cyrillus et Hilarius,
Tres fratres pares opere, Prsedas solebant agere,
Et sub noctis silentio Intrare latrocinio. "
Colgan gives a note, on this passage, in which he confesses himself at a loss to find, who were those brothers, who from having
Baring-
"
Having
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 225
the benefit of his prayers—some, with donations and offerings made to him
for religious purposes, and others again, to put themselves under his direction, astheirspiritualadviserandfather. Seeingandhearingmiracleswroughtby
our saint, through the grace of God, and learning his fame for sanctity,
diffused among the people, the holy Abbot Natalis at once came to the con-
clusion, that his disciple was more worthy to rule over others, than to continue
longer the subject of any religious superior. Hereupon, he commanded
Senan's retirement to another place, where, with more advantage, he might
betake himself to the instruction of others. He was recommended to under-
take the direction of a monastic institute, where he might train religious men,
in the virtues of their state. With great reluctance, on his part, and after
remonstrance with the abbot ; at length, our saint humbly acquiesced in his
sujDerior's views, and asked advice, as to the place he should select, for this
new establishment. Natalis answered, that such direction should be asked, and
expected from him, by whom he had been called to a high office. Wherefore,
obeying the orders of his abbot, Senan took leave of him, and the rest of his
brethren. Having received his superior's blessing, our saint directed his
course towards eastern Leinster. Being admonished by an angel, he came
to an island, lying in the River Slaney, called Inis-conirthe,^^ in the territory
of Hy-Kinsellagh. It is probable, that this place, so written, in St. Senan's
Second Life, was identical with the present Enniscorthy,'^ a market town
situated on the River Slaney, in the barony of Scarawalshe, in Wexford
County. This town was formerly called Inis-Corthadh,'+ and even to this
day, the inhabitants of Kilkenny County call it Inis-Cortha. 'S While Senan
remained in this place, it is said, he contracted a friendship and familiarity
with Blessed Maidoc,'^ Archbishop of Ferns. '7 Dr. Lanigan however main-
tains, that St. Maidoc was not born at this time ; but, he allows, that at a
subsequent period, when young, he might have formed an acquaintance with
St. Senan.
'^
^^
Dr. O'Donovan states, that this is a mis- print for 1ni]' C6n\c'ne.
have been the capital of the Coriondi. As to the Chevalier de Montmorency's conjee-
and Templeshannon, are in the baronies of is false ; for, it appears from the Irish
authorities, that it is not the original form of
the name. The name is really compounded
of "an and aman's inis, island," Corthadh,
name. Mr. O'Donovan then refers, in proof, to his observations, on the name of
'3 The town and townland of
that the name is of Enis- compounded
Enniscorthy, ture,
in the parishes of St. Mary's, Enniscorthy, scor-teach, "the stud house pasturage," it
Scarawalsh and Ballaghkeen, and are shown "
on the Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
for the of Sheets 26. County Wexford," 20,
'* In Irish, \x\\\ Cb\\t&\-o, is also the
name given for it in the "Annals of the
Four Masters," at the year 1460.
'5
Speaking of this town, Enniscorthy, Mr. John O'Donovan, in the Antiquarian Letters of the Irish Ordnance Survey for
"
Wexford, says: Gough, in his foolish
additions to Camden, supposes this town to
have been the capital of the Coriondi of
Ptolemy ; and the Chevalier de Montmor- summer of 1840. Notices regarding this ency, in his communications to Mr. Brewer,
observes, that the name may be also derived
from^ Enis-scor-teach, the stud house pastur-
age. " Mr. O'Donovan adds, that the gentle-
men just mentioned are no authorities, and
their conclusions are merely unlearned con-
jectures. There is no evidence whatever, to
show that Enniscorthy was a town, a village,
or even a rath, before the arrival of the
English, nor anything but a green island,
formed by the River Slaney, near which
there was a primitive little church, built by
St. Senan, and this shows, that it could not Vol.
closely Clonderalaw.
^* " See Dr. Lanigan's
Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, ix. , sect, iv. , and nn. 56, 61, pp. 445, 448, 449. Mr.
of St. Senanus, the territory of Corca-Bhais-
cinn originally comprised the barony of Ibrickan, as we—ll as those of Moyarta and Clonderalaw. " "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , n. (g), p. 48.
*3 The—Metrical Life thus expresses it,
iii. :
O'Donovan " It from the Life says, appears
from
vi. , it is more than probable, these accounts
cap.
exp^iari. "
This verse affords an ancient doctrinal ex-
position of baptismal effects, as understood by our Irish ancestors, and according exactly with correct theological teaching.
''
chap.
remarkable fact, that on the ex-
°f ^oop Head, a high rocky islet distance out in the Atlantic
"
Baptism! tinctus flamine (flumine) ,
^*
crimine Et (si esset) actuali
Original!
*y^"\^ ^"^,
Potuisset
! ^^"^^ ^^^'"le
<^'^^^"' completely disrupted and mac-
J"*
cessible from the main shore. In 1866, the
writer, in company with the Rev. Sylvester Malone, author of the learned and valuable "Church History of Ireland" visited this romantic spot. From the mainland, we
notation,
cap.
iii. to
cap.
belong to one, or both, of the intermediate numbers.
^^
vii. The circumstances of this miracle are
See the Prose Life of St. Senan, chap.
differently related, in St. Senan's Metrical
Life. See iii.
'^f-
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 219
habitants, and their vakiables, as Core, Dathan and Abiron were buried alive, in the desert, during the time of Moyses and Aaron,^7 or as, at Jerico, in the time of Joshua, when the walls fell down by God's power,^^ and without the violence of man being required, for their destruction. ^9 In the meantime,
accompanied by his mother and family, Senan went to the sea-shore, expect- ing to find a vessel, which might convey them to the opposite coast. Not finding one, the youth offered up his prayers to God, that some means of passageshouldbeaffordedthem. TheAlmightyheardtheprayersofhis servant, and together with the members of his family, who were present, Senan found himself safely conveyed to the opposite shore. 7°
Abbey of Corcomroe, County of Clare.
His religious vocation seems to have been early determined, as this
following anecdote, recorded in his Life, will sufficiently show. Not only was he careful to avoid all occasions of sin, in the whole course of his actions ; but, he felt a marked reluctance to be made the instrument of in- justice, even when he was not morally accountable. Being a young man, he was bound by an oath of fealty, to serve the Dynast of that territory, in which he lived. The following occasion called him forth, unwillingly to bear arms, inamilitaryforay. HischiefofCorcobaschind,havingcollectedanarmyof retainers,marchedagainstthepeopleofCorcomroe. 7' Inthisancientterri- tory are still to be found many interesting vestiges of antiquity ; and, espe-
^^ See Josue vi.
were enabled to trace with the eye very dis-
tinctly, what appeared to both to have been
remains of ancient buildings and artificial
earthworks, covering the surface of this in-
accessible island, the sides of which are com-
posed of almost perpendicular cliffs, and
having not even a landing-place. The local
inhabitants have a tradition, that here was
once an ancient city, and that the waves tore
away the intermediate rocks, which once
joined it to the shore, near Loop Head Survey Office. He says, that Corcomroe
lighthouse. East, or Burren, in Irish, boi^eAtin, has the ^' See Numbers xvi. name and extent of the ancient territory pre-
*9 See the Metrical Life of St. Senan, chap. iii.
7° See the Metrical Life of St. Senan,
cap. vi.
? ' John O'Donovan gives an interesting
description of the territory of Corcomroe, East and West, in elucidation of his Ancient
Map of the County of Clare, preserved among the records of the Irish Ordnance
220 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
cially a fine old Abbey,7*^ which was founded by Donnell O'Brien, King of Thomond, in 1194. 73 It is in the early pointed style. 74 St. Senan was
obliged to bear part in an expedition, which was unjustly undertaken, and which proved an unsuccessful one, for the invading force. A battle having been fought, between those hostile clans, the Corcobaschind bands were put to flight, and pursued by their enemies, with great slaughter. Senan got separated from the rest of his companions, during their confused retreat. He fled for safety, to a place, where he hoped to find refuge, from the infuriated pursuers. Havingconcealedhimselfnearastackofwheat,hewasdiscovered in this place, by some of the enemy, returning from the pursuit. Suddenly, the spot, where our saint lay, seemed to be surrounded with bright flames \ but, wonderful to relate ! although they played around a very combustible material,thewheatenstrawwasnotconsumed. WhenthemenofCorcom- roe75 approached nearer, they discovered Senan seated in the midst of the flames. On his coming out, they asked who he was, and why he had been foundinthisposition. Theholyyouth,whowouldnottellafalsehood,even to save his life, declared, that he belonged to the routed host, and that, through fear of the victors, he had there sought a place of refuge and conceal- ment. The men of Corcomroe, seeing the young man's face bright as that of an Angel, recognised the power of God, by this miraculous preservation, in the midst of flames. They at once spared Senan's life, and gave him liberty to depart, whithersoever he pleased. ? ^ On leaving them, the servant of God felt greatly the pressure of hunger and thirst. Being totally destitute, he made application for relief, at the house of a chieftain, who was then absent. Notwithstanding his humble request, and his forlorn condition, the servants of this chieftain refused hospitality. They even drove him away, thus adding injury to insult. The saint, however, bore these reproaches meekly ; but, towards evening, the owner of this castle returned. Supper had been prepared, in the meantime, and tables were loaded with all the requisitesforaluxuriousbanquet. But,theheartlessservantsfoundnota sufficiency of food, for their own wants ; for, what had been set before them, inagreatmeasure,disappeared. However,allofthose,whohadeaten,began to exhibit symptoms of insanity. Whereupon, by some heaven-inspired instinct, the chieftain made inquiry, if during his absence, his servants had
served in those of the modern barony. It is so called, owing to its rocky surface. The present barony of Corcomroe formed the western division. Both baronies, as consti- tuting the ancient territory, were co-extensive with the Diocese of Kilfenora. The terri- tory was named from the descendants of Modh Ruadh, the third son of Fearghus, dethroned King of Ulster, by Meadhljh or Maud, Queen of Connaught, in the first century. See Dr. O'Donovan's " Leabhar na g-Ceart," or, Book of Rights, n. (z), pp. 65, 66.
gress of the Ordnance Survey in 1829," vol. i. , pp. 15 to 35. Letter, dated Inistymon, Oct. 21st, 1839. "
73 See Dr. O'Donovan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. v. , n. (a), pp. 1330, 1331-
t- The accompanying illustration, drawn on the spot by William F. Wakeman, and by him transferred to the wood, has been engraved by Mrs. Millard,
? = After the establishment of surnames, the two chiefs and rival families of Modh Ruadh's race took surnames. In course of
7=
andbaronyofBurren. See,fortheparish
"
It is situated in the parish of Abbey, time, the territory was divided between
Ordnance Sui-vey Townland
them. The senior took the name of O'Con- chobhair or O'Conor, and he was chieftain over the western or southern division, Cor- comroe proper ; while, the eastern or
bounds, the
Maps for the County of Clare," Sheets 3, 5,
6. The Abbey church was built, in a beau-
tiful style, and it is still in a good state of northern portion, . Burren, was ruled by
preservation. Mr. O'Donovan has given a very complete account of the parish of
"
Letters containing Infor- mation relative to the Antiquities of the County of Clare, collected during the pro-
O'Lochlainn or O'Loughlin.
? * See the Metrical Life of St. Senan,
chap. vii. The circumstances of this narra- tive are almost identical, in the Second or Prose Life of St. Senan, chap. viii. See,
Abbey, in the
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 221
injuredanywanderer,orhaddeniedhospitalitytoanypoorperson. Atonce, they recollected their uncharitable behaviour, towards that destitute young man, whom they had driven away with blows. They related these circum- stances to their master. The compassionate chieftain then desired them to go forth, to seek this young man, and to bring him back when found, whether he felt willing or not to come, that thus he might partake of food with them, and pardon the rude treatment, he had already received, at their hands. Theseorderswereobeyed. Theyoungmanwasfound,andbroughtbackto the chieftain, who treated him with marked respect. Senan readily forgave the insolent servants ; and, having poured forth his prayers, an abundance of food appeared on the table. Of this, all partook ; and, thus finding the miraculous powers, possessed by this young man, the chieftain offered him perpetual possession of a farm, attached to his mansion. 77 At the time, when the author of St. Senan's Metrical Life lived, this very farm was regarded as a possession, belonging to Iniscatthy See. 7^
At one time, while Senan was conducting a herd of cattle, belonging to his parents, from a place, called Irros, lying towards the west, to Magh- lacha,79 bearing eastward from it ; the ocean tide flowed into an estuary,
which separated both places. Evening coming on, at the same time, he
found himself unable to pass over that night. Hence, he was compelled to
return to a neighbouring castle, at a place called Dun-mechair,^° to require shelter until the following day. The owner of this castle, who was called Macharius, being absent at the time, his servants refused the belated wanderer'sapplication. Thelatter,havingnootherplaceofrefugenearhim, went back to the sea-shore, to wait the ebbing tide. To his surprise, the shore was perfectly dry, and with his oxen preceding him, Senan passed over to the opposite bank. When he reached it, on looking back, he found the waves rising to their former level, until they had come up to high water mark. Then our holy youth, admiring God's wonderful goodness towards him, resolved, as he had formerly borne arms under a temporal chief, that for the future, he would become a soldier of Christ. Presently, having struck a spear, which he then carried, in the ground, he fashioned it, so as to repre- sent a cross. He made three several genuflexions before it, and a vow, offer- ing himself and all he possessed to God, whom he resolved on serving for the future. After this had occurred, the enemies of Macharius beset his castle
also, "The Legend of Iniscathy," in Duffy's " Hibernian Magazine," vol. i. , No. I, p.
of Iniscatthy, died, A. D. Il88. Besides
this, it must be known, that the offices of
bishop and abbot, are very frequently found
37.
Ti See
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber- niae," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani,
united in the same ruler, over a
Colgan's
particular church and monastery. These offices, again, cap. viii. , p. 515. The circumstances of are oftentimes found, to have been held at
this miracle are differently, and more sue-
cinctly, related, in St. Senan's Second Life,
the same time, but by distinct persons. See, ibid. , n. 6, pp. 524, 525.
'9 This Magh-lacha was perhaps identical
chap, ix. , p. 527.
? ^ From what is mentioned, of this farm with the IllAgLAchA, marked on Mr.
having been a possession belonging to Inis- catthy See, Colgan infers, that the writer of St. Senan's Metrical Life must have lived, before that see had lost its episcopal title.
O'Donovan's Ancient Map of Clare County, now preserved, with the Records of the Irish Ordnance Survey Office in the Royal Irish Academy. This district is located, in the western part of the present Kilrush parish, in Moyarta barony, and county of Clare. But, no place, lying west of it, is marked Irros.
and dignity. This, however, will not prove
the writer to have lived, at a very remote
period. Although, in the "Annals of the
Four Masters," we find, that Aedhan, who
died A. D. 861, is called simply Abbot, and
not Bishop, of Iniscatthy, and although the
decease of many successors is likewise our saint "saw in the distance, an enemy noticed ; yet, we find from this same approaching the inhospitable dwelling of authority, that yEdus O'Beachain, Bishop Dun-maghair, where he had asked in vain
^° The name of this place now appears to be obsolete.
^' In "The Legend of Iniscathy," it is said,
222 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
and took possession of it®* Having killed his son, and taken his wife away, as a captive, they plundered it, and seized all the valuables it contained. ®'
Distinguished by the performance of such miracles, while retaining the habit of a secular, and finding himself thus wondrously moved by God's
grace, Senan resolved on entering a religious enclosure, where he might avoid all intercourse with the world. Having taken leave of his parents and friends, he placed himself under the direction of a holy man, named Cassidus orCassidanus. ®3 Senandesiredtoassumethereligioushabit,thatthushe mightresignhimselfwhollytoGod'swork. Finding,inthisyoungpostulant, all the marks of a divine vocation, the saintly abbot®+ at once invested Senan, with the distinctive badges of a religious life.
Having retained him under his own rule, the mind of this young religious was imbued, with a knowledge of letters, and he was trained to monastic discipline. So great were the natural talents of Senan, that, in a short time, he made vast proficiency in liberal sciences, and in ecclesiastical learning, necessary either for an accom- plished laic, or for a doctor of the Church. Like an industrious bee, our saint stored within his mind those sweet treasures, which were afterwards to be expended, in furnishing mental entertainment and instruction, for the benefit of others. But, Senan was careful to practise humility and charity, in such a high degree, that his learning might not degenerate into that vain and ostentatious pedantry, which too often accompanies its profession. What- ever he heard or read was converted into a treasure, from which he drew forth virtues, that sanctified his state. When using his natural and acquired gifts, by conveying words of heavenly wisdom to others, he laboured at all times to put in practice those devout exercises, which were calculated to ensure his own sanctification. ^s
CHAPTER II.
—HE REMOVES TO INISCONIRTHE, OR INISCOIRTHE, NOW ENNISCORTHV, ON THE RIVER SLANEY—IT IS SAID, HE AFTERWARDS WENT TO ROME, GAUL, AND BRITAIN —SENAN RETURNS TO IRELAND, AND LANDS AT ARDMENEDH ISLAND—HE GOES TO THE ISLAND OF INISCARA—HE REMOVES FROM IT TO INIS-LUINGE, AND THERE HE BUILDS A CHURCH—HE FOUNDS ANOTHER AT INIS-TUAISCHERT—HE VISITS INISMORE, AND THERE FOUNDS A MONASTERY—HE BUILDS AN ORATORY ON INIS- CAORACH—AGAIN, ON INIS-CUNLA HE CONSTRUCTS A CELL FOR HIS DISCIPLES, FINAN. AND FINNIAN.
The Abbot Cassidus had a vision, in which he received a Divine mandate, to send his novice Senan to a holy man named Natalus, or Nattal,' who was
ST. SENAN STUDIES AT KIL-NA-MANAGH, IN OSSORV—MIRACULOUS GIFTS WHILE THERE
for lodging, and despoil it before his eyes. "
Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani,
cap. X. , p. 527. After this account, the
writer adds, that the place remained without
an inhabitant, in his day, and, it was thought, must so remain for ever.
present barony of Kerricurlchy, between the
—Duffy's "Hibernian Magazine," vol. i,,
mouth of Cork harbour and Kinsale. "
See, No.
No. I, p. 37.
*' "
Duffy's Hibernian Magazine," vol. i, p. 37.
i. ,
See Colgan's
*t Amongst Irish saints, Colgan was un- able to discover, in our domestic Martyr- ologies, the festival of any saint, named Cassidus or Cassidanus, but many who were called Cassan. Marianus O'Gorman and the Martyrology of Tallagh mention saints, bearing this latter name, at the 28th of March, at the 4th and 20th of June, and at
" Acta Sancto- have been a native of Kerry-cuirke, the rum Hibernise," viii. Martii, n. 7, p. 525.
^3 He is called indifferently, Cassidus and
Cassidius, in the Metrical Life, and in the
Prose Life, he is named Cassidanus. In
this latter Life, he is said to have been the 3rd of December. At the 4th of June, "Abbatem qui oriundus erat de regione Colgan promised to say more, regarding Kierraighe Chuirke et tunc habitabat in this Saint Cassidus, or Cassidanus, now regione Irras. " This saint is thought to under consideration.
See,
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 223
then Abbot of Kilmanagh,^ or Kil-na-managh, in Ossory ; that, under his rule, our saint might be more fully prepared and instructed, in monastic dis-
cipline. Senan felt grieved at being obliged to leave his first master, and that place he had chosen as a retreat. Recollecting, however, that obedience is better than sacrifice, and that he must in all things obey the Divine will, he set out for his new habitation, where he was honourably received by Nattal, among his religious band. Under this new director, Senan was dis- tinguished for his obedience, his devout exercises, and his many exalted virtues. According to the instructions of Natalis, while Senan was one day tending a herd, belonging to his master, he endeavoured to prevent the calves from approaching their dams, that thus milk might be preserved, for use of the monastic brethren. But, after many vain efforts, to effect a separation between those cows and calves, which were impatient of restraint, the saint placed his staff in an upright position between them. Afterwards, he returned to finish his prayers, which had been interrupted. The animals found themselves unable to meet, or to pass a boundary thus marked out ;
so that, on future occasions, when our saint wished to devote himself to
prayer or reading, he adopted the same expedient, and, with like success. 3
Having
often reflected on those words of the
Saviour,
" He that is
greatest
among you
shall be
your
servant
'•
Senan desired
always
to
obtain,
and to
during night.
replied,
See, also, Bishop Challoner's "Britannia Sancta," part i. , March viii. , pp. 163, 164. ^'^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nioe," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani,
Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kilkenny," Sheets 18, 22. The town and townland proper are on Sheet 18.
;"
be employed in, the most humble offices. Hence, he assumed the care of
grinding corn, at a mill, belonging to the monastery. Some robbers, in this
neighbourhood, noticing that Senan was often alone, and engaged during
night, tending the mill, formed a design of entering it, to take away corn, be-
longing to the monks. Before putting their intentions into execution, they
approached the door, and looking through an opening, they discovered two young men—one was engaged at reading, while the other tended the mill. The robbers doubted if they should enter, as there were two persons within ; but, one of the band gave it as his opinion, that they must wait for some
time, as those two young men could not be members of the same family, or
employed at the same duties. One was supposed to be the miller, and the
other, a person who had brought corn to be ground, which, when ready, he
would take away. It was proposed, by the robbers, to await the presumed egress of this latter person, whom they intended to deprive of the com, and
whatever else he might possess. Having accomplished these objects, they
were afterwards to attack that man, who remained alone in the mill, and thus
take all they might be able there to procure. This counsel was generally
approved, by the others ; but, whilst expecting the egress of one or other of
those young men, they waited in vain, and for a long time. They observed,
likewise, that neither of them slept until morning, when Senan came forth,
with an intention of returning to the monastery. On opening the mill-door, those robbers rushed forward and entered it. They asked, at the same time,
where and who was that other young man, who assisted in working the mill,
" What if it were of whom it is he he, said,
Senan
sleeps not, nor shall he sleep, who watches over Israel ? " 5 They insisted on finding out, where his companion should be found, when the saint replied :
3 gee Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- cap. viii. , ix. , pp, 515, 516, and Vita niae," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani,
Secunda S. Senani, cap. xi. , p. 527.
cap. x. , p. 516, and Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xii. , pp. 527, 528.
• Matt, xxiii. , II.
s See Psalms cxx. , 4.
^ See "The Legend of Iniscathy," in
Chapter ii. —' See his of July.
Life,
at the
31st
This parish is in tlie barony of Cran- nagh, and it is described on tlie " Ordnance
224 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
" He is near to all who invoke him. " At these words, the robbers were
touched with sorrow, and bursting into tears, they promised to repent and to amend their lives. At the same time, they asked to be received among the brethren. Full of joy, our saint promised that their request should be attended to, and he led them to St. Natalis. ^ Having received the monastic habit, they continued with him, in a holy course of living, to the end of their mortal pilgrimage. 7 At another time, St. Senan asked the monastic cook for some candles, which should be necessary for him, while prosecuting his labours at the mill. ^ The cook answered, in a short time, he expected to havesomeready,buthehadnone,atthatpresentmoment. Senanwentto the mill, at the same instant, and he did not return for a week, to repeat his demand, on the cook. Wondering how Senan had obtained light, to prose- cute his labours, during this lengthened period, the cook resolved to see, if he had been engaged at work, during all this time, or how he had procured light. At nightfall, going to the mill, and on looking through a crevice in the door, he saw a candle placed in a candlestick, while Senan was engaged reading; and,themillstonescontinuedgrindingwithoutcessation,noperson being required to supply the grain, nor to furnish any human assistance. Astonished at such a wonderful spectacle, the cook returned to his cell ; and, on a second and third visit, he witnessed a repetition of what had at first occurred : moreover, he observed, that it was the same candle, which he had given many days before, and which yet remained miraculously unconsumed. The cook related this whole affair to St. Natalis, who extolled the virtues of our saint. At the same time, he predicted, that God would afterwards work many and great miracles through him. 9
After relating an occurrence, which will be found in the Acts of St.
'°
— and
to a miracle
thire" the Metrical Life of our Saint is defective ; but, it is to be presumed,
that this deficiency, in a great measure, is supplied by the Second Life. After stating the circumstances of the miracle alluded to, it proceeds with a narra- tive of events, in the following order. We are told, that this wonder and other
St. the fame of his far and — miracles, wrought by Senan, spread sanctity, wide,
Natalis, referring
at a called Killmor-aradh- wrought place
through
all the
adjoining regions.
Numbersof
people infirmity
resorted to him
— might be instructed by him, in the practice of a spiritual life
that
" Hibernian
Duffy's I, p. 37.
be relieved from
and
that many, to ask
some,
they might
pains
others, —
they
Magazine,"
vol.
monks. discovered some names, in the Irish Calen- dars, which seem to correspond with those of Conmacus, Cyrillus and Hilarius, and whose festivals are assigned to different days of the year ; he would not undertake to assert, nevertheless, that these were to be confounded with the monks, who lived under
1 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nias," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xiii. , p. 528. The author of this Life
"
No. been robbers became
i. , holy
adds, regarding those converts,
sunt qui de se hanc historiam narraverunt. "
The foregoing circumstances are almost
similarly related, in the Vita Metrica S. St. Natalis' rule. ^&e. , ibid. , w. 9, p. 525.
et ipsi
Senani, cap. xii. , pp. 517, 518 ; but, in the latter, we are told, the num—ber and names
*
Another story is to the effect, that he read at night, using the fingers of his left
of those robbers, as follows
hand as candles. See Rev. S.
Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March viii. , p. 160.
» See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xiv. ,p. 528. Thecircumstancesofthis miracle are related differently, and much more extravagantly, in Vita Metrica S. Senani, cap. xi. , pp. 516, 517.
'°
At the 31st of July,
" The situation of this place is not known,
at present.
:
Per idem tempus Conmacus, Cyrillus et Hilarius,
Tres fratres pares opere, Prsedas solebant agere,
Et sub noctis silentio Intrare latrocinio. "
Colgan gives a note, on this passage, in which he confesses himself at a loss to find, who were those brothers, who from having
Baring-
"
Having
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 225
the benefit of his prayers—some, with donations and offerings made to him
for religious purposes, and others again, to put themselves under his direction, astheirspiritualadviserandfather. Seeingandhearingmiracleswroughtby
our saint, through the grace of God, and learning his fame for sanctity,
diffused among the people, the holy Abbot Natalis at once came to the con-
clusion, that his disciple was more worthy to rule over others, than to continue
longer the subject of any religious superior. Hereupon, he commanded
Senan's retirement to another place, where, with more advantage, he might
betake himself to the instruction of others. He was recommended to under-
take the direction of a monastic institute, where he might train religious men,
in the virtues of their state. With great reluctance, on his part, and after
remonstrance with the abbot ; at length, our saint humbly acquiesced in his
sujDerior's views, and asked advice, as to the place he should select, for this
new establishment. Natalis answered, that such direction should be asked, and
expected from him, by whom he had been called to a high office. Wherefore,
obeying the orders of his abbot, Senan took leave of him, and the rest of his
brethren. Having received his superior's blessing, our saint directed his
course towards eastern Leinster. Being admonished by an angel, he came
to an island, lying in the River Slaney, called Inis-conirthe,^^ in the territory
of Hy-Kinsellagh. It is probable, that this place, so written, in St. Senan's
Second Life, was identical with the present Enniscorthy,'^ a market town
situated on the River Slaney, in the barony of Scarawalshe, in Wexford
County. This town was formerly called Inis-Corthadh,'+ and even to this
day, the inhabitants of Kilkenny County call it Inis-Cortha. 'S While Senan
remained in this place, it is said, he contracted a friendship and familiarity
with Blessed Maidoc,'^ Archbishop of Ferns. '7 Dr. Lanigan however main-
tains, that St. Maidoc was not born at this time ; but, he allows, that at a
subsequent period, when young, he might have formed an acquaintance with
St. Senan.
'^
^^
Dr. O'Donovan states, that this is a mis- print for 1ni]' C6n\c'ne.
have been the capital of the Coriondi. As to the Chevalier de Montmorency's conjee-
and Templeshannon, are in the baronies of is false ; for, it appears from the Irish
authorities, that it is not the original form of
the name. The name is really compounded
of "an and aman's inis, island," Corthadh,
name. Mr. O'Donovan then refers, in proof, to his observations, on the name of
'3 The town and townland of
that the name is of Enis- compounded
Enniscorthy, ture,
in the parishes of St. Mary's, Enniscorthy, scor-teach, "the stud house pasturage," it
Scarawalsh and Ballaghkeen, and are shown "
on the Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
for the of Sheets 26. County Wexford," 20,
'* In Irish, \x\\\ Cb\\t&\-o, is also the
name given for it in the "Annals of the
Four Masters," at the year 1460.
'5
Speaking of this town, Enniscorthy, Mr. John O'Donovan, in the Antiquarian Letters of the Irish Ordnance Survey for
"
Wexford, says: Gough, in his foolish
additions to Camden, supposes this town to
have been the capital of the Coriondi of
Ptolemy ; and the Chevalier de Montmor- summer of 1840. Notices regarding this ency, in his communications to Mr. Brewer,
observes, that the name may be also derived
from^ Enis-scor-teach, the stud house pastur-
age. " Mr. O'Donovan adds, that the gentle-
men just mentioned are no authorities, and
their conclusions are merely unlearned con-
jectures. There is no evidence whatever, to
show that Enniscorthy was a town, a village,
or even a rath, before the arrival of the
English, nor anything but a green island,
formed by the River Slaney, near which
there was a primitive little church, built by
St. Senan, and this shows, that it could not Vol.
