39 The narrative thus concludes :— " Ac eumdem in eo
comitatu
diu tenuit.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v8
281.
Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Februarii ix. ,
l8
See Very Rev. Archdeacon T. O'Rorke's
i5* LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [August n.
entertained of this virgin's sanctity, St. Connall felt unwilling she should erect
a building i—n the neighbourhood of his church. Wherefore, h—e sent a certain SI
Dachonna20 said to have been of Eas-Dachonna, now Assylin to entreat her in an humble manner, to abandon such design. That messenger saluted her in a religious manner, on the occasion of his visit, and he explained its object.
" Since for the love of God, I am
to live in this place, I shall do as you require, and shall not refuse to obey your directions. However, in an especial manner, St. Connall, who sent you
on this errand, shall hear the indignant expression of my opinion, and if it please God, I earnestly wish, that one inhabitant of Lugna, who shall come to his church for the sake of fasting, shall obtain from the Almighty, as much
22
benefit, as a hundred other persons would.
father and son together shall never serve there, at one and the same moment. In like manner, I wish that meal, wheat, or barley, may not increase for his church. And,Ialsodesire,thatthesoundofabellmaybeheardbetween
The virgin is said to have replied :
required
your and St. Connall's habitation, so that your respective offerings shall be 2
diminished, or altogether disappear. " 3 St. Attracta is said to have spoken many things, which were disagreeable to Dachonna, and which ar—e not written in her Acts. We are told, also, that her desires were fulfilled at least in part j for, a monastic establishment had been erected between the houses of
2
Connall and of Dochonna. * This deprived both from receiving adequate
offerings of the faithful's
It is that in the said,
called a monstrous beast 26 region, Lugna,
destroyed
infirmitatis speciei, non valebunt numerari
the first offspring of their domestic animals
contingat, divina co-operante dementia, to holy persons living among them, besides
quia quibuscumque segritudine quavis op- pressis reconciliationis antidotum deposcen- tibus earn mente intenta pnebet oppor-
other gifts, on public occasions. An in- stance of this kind will be found, in the Acts of St. Grellan, Patron of Hy-Many, at the
of
17th September.
tunam. "—
Colgan's
" Acta Sanctorum
Hiberniae," ix. Februarii. Vita S. Attractce,
cap. vi. , p. 279.
30
The monastery constructed between the
Colgan says, he has discovered a Saint
Dachonna, who is often called Mochonna. or that of Slepte, occupied by nuns. Both
There is a church, dedicated in his name, in Clonfert Diocese, and not far from the Kill-
these places named, adjoined houses of those saints alluded to in the text.
25 See " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's
niae," Februarii ix. Vita S. Attractse, cap. vi. , vii. , pp. 278, 279. Also nn. 13, 14, p. 281. 26 The Very Rev. and Ven. Archdeacon T. O'Rorke has a very rational and probable surmise, that this beast was only one of those wild wolves or boars then infesting the
country, and exaggerated by the imagination or subsequent traditions of the peasants to a
Chonail, already mentioned,
in a
previous
note. Marianus and the Martyrology of
Tallagh mention a saint bearing this name,
at the 17th of February, and at the 6th of
September, or on the 1 6th of November.
"
See Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," ix. Feb-
ruarii, n. 12, p. 281.
21
See Ven. Archdeacon T. O'Rorke's " History of Sligo : Town and County," vol. ii. , chap, xxxiv. , p. 370.
22 It is evident from this, and from a few
similar passages in our saint's Acts, that they
must have been written by a native of Lugna
district, or, at least, by one, who desired to
please the people living in that part of the
country. In all likelihood, the Acts were maris," to the British coasts and constantly composed in or near the bounds of ancient
Lugna.
23 The word "
swallowed a number of the inhabitants. On hearing about it, their King Morvidus
in our saint's Acts, may be considered as equivalent to certain first fruits, offerings, or gifts, that were presented through the piety of the
encountered him alone, but
spent all his darts in a vain attempt, the monster then approached, and opening its
jaws, devoured him as if he were but a small "
primitiis," occurring
bravely
having
faithful. Inhabitants, living in this part of fish. See Historia Britonum," p. 51.
the country, presented the first lambs of 8? In the parish of Kilmacteige, there may each flock, the first calves of each herd, or be seen a wild and romantic glen, called the
Moreover, I desire, that the
2*
residences of both these saints was that of Each-Drum, which was inhabited by monks,
"
nondescript monster, half dragon and half
bear. " He also observes that the
England had a notion that such batin- were rather uncommon in Ireland. Thus, Geoffrey of Monmouth relates, that one of those fierce Irish monsters came "ex partibus Hibernici
people
of
August ii. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 159
many people j and that others were obliged to fly for protection from its ravages, to the caves and mountains. The king of that country, who was named Bee, hearing about the miraculous power with which our saint was gifted, sent various messengers to her, and besought her interposition, in ridding his territory of the monster. He also requested Attracta to favour him with an interview. We are told, that when the king's messengers visited her, our saint was found in an oratory engaged at prayer, and when they had delivered the humble supplication of their prince, she exclaimed, " Deo gratias. " The messengers then informed her, that their master had a secret to reveal, which he would alone trust to her discretion, and he hoped to prevailuponhertovisitsomeexcellentmen. Thevirgintoldthemtoreturn and inform their master, that on the following day, God willing it, she would visit him ; and these messengers then returned, relating what had occurred, and what they had seen. The king felt consoled, and on the day following, whilst expecting this virgin's arrival on the area or court-yard, near his habita- tion, he saw our saint slowly approaching, with a small number of holy attendants. No sooner had he recognised St. Attracta, than prostrating himself before her, the king kissed her feet, and related the calamities that had
"
befallen himself and his people, owing to the monster's cruelty. "
But," said
your fame for sanctity, having been diffused throughout all Ireland, has
he,
become known to me, and I feel assured, that you will be able to obtain from
GodwhatsoeveryouearnestlyaskofHim. Fullyunderstandingthis,Idesire that the inhabitants, living in this part of the country, may become devoted to you and to your successors, and that they may be relieved from oppression, through those prayers you offer fervently before God's throne. Moreover, should it come to pass, that we receive assistance through your earnest prayers, my royal will and bounty decree, that you and those who may here- after occupy your station, shall possess as a free gift from me and from my
To these words
and who formed man to His image from the earth's slime, can instantly effect your present deliverance. " Having thus spoken, our saint is said to have proceeded towards a boundary wall, without which the monster lay. Here, falling on her knees, with a wrapt expression of countenance, Attracta earnestly and mentally prayed the Almighty, that He would manifest His glory in accom-
plishing the king's desires.
The virgin then beheld the strange figure and fierce expression of the
successors, that land which is now held by the monster. "
our saint " He who created the world out of replied :
nothing,
2? On
tusks, which were sharp as those of a boar, but of greater length. His hair stood upright, and it is said, sparks of fire proceeded from his horrible and deformed body. His ears are said to have resembled those of a ram in breadth ; his eyes were large, glaring, and full of flame ; his nostrils were dilated ; his hair resembled that of a horse ; his neck was erect, and his head of a fawn-colonr. His feet, likewise, bore him swiftly forward, as with a curved neck he rushed forth to devour the holy virgin. Having approached themonster,andhavingarmedherselfwithasignofthecross,St. Attracta extended her staff towards him. The beast having seized it with open jaws,
2* In
deliverance, it is stated, that there a church was afterwards built to her
dragon.
being roused,
this monster roared like a lion, his gnashing
immediately dropped
lifeless on the
ground.
memory
of that
Gap, and near St. Attracta's Well, the local peasants point out the former haunt of this monster, in a place known as Lug na Paiste, the Hollow ot the Beast. See Ven. Arch-
deacon T. O'Rorke's
signal
Town and County," vol. ii. , chap, xxiv. , p.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita S. Attractoe," cap.
"
See Colgan's nioe," Februarii ix.
History of Sligo :
viii. , p. 279.
152.
*' "
j6o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [August ii.
honour. 2 * This relation is to be found, more briefly recorded in the approved Office of our saint. 3°
About this time, or shortly afterwards, St. Patrick came to that part of the country, as he had occasion to ordain some Priests, and to consecrate Bishops, for their special ministerial work. He requested St. Attracta's presence, whilst engaged in those sacred offices. But, when all the ministers were vested, for offering up of the Holy Sacrifice of Mass, it was discovered, whilst the chalice was being placed on the Altar, a patena belonging to it was accidentally lost or misplaced. St. Patrick was about to remove his vestments, when St. Attracta approached, telling him, that as he had commenced a holy celebration, he should not desist therefrom, since the Lord would be able to supply what was wanting. Hereupon, St. Patrick and his assistants, having commenced
the Confession or Confiteor^1 our who was holy virgin,
felt
rest upon her shoulders. On removing it with her hands, she found a patena, markedwiththeimpressofacross. Thisshepresentedonbendedkneesto St. Patrick, who proceeded with the ceremonies of Mass, and the consecration of some candidates for Holy Orders. After these rites were concluded, St. Patrick said to our saint: " It is manifest, that the Lord God hath granted this happy event to your prayers, and to me it is evident, that the image, which this day has been found marked on the patena, must be preserved, because it is a gift granted thee from on high. This holy cross shall receive its name from thee, and the Irish shall ever hold it in veneration, as you have excelled so many others in sanctity, and in the performance of miracles. And, at present, we bless and consecrate it in honour of the God, who hath sent it
to us, and whose name be for ever glorified. "32
Some time after this occurrence, the Chiefs of Lugna district having col-
lected a number of fighting men approached a place, where the king of Connaught held some of their people as hostages. These they released by force. Afterwards, they ravaged that part of the king's dominions. Hereupon, the Connaught hosts were armed by chiefs, who pursued the people of Lugna to Techet. 33 There the fugitives were cooped up on all sides, so that no means for escape were afforded them. The deep waters of that beautiful lake lay before, and the infuriated enemy encircled them on their flanks and rear. Even then, the wars of Pagan kings and chiefs were continued by those who flourished, at the dawning of the Christian era. 34 The chief of Lugna,
29 This was in a place known as Glena- hujus feritate devastata est, et incolre adeo voagh, but no trace of the church now terrore perculsi sunt ut a terribili ejusaspectu
exists there, or in the traditions of the people; hut, probably it formerly stood near St.
Attracta's Well, yet frequented by numbers
on the nth of August, the day for her feast.
Even the day before and the day after it,
many engage there in practices of devotion.
ad montes et cavernas confugerent. Attrac- tarn tandem supplices rogarunt ut in tanta afilictione opem sibi et auxilium ferre digna- retur. Respondit inclyta Virgo : potens est Deus, qui mundum ex nihilo creavit et ho- minem de limo terra: ad suam imaginem plasmavit, etiam regionem istam de tanta
u
rishioners, even now, that emigrants from peste omnino liberare. Tunc genua flectens
So dear is this saint's day to the pa-
omni fiducia Deum precabatur : Antequam vero suis precibus linem apposuit, jam exau-
O'Rorke's " of Town and History Sligo :
County," vol. ii. , chap, xxiv. , p. 152. Lectio VI.
a Sancta
quae
Attracta mira patrata narrantur, insigne im- primis miraculum est quo territorium Lugniae in provincia Connaciae ab horrendo monstro liberavit. Tota siquidem ilia regio bellux
Kilmacteige, not unfrequently, send remit-
tances from America to young folks at home,
to make — for them on the things pleasant
ditse sunt
Patron's Day. " Ven. Archdeacon T. rugitus emittens et torvo collo in ipsam
30 " Inter innumera vero,
3 'See " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's
nix," Februarii ix. Vita S. Attracts, cap. ix. , x. , p. 279.
» Now Lough Gara.
3* The small 4to paper Manuscript, in the
present,
something
et sceva bellua Sanctam irruens divina virtute inteiiit. "
3I
St. Attracta's Life.
apud Dominum,
According to the anonymous author of
August i i. l LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 161
being near St. Attracta's nunnery, turned towards it, and having had an interview with the holy virgin, he exposed to her the forlorn condition of his troops. Immediately she went forth, and having passed through the be-
: leagueredarmy'sranks,sheencouragedtheminthesewords "Benotafraid,
but rather do as I advise you ; trust only in that God who is the Creator of all things, who is able to deliver you from every danger, and whose servant,
also,Iam. " Hereupon,thetroopsbeingmuchencouraged,sheproceeded: »• Follow me, and let none of you look back ; but, advance after me in a
forward direction. " Subsequently, she approached the shore, and fell upon her knees, with her eyes directed towards heaven. She prayed to God, that Pie would deign to conduct those trusting in Him, through a like watery passage, as the Israelites had safely journeyed, amid the waters of the Red Sea, thus escaping from their pursuers, through the Almighty's power and goodness.
Immediately, the waters divided, and a passage was made to the opposite
shore, through which all the people of Lugna marched, taking over even their
hostages and spoils. There was only one exception. A man had been drowned, and he was servant to a certain musician. But, the master of this
servant entreated from the virgin a restoration to life of this drowned man, and he told her, at the same time, he would exercise his bardic skill to her discredit, in case her efforts were not successful. The virgin said, that not only would she procure the restoration of his servant, but, that the master himself should be admired by all, on account of his melodious strains. The bardic attendant was accordingly restored to life ; yet, whether this servant is to be confounded with a St. Foelan,35 who was restored to life, at the same time, from a death by drowning, can hardly be ascertained, on account of the confused narrative and desultory style in which the anonymous author couches our saint's Life. However, we are told, that having prayed for that drowned man, an angel of the Lord appeared to the holy virgin, and he said to her : " The Almighty hath delayed, but thou hast obtained thy request. Go to a place near thy own habitation, where St. Foelan,36 the man of God, lies drowned ; and, in God's name, arouse him from his sleep, that yet he may be vivified by the Divine Spirit, as he is a brave athlete of Christ. ''^? Accord- ing to the Angel's admonition, Attracta proceeded to the place indicated, where she found him lying asleep. *8 Three stones were laid in a peculiar manneroverhishandsandmouth. Afterthevirginplacedherhandonhim, he appeared to awake as if from an ecstacy, and thus he was miraculously
restored to life. 3*
Royal Irish Academy, marked 33-4, contains a copy of the Leabhar Gabhala, or Book of Conquests, with several historic and poetic references to the Christian period and heroes of Irish history.
35 There were many saints named Foelan or Foillan in our Martyrologies ; but, it is no easy matter to determine which of them he was. Colgan says, that the period seems to indicate St. Foilan, son of /Engus, who flourished about this time, and who was
venerated at Kill-foelan, in Leinster, and at Rathercann in Albania, on the 20th of June,
according to Marianus, the Martyrology of Tamlacht and the continuator of Angus.
36 In the Calendars and Martyrologies, other Foelans or Foillans are found, at the 9th of January, 31st March, 5th of May, 6th and 23rd June, 24th of August, 30th and
31st of September, 9th and 31st of November, See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," Februarii ix. , n. 16, p. 282.
37 Perhaps on account of these great labours undergone by him in the conversion of Albania, or British Scotland, he is called " fortis Dei athleta. "
38 Allusion is made to this narrative,in the Sixth Volume of this work, at the 20th of June, where there are notices of St. Faolan of Rath Erann, in Scotland, and of Cill Fhaelain, in Leix, Queen's County, Art. ii.
39 The narrative thus concludes :— " Ac eumdem in eo comitatu diu tenuit. Similiter famulumtympanistaesibivivumrestituit; at sic omnes Lugnenses non sunt bene Regi Connachtise respectuales. "—"Acta Sanc- torum Hiberniae," Februarii ix. Vita S; Attracta? , cap. xi. , xii. , pp. 279, 280.
162 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [August ii,
CHAPTER III.
MIRACLES OF ST. ATTRACTA—KING KEANNFAELID AND ST. ATTRACTA—-KING HUALGARG WAGESWARAGAINSTTHEMENOFLUGNA—DEATHOFST. ATTRACTA—HERFESTI- VALS AND COMMEMORATIONS—THE WELL OF ST. ATTRACTA—PLACES NAMED AFTER THIS HOLY VIRGIN—CONCLUSION.
Next follows, in the old Life of St. Attracta, a relation of several miracles, alleged to have been wrought by the saint. However, this constant recourse to such narratives, as has been well observed, deprives her Acts of muchhistoricvalue. 1 Attheinstanceofa atthat is said to
king, who, time,
have ruled over Connaught, and who was named Keannfaelaid,3 one of these miracles is recorded. Our Irish national hagiologist forms an opinion, that he must have been a petty dynast, who was set over some part of the province, as the King of Connaught bearing this name, and called son ofColgan, did not flourish until about a. d. 670. At this latter date, we cannot suppose St. Attracta to have been living, if we allow her to have been a contemporary with St. Patrick, who is said to have died in the year 493. 3 In this miracle, Nathy's name is also mentioned ; and if, as Colgan conjectures, St. Nathy of Achonry be meant/ we will find renewed difficulty, in reconciling the nar-
rative, with other portions of our saint's Acts. The better way to get rid of
these difficulties would be, to treat such portion of Attracta's Life with dis-
trust and disregard ; as being not only a jumbling of inconsistencies, in any
historical point of view, but as containing many particulars, which evidently savour of fable.
According to the Legend of her Life, a certain King Keannfaelid5 was importuned by subordinate chiefs to erect a magnificent castle, which should excel in beauty ofappearance and arrangement all other structures in that part of the kingdom. Wherefore, in compliance with their request, this prince issued an edict, that all persons, within his dominions, whether enjoying ecclesiastical immunities, or possessed of civil rights, or even those ranked in servile condition, should lend assistance in constructing that building, which was necessary as a suitable residence for the King. That royal edict was proclaimed throughout different parts of Connaught. St. Attracta was made acquainted by letter with its purport. The messenger who brought such intelligence said, that the King would expect her co-opera- tion, in common with that of other saints within his kingdom, to supply what was necessary for the erection of his building. On receiving this message, Attracta immediately proceeded to the King, and represented her immunity from such an exaction. At the same time, however, she offered an equivalent, in procuring for him by miracle various treasures from distant lands. Her
Chapter hi. —1 See the
Ven. Archdeacon T. O'Rorke's "
Rev. and
of
s in our Irish Annals, at the 649, is year
Sligo : Town and County," vol. ii. , chap.
xxxiv. , p. 374.
2
There was a monarch of Ireland, known as Ceannfaeladh, the son of lilathmac, who began his reign in 670, and after three years, he was slain by Finnachta Fleadhnch, a. d. 673, in a battle at Aircealtair in Tigh-Ua Maine. See Dr. O'Donovnn's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 280 to 283.
8 See Colgan 's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," Februarii ix. , n. 17, p. 282.
4 This holy disciple of St. Patrick must have flourished in the fifth century, accord- ing to received opinion.
Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 264, 265. Afterwards, he appears to have become King of Connaught, and he was slain in 680, by Ulcha-dearg [Redbeard] Ua Cailidhe, [one] of the Conmaicne Cuile. See ibid. , pp. 286 to 289. He seems most likely to have been the person alluded to, by the writer of St. Attracta's Life ; but, he must have flourished after her period, if we admit her to have been the contemporary of
Very
History
commemorated a Ceannfaeladh, son of Colgan and Maenach, son ofBaeithin, chief of Ui-Briuin. He gained the battle of Air- ther-Scola, over Marcan, son of Toimen, chief of Ui-Maine. See Dr. O'Donovan's "
August ii. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 163
offer was rejected, by this haughty and indignant potentate. Whereupon, in great mental disquietude, the virgin proceeded to a neighbouring wood, accompanied by St. Nathy and a few servant men, with their horses; so that the quantity of wood demanded as her quota might be felled. The virgin ordered her servant to load their horses with wood. When they were brought, at the saint's command, one of the servants, moved by the wretched condition of his horse, cried out : "As our animals are too weak to bear their burdens, if you desire it, those deer within sight, that are rubbing themselves
against trees, would bear timber to the haughty king. " Wherefore, the saint fell upon her knees, and prayed that her servant's suggestion might be carried out ; when, on the instant, these wild deer came in a tractable and quiet manner to Christ's servant, receiving their burden, and bearing their respec- tive loads with docility along the road. It is said, that cords which fastened their wood were broken on the way, nor was it possible to procure others to secure their burdens. Having reproached her servants for their negligence, our saint drew out some of her own hair, and although these hairs appeared of a very fine description, they are said to have furnished a medium for
securing the loads, until deposited at the very place required by the king. We are next told, that when this dynast beheld the manner in which those piles ofwood were drawn, he felt inflamed with anger, which appeared in his features. Wishing to manifest his contempt and dislike for the holy virgin, he endeavoured to excite all the town dogs to worry the deer and tear them to pieces. On the contrary, Attracta prayed that the horses belonging to the king's and queen's residence, being seized with madness, should kill those dogs. All instrumental in urging on the latter animals were instantly put to death, having been trodden down by the horses, or torn to pieces by the dogs. But, the deer safely returned to their forest, having first, in a suppliant manner, licked the hem of our saint's garment. The dogs are said to have been changed into stones. These were pointed out, at a time when this legendwaswritten. Itwasthenbelieved,thattheseobjectsshouldsoremain totheDayofJudgment. St. Attracta,fullofgriefandindignation,thensaid
:
to the King " Because you have despised the Church, and myself, the
servant of that God, by whom you were created, you shall be reduced to a state of servitude, and you shall be exiled from the province of Connaught ; strangers will seize on your substance, and you shall have none to assist you ; but, the devil shall be on your right hand, and another man shall receive
your kingdom. Your heirs shall fail, moreover, in having possessions on
6
this earth. "
Towards the conclusion of our saint's acephalous Acts, we are told, that a
certain king named Hualgarg,? and descended from the renowned family of
8 not satisfied with St. Patrick.
being acknowledged
the ruler over his own
BrerTny,
paternal
6
This narrative, which Colgan justly de- "'
Vita S. Attracts, cap. xiii. , xiv. , pp. 280, 281.
» ThisHualgarg'snamecouldnotbefound inanyofthedifferentcataloguesofConnaught kings in Colgan's possession, although he is said to have ruled over all that province, Lugnia alone excepted. This district was formerly the patrimonial inheritance of the O'Haras, and its position is shown on the Map prefixed to " The Genealogies, Tribes and Customs of Hy-Fiachrach, commonly called O'Dowda's Country," e—dited by John
signates insula narratio, on the margin,
"
cro te Dei famula quatenus digneris ana-
thus proceeds :
Quo audito ait Rex ; obse-
themati finem ponere. Hac conditione,
inquiens, hoc anno et quandocumque de
sanguine tuo venerit, qui pro poenitentia
dederit eleemosynam hanc in honore meo
mihi ant vices meas in terris gerenti, scilicet
septem plenitudinescyphi potus mei desuper
auratas, ac septrm plenitudines caemeterii
mei yaccarum. His itaque decretis tota
munitio Regis fuu line desuper ejecto com- O'Donovan. See also p. 493.
busta est pariter et destructa. "—Colgan's 8 This ancient territory comprised the pre-
"
Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Februarii ix.
Ibid.
164 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [August ii.
territory, brought all the people of Connaught under his sway, excepting those of Lugnia, who were remarkable for their resolute character. The latter waged war against that prince, but we do not learn with what exact result, as the sentence which terminates St. Attracta's unfinished biography is so obscurely worded or incomplete, that no precise meaning can be derived from its con- struction or literal translations
This holy virgin was called to the joys of Heaven, after the performance of numerous miracles and the exercise of many virtues. We are ignorant regarding the year or even the day of St. Attracta's death, although few Irish saints have left after them such vivid traditions and so many lasting memo- rials. To this very day, her life and miracles form much of the folk-lore among the people of Coolavin. 10 According to most probable accounts, she flourished in the fifth century, and about the year 470. " In the foreign calendars, her name is written Tarachta or Tarahata. No saint so named is mentioned in any Irish document, and hence Colgan justly inferred, that she wasnootherthanSt. Athracta. " OneofthevirginsveiledbySt. Patrickat Cregi was St. Attracta, who is thus noted,13 but without her feast being
assigned, in Father Henry Fitzsimon's " List of Irish Saints. " 1 * Her name 1
is written Etrachta, Virgo, in the published Martyrology of Tallaght, * as also in that copy of it found in the Book of Leinster. ' 6 The Martyrologies of Tallagh, of Marianus O'Gorman, of Maguire and of Donegal record her festi- val at the nth of 1 ? She is mentioned, in the of
August. Martyrology Donegal, atthissamedate,asAthracht,Virgin,daughterofTighernach,of
of St. Athracta,
at which the people of that neighbourhood were accustomed
18
Cill Saile, in Crich Conaill. ^
She was venerated after her death, as patroness of the church of Kill-
Athracta or 2 in the townland so named, the modern church Killaraght, °and,
is built on the site of an old church, none of which now remains, but burials are still continued in the church-yard. In the same townland was the well
21
to perform stations, on the nth of August, which seems to have been tradi-
tionallyandlocallyregardedastheholyvirgin'schieffestival. Itwassituated
on the south side of Killaraght townland,22 on the road from Boyle to Frenchpark, and very near the boundary between Killaraght and Kilnaman-
sent counties of Leitrim and Cavan.
l6
There noted ecr\Accae
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
\\\\\.
f See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's,
niae," Februarii ix. , n. 21, p. 282.
l8 Edited by Drs. Todd arid Reeves, pp.
216, 217.
'»A note by O'Donovan at Crich Conaille
states, "Probably Conaille Muirtheimne. "
20 The Patron there was on the nth Day
of August, which was called by the people
St. Araght's (<Xr;rvACc) day, when visited by from St. Patrick, who was then engaged Mr. Patrick O'Keeffe, in 1 836, to dis-
"
preaching the Faith in Ireland. See Acta charge duties in connection with the Irish
9 See
Colgan's
niae," Februariii ix. Vita S. Attractse, cap.
xv. , p. 281, and n. 19, p. 182.
10 "
See Ven. Archdeacon O'Rorke's His-
tory of Sligo : Town and County," vol. ii. , chap, xxxiv. , p. 367.
11 refers for Colgan
proof
to the beginning of her published Acts,
where it is related, that she received the veil
Sanctorum Hiberaiee/' Februarii ix. Vita S. Attr—acts, cap. xv. , p. 281, and n. 20, p. 282. Ibid
" The Bollandists do not controvert his opinion.
*3joceline'sLife of St. Patrick is quoted for this statement.
14 See Catalogus aliquorum Sanctorum
Ordnance Survey. See "Letters contain- ing Information relative to the Antiquities of the County of Sligo, collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1836. Vol. i. , Letter dated Boyle, September 23rd, 1836, p. 233.
" Catholicae Iberniae compendium," tomus
* The accompanying illustration was drawn on the spot by William F. Wake- man, and afterwards transferred by him to the wood, engraved by Mrs. Millard,
Iberniae, in O'Sullevan Beare's
llistorine
i. , lib. iv. , cap. xii. , p. 53.
•' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxi.
On the Name Book of the Irish
of this statement
"
Ordnance Survey, the well is designated
August ii. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
165
agh parishes. Her memory is perpetuated by other ecclesiastical founda- tionsinthedioceseofAchonry. WithinafewpacesoftheruinsofBenada
23
of
convent, with its neat chapel and over its roof. That convent, built and endowed by private generosity, is
occupied by nuns of the Order of
of the convent is the chapel of Tourlesheane, dedicated to St. Attracta, the patroness of the Diocese of Achonry, The chief surviving popular tradition about this saint is, that she commenced making a passage across Lough
Abbey,
there is a
County
commodious schoolroom, having the sign of man's redemption conspicuous
Sligo,
Charity.
2 * At a short distance to the west
Holy Well of St. Attracta.
Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Februarii ix. ,
l8
See Very Rev. Archdeacon T. O'Rorke's
i5* LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [August n.
entertained of this virgin's sanctity, St. Connall felt unwilling she should erect
a building i—n the neighbourhood of his church. Wherefore, h—e sent a certain SI
Dachonna20 said to have been of Eas-Dachonna, now Assylin to entreat her in an humble manner, to abandon such design. That messenger saluted her in a religious manner, on the occasion of his visit, and he explained its object.
" Since for the love of God, I am
to live in this place, I shall do as you require, and shall not refuse to obey your directions. However, in an especial manner, St. Connall, who sent you
on this errand, shall hear the indignant expression of my opinion, and if it please God, I earnestly wish, that one inhabitant of Lugna, who shall come to his church for the sake of fasting, shall obtain from the Almighty, as much
22
benefit, as a hundred other persons would.
father and son together shall never serve there, at one and the same moment. In like manner, I wish that meal, wheat, or barley, may not increase for his church. And,Ialsodesire,thatthesoundofabellmaybeheardbetween
The virgin is said to have replied :
required
your and St. Connall's habitation, so that your respective offerings shall be 2
diminished, or altogether disappear. " 3 St. Attracta is said to have spoken many things, which were disagreeable to Dachonna, and which ar—e not written in her Acts. We are told, also, that her desires were fulfilled at least in part j for, a monastic establishment had been erected between the houses of
2
Connall and of Dochonna. * This deprived both from receiving adequate
offerings of the faithful's
It is that in the said,
called a monstrous beast 26 region, Lugna,
destroyed
infirmitatis speciei, non valebunt numerari
the first offspring of their domestic animals
contingat, divina co-operante dementia, to holy persons living among them, besides
quia quibuscumque segritudine quavis op- pressis reconciliationis antidotum deposcen- tibus earn mente intenta pnebet oppor-
other gifts, on public occasions. An in- stance of this kind will be found, in the Acts of St. Grellan, Patron of Hy-Many, at the
of
17th September.
tunam. "—
Colgan's
" Acta Sanctorum
Hiberniae," ix. Februarii. Vita S. Attractce,
cap. vi. , p. 279.
30
The monastery constructed between the
Colgan says, he has discovered a Saint
Dachonna, who is often called Mochonna. or that of Slepte, occupied by nuns. Both
There is a church, dedicated in his name, in Clonfert Diocese, and not far from the Kill-
these places named, adjoined houses of those saints alluded to in the text.
25 See " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's
niae," Februarii ix. Vita S. Attractse, cap. vi. , vii. , pp. 278, 279. Also nn. 13, 14, p. 281. 26 The Very Rev. and Ven. Archdeacon T. O'Rorke has a very rational and probable surmise, that this beast was only one of those wild wolves or boars then infesting the
country, and exaggerated by the imagination or subsequent traditions of the peasants to a
Chonail, already mentioned,
in a
previous
note. Marianus and the Martyrology of
Tallagh mention a saint bearing this name,
at the 17th of February, and at the 6th of
September, or on the 1 6th of November.
"
See Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," ix. Feb-
ruarii, n. 12, p. 281.
21
See Ven. Archdeacon T. O'Rorke's " History of Sligo : Town and County," vol. ii. , chap, xxxiv. , p. 370.
22 It is evident from this, and from a few
similar passages in our saint's Acts, that they
must have been written by a native of Lugna
district, or, at least, by one, who desired to
please the people living in that part of the
country. In all likelihood, the Acts were maris," to the British coasts and constantly composed in or near the bounds of ancient
Lugna.
23 The word "
swallowed a number of the inhabitants. On hearing about it, their King Morvidus
in our saint's Acts, may be considered as equivalent to certain first fruits, offerings, or gifts, that were presented through the piety of the
encountered him alone, but
spent all his darts in a vain attempt, the monster then approached, and opening its
jaws, devoured him as if he were but a small "
primitiis," occurring
bravely
having
faithful. Inhabitants, living in this part of fish. See Historia Britonum," p. 51.
the country, presented the first lambs of 8? In the parish of Kilmacteige, there may each flock, the first calves of each herd, or be seen a wild and romantic glen, called the
Moreover, I desire, that the
2*
residences of both these saints was that of Each-Drum, which was inhabited by monks,
"
nondescript monster, half dragon and half
bear. " He also observes that the
England had a notion that such batin- were rather uncommon in Ireland. Thus, Geoffrey of Monmouth relates, that one of those fierce Irish monsters came "ex partibus Hibernici
people
of
August ii. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 159
many people j and that others were obliged to fly for protection from its ravages, to the caves and mountains. The king of that country, who was named Bee, hearing about the miraculous power with which our saint was gifted, sent various messengers to her, and besought her interposition, in ridding his territory of the monster. He also requested Attracta to favour him with an interview. We are told, that when the king's messengers visited her, our saint was found in an oratory engaged at prayer, and when they had delivered the humble supplication of their prince, she exclaimed, " Deo gratias. " The messengers then informed her, that their master had a secret to reveal, which he would alone trust to her discretion, and he hoped to prevailuponhertovisitsomeexcellentmen. Thevirgintoldthemtoreturn and inform their master, that on the following day, God willing it, she would visit him ; and these messengers then returned, relating what had occurred, and what they had seen. The king felt consoled, and on the day following, whilst expecting this virgin's arrival on the area or court-yard, near his habita- tion, he saw our saint slowly approaching, with a small number of holy attendants. No sooner had he recognised St. Attracta, than prostrating himself before her, the king kissed her feet, and related the calamities that had
"
befallen himself and his people, owing to the monster's cruelty. "
But," said
your fame for sanctity, having been diffused throughout all Ireland, has
he,
become known to me, and I feel assured, that you will be able to obtain from
GodwhatsoeveryouearnestlyaskofHim. Fullyunderstandingthis,Idesire that the inhabitants, living in this part of the country, may become devoted to you and to your successors, and that they may be relieved from oppression, through those prayers you offer fervently before God's throne. Moreover, should it come to pass, that we receive assistance through your earnest prayers, my royal will and bounty decree, that you and those who may here- after occupy your station, shall possess as a free gift from me and from my
To these words
and who formed man to His image from the earth's slime, can instantly effect your present deliverance. " Having thus spoken, our saint is said to have proceeded towards a boundary wall, without which the monster lay. Here, falling on her knees, with a wrapt expression of countenance, Attracta earnestly and mentally prayed the Almighty, that He would manifest His glory in accom-
plishing the king's desires.
The virgin then beheld the strange figure and fierce expression of the
successors, that land which is now held by the monster. "
our saint " He who created the world out of replied :
nothing,
2? On
tusks, which were sharp as those of a boar, but of greater length. His hair stood upright, and it is said, sparks of fire proceeded from his horrible and deformed body. His ears are said to have resembled those of a ram in breadth ; his eyes were large, glaring, and full of flame ; his nostrils were dilated ; his hair resembled that of a horse ; his neck was erect, and his head of a fawn-colonr. His feet, likewise, bore him swiftly forward, as with a curved neck he rushed forth to devour the holy virgin. Having approached themonster,andhavingarmedherselfwithasignofthecross,St. Attracta extended her staff towards him. The beast having seized it with open jaws,
2* In
deliverance, it is stated, that there a church was afterwards built to her
dragon.
being roused,
this monster roared like a lion, his gnashing
immediately dropped
lifeless on the
ground.
memory
of that
Gap, and near St. Attracta's Well, the local peasants point out the former haunt of this monster, in a place known as Lug na Paiste, the Hollow ot the Beast. See Ven. Arch-
deacon T. O'Rorke's
signal
Town and County," vol. ii. , chap, xxiv. , p.
Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita S. Attractoe," cap.
"
See Colgan's nioe," Februarii ix.
History of Sligo :
viii. , p. 279.
152.
*' "
j6o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [August ii.
honour. 2 * This relation is to be found, more briefly recorded in the approved Office of our saint. 3°
About this time, or shortly afterwards, St. Patrick came to that part of the country, as he had occasion to ordain some Priests, and to consecrate Bishops, for their special ministerial work. He requested St. Attracta's presence, whilst engaged in those sacred offices. But, when all the ministers were vested, for offering up of the Holy Sacrifice of Mass, it was discovered, whilst the chalice was being placed on the Altar, a patena belonging to it was accidentally lost or misplaced. St. Patrick was about to remove his vestments, when St. Attracta approached, telling him, that as he had commenced a holy celebration, he should not desist therefrom, since the Lord would be able to supply what was wanting. Hereupon, St. Patrick and his assistants, having commenced
the Confession or Confiteor^1 our who was holy virgin,
felt
rest upon her shoulders. On removing it with her hands, she found a patena, markedwiththeimpressofacross. Thisshepresentedonbendedkneesto St. Patrick, who proceeded with the ceremonies of Mass, and the consecration of some candidates for Holy Orders. After these rites were concluded, St. Patrick said to our saint: " It is manifest, that the Lord God hath granted this happy event to your prayers, and to me it is evident, that the image, which this day has been found marked on the patena, must be preserved, because it is a gift granted thee from on high. This holy cross shall receive its name from thee, and the Irish shall ever hold it in veneration, as you have excelled so many others in sanctity, and in the performance of miracles. And, at present, we bless and consecrate it in honour of the God, who hath sent it
to us, and whose name be for ever glorified. "32
Some time after this occurrence, the Chiefs of Lugna district having col-
lected a number of fighting men approached a place, where the king of Connaught held some of their people as hostages. These they released by force. Afterwards, they ravaged that part of the king's dominions. Hereupon, the Connaught hosts were armed by chiefs, who pursued the people of Lugna to Techet. 33 There the fugitives were cooped up on all sides, so that no means for escape were afforded them. The deep waters of that beautiful lake lay before, and the infuriated enemy encircled them on their flanks and rear. Even then, the wars of Pagan kings and chiefs were continued by those who flourished, at the dawning of the Christian era. 34 The chief of Lugna,
29 This was in a place known as Glena- hujus feritate devastata est, et incolre adeo voagh, but no trace of the church now terrore perculsi sunt ut a terribili ejusaspectu
exists there, or in the traditions of the people; hut, probably it formerly stood near St.
Attracta's Well, yet frequented by numbers
on the nth of August, the day for her feast.
Even the day before and the day after it,
many engage there in practices of devotion.
ad montes et cavernas confugerent. Attrac- tarn tandem supplices rogarunt ut in tanta afilictione opem sibi et auxilium ferre digna- retur. Respondit inclyta Virgo : potens est Deus, qui mundum ex nihilo creavit et ho- minem de limo terra: ad suam imaginem plasmavit, etiam regionem istam de tanta
u
rishioners, even now, that emigrants from peste omnino liberare. Tunc genua flectens
So dear is this saint's day to the pa-
omni fiducia Deum precabatur : Antequam vero suis precibus linem apposuit, jam exau-
O'Rorke's " of Town and History Sligo :
County," vol. ii. , chap, xxiv. , p. 152. Lectio VI.
a Sancta
quae
Attracta mira patrata narrantur, insigne im- primis miraculum est quo territorium Lugniae in provincia Connaciae ab horrendo monstro liberavit. Tota siquidem ilia regio bellux
Kilmacteige, not unfrequently, send remit-
tances from America to young folks at home,
to make — for them on the things pleasant
ditse sunt
Patron's Day. " Ven. Archdeacon T. rugitus emittens et torvo collo in ipsam
30 " Inter innumera vero,
3 'See " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's
nix," Februarii ix. Vita S. Attracts, cap. ix. , x. , p. 279.
» Now Lough Gara.
3* The small 4to paper Manuscript, in the
present,
something
et sceva bellua Sanctam irruens divina virtute inteiiit. "
3I
St. Attracta's Life.
apud Dominum,
According to the anonymous author of
August i i. l LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 161
being near St. Attracta's nunnery, turned towards it, and having had an interview with the holy virgin, he exposed to her the forlorn condition of his troops. Immediately she went forth, and having passed through the be-
: leagueredarmy'sranks,sheencouragedtheminthesewords "Benotafraid,
but rather do as I advise you ; trust only in that God who is the Creator of all things, who is able to deliver you from every danger, and whose servant,
also,Iam. " Hereupon,thetroopsbeingmuchencouraged,sheproceeded: »• Follow me, and let none of you look back ; but, advance after me in a
forward direction. " Subsequently, she approached the shore, and fell upon her knees, with her eyes directed towards heaven. She prayed to God, that Pie would deign to conduct those trusting in Him, through a like watery passage, as the Israelites had safely journeyed, amid the waters of the Red Sea, thus escaping from their pursuers, through the Almighty's power and goodness.
Immediately, the waters divided, and a passage was made to the opposite
shore, through which all the people of Lugna marched, taking over even their
hostages and spoils. There was only one exception. A man had been drowned, and he was servant to a certain musician. But, the master of this
servant entreated from the virgin a restoration to life of this drowned man, and he told her, at the same time, he would exercise his bardic skill to her discredit, in case her efforts were not successful. The virgin said, that not only would she procure the restoration of his servant, but, that the master himself should be admired by all, on account of his melodious strains. The bardic attendant was accordingly restored to life ; yet, whether this servant is to be confounded with a St. Foelan,35 who was restored to life, at the same time, from a death by drowning, can hardly be ascertained, on account of the confused narrative and desultory style in which the anonymous author couches our saint's Life. However, we are told, that having prayed for that drowned man, an angel of the Lord appeared to the holy virgin, and he said to her : " The Almighty hath delayed, but thou hast obtained thy request. Go to a place near thy own habitation, where St. Foelan,36 the man of God, lies drowned ; and, in God's name, arouse him from his sleep, that yet he may be vivified by the Divine Spirit, as he is a brave athlete of Christ. ''^? Accord- ing to the Angel's admonition, Attracta proceeded to the place indicated, where she found him lying asleep. *8 Three stones were laid in a peculiar manneroverhishandsandmouth. Afterthevirginplacedherhandonhim, he appeared to awake as if from an ecstacy, and thus he was miraculously
restored to life. 3*
Royal Irish Academy, marked 33-4, contains a copy of the Leabhar Gabhala, or Book of Conquests, with several historic and poetic references to the Christian period and heroes of Irish history.
35 There were many saints named Foelan or Foillan in our Martyrologies ; but, it is no easy matter to determine which of them he was. Colgan says, that the period seems to indicate St. Foilan, son of /Engus, who flourished about this time, and who was
venerated at Kill-foelan, in Leinster, and at Rathercann in Albania, on the 20th of June,
according to Marianus, the Martyrology of Tamlacht and the continuator of Angus.
36 In the Calendars and Martyrologies, other Foelans or Foillans are found, at the 9th of January, 31st March, 5th of May, 6th and 23rd June, 24th of August, 30th and
31st of September, 9th and 31st of November, See " Acta Sanctorum Hibernise," Februarii ix. , n. 16, p. 282.
37 Perhaps on account of these great labours undergone by him in the conversion of Albania, or British Scotland, he is called " fortis Dei athleta. "
38 Allusion is made to this narrative,in the Sixth Volume of this work, at the 20th of June, where there are notices of St. Faolan of Rath Erann, in Scotland, and of Cill Fhaelain, in Leix, Queen's County, Art. ii.
39 The narrative thus concludes :— " Ac eumdem in eo comitatu diu tenuit. Similiter famulumtympanistaesibivivumrestituit; at sic omnes Lugnenses non sunt bene Regi Connachtise respectuales. "—"Acta Sanc- torum Hiberniae," Februarii ix. Vita S; Attracta? , cap. xi. , xii. , pp. 279, 280.
162 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [August ii,
CHAPTER III.
MIRACLES OF ST. ATTRACTA—KING KEANNFAELID AND ST. ATTRACTA—-KING HUALGARG WAGESWARAGAINSTTHEMENOFLUGNA—DEATHOFST. ATTRACTA—HERFESTI- VALS AND COMMEMORATIONS—THE WELL OF ST. ATTRACTA—PLACES NAMED AFTER THIS HOLY VIRGIN—CONCLUSION.
Next follows, in the old Life of St. Attracta, a relation of several miracles, alleged to have been wrought by the saint. However, this constant recourse to such narratives, as has been well observed, deprives her Acts of muchhistoricvalue. 1 Attheinstanceofa atthat is said to
king, who, time,
have ruled over Connaught, and who was named Keannfaelaid,3 one of these miracles is recorded. Our Irish national hagiologist forms an opinion, that he must have been a petty dynast, who was set over some part of the province, as the King of Connaught bearing this name, and called son ofColgan, did not flourish until about a. d. 670. At this latter date, we cannot suppose St. Attracta to have been living, if we allow her to have been a contemporary with St. Patrick, who is said to have died in the year 493. 3 In this miracle, Nathy's name is also mentioned ; and if, as Colgan conjectures, St. Nathy of Achonry be meant/ we will find renewed difficulty, in reconciling the nar-
rative, with other portions of our saint's Acts. The better way to get rid of
these difficulties would be, to treat such portion of Attracta's Life with dis-
trust and disregard ; as being not only a jumbling of inconsistencies, in any
historical point of view, but as containing many particulars, which evidently savour of fable.
According to the Legend of her Life, a certain King Keannfaelid5 was importuned by subordinate chiefs to erect a magnificent castle, which should excel in beauty ofappearance and arrangement all other structures in that part of the kingdom. Wherefore, in compliance with their request, this prince issued an edict, that all persons, within his dominions, whether enjoying ecclesiastical immunities, or possessed of civil rights, or even those ranked in servile condition, should lend assistance in constructing that building, which was necessary as a suitable residence for the King. That royal edict was proclaimed throughout different parts of Connaught. St. Attracta was made acquainted by letter with its purport. The messenger who brought such intelligence said, that the King would expect her co-opera- tion, in common with that of other saints within his kingdom, to supply what was necessary for the erection of his building. On receiving this message, Attracta immediately proceeded to the King, and represented her immunity from such an exaction. At the same time, however, she offered an equivalent, in procuring for him by miracle various treasures from distant lands. Her
Chapter hi. —1 See the
Ven. Archdeacon T. O'Rorke's "
Rev. and
of
s in our Irish Annals, at the 649, is year
Sligo : Town and County," vol. ii. , chap.
xxxiv. , p. 374.
2
There was a monarch of Ireland, known as Ceannfaeladh, the son of lilathmac, who began his reign in 670, and after three years, he was slain by Finnachta Fleadhnch, a. d. 673, in a battle at Aircealtair in Tigh-Ua Maine. See Dr. O'Donovnn's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 280 to 283.
8 See Colgan 's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," Februarii ix. , n. 17, p. 282.
4 This holy disciple of St. Patrick must have flourished in the fifth century, accord- ing to received opinion.
Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 264, 265. Afterwards, he appears to have become King of Connaught, and he was slain in 680, by Ulcha-dearg [Redbeard] Ua Cailidhe, [one] of the Conmaicne Cuile. See ibid. , pp. 286 to 289. He seems most likely to have been the person alluded to, by the writer of St. Attracta's Life ; but, he must have flourished after her period, if we admit her to have been the contemporary of
Very
History
commemorated a Ceannfaeladh, son of Colgan and Maenach, son ofBaeithin, chief of Ui-Briuin. He gained the battle of Air- ther-Scola, over Marcan, son of Toimen, chief of Ui-Maine. See Dr. O'Donovan's "
August ii. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 163
offer was rejected, by this haughty and indignant potentate. Whereupon, in great mental disquietude, the virgin proceeded to a neighbouring wood, accompanied by St. Nathy and a few servant men, with their horses; so that the quantity of wood demanded as her quota might be felled. The virgin ordered her servant to load their horses with wood. When they were brought, at the saint's command, one of the servants, moved by the wretched condition of his horse, cried out : "As our animals are too weak to bear their burdens, if you desire it, those deer within sight, that are rubbing themselves
against trees, would bear timber to the haughty king. " Wherefore, the saint fell upon her knees, and prayed that her servant's suggestion might be carried out ; when, on the instant, these wild deer came in a tractable and quiet manner to Christ's servant, receiving their burden, and bearing their respec- tive loads with docility along the road. It is said, that cords which fastened their wood were broken on the way, nor was it possible to procure others to secure their burdens. Having reproached her servants for their negligence, our saint drew out some of her own hair, and although these hairs appeared of a very fine description, they are said to have furnished a medium for
securing the loads, until deposited at the very place required by the king. We are next told, that when this dynast beheld the manner in which those piles ofwood were drawn, he felt inflamed with anger, which appeared in his features. Wishing to manifest his contempt and dislike for the holy virgin, he endeavoured to excite all the town dogs to worry the deer and tear them to pieces. On the contrary, Attracta prayed that the horses belonging to the king's and queen's residence, being seized with madness, should kill those dogs. All instrumental in urging on the latter animals were instantly put to death, having been trodden down by the horses, or torn to pieces by the dogs. But, the deer safely returned to their forest, having first, in a suppliant manner, licked the hem of our saint's garment. The dogs are said to have been changed into stones. These were pointed out, at a time when this legendwaswritten. Itwasthenbelieved,thattheseobjectsshouldsoremain totheDayofJudgment. St. Attracta,fullofgriefandindignation,thensaid
:
to the King " Because you have despised the Church, and myself, the
servant of that God, by whom you were created, you shall be reduced to a state of servitude, and you shall be exiled from the province of Connaught ; strangers will seize on your substance, and you shall have none to assist you ; but, the devil shall be on your right hand, and another man shall receive
your kingdom. Your heirs shall fail, moreover, in having possessions on
6
this earth. "
Towards the conclusion of our saint's acephalous Acts, we are told, that a
certain king named Hualgarg,? and descended from the renowned family of
8 not satisfied with St. Patrick.
being acknowledged
the ruler over his own
BrerTny,
paternal
6
This narrative, which Colgan justly de- "'
Vita S. Attracts, cap. xiii. , xiv. , pp. 280, 281.
» ThisHualgarg'snamecouldnotbefound inanyofthedifferentcataloguesofConnaught kings in Colgan's possession, although he is said to have ruled over all that province, Lugnia alone excepted. This district was formerly the patrimonial inheritance of the O'Haras, and its position is shown on the Map prefixed to " The Genealogies, Tribes and Customs of Hy-Fiachrach, commonly called O'Dowda's Country," e—dited by John
signates insula narratio, on the margin,
"
cro te Dei famula quatenus digneris ana-
thus proceeds :
Quo audito ait Rex ; obse-
themati finem ponere. Hac conditione,
inquiens, hoc anno et quandocumque de
sanguine tuo venerit, qui pro poenitentia
dederit eleemosynam hanc in honore meo
mihi ant vices meas in terris gerenti, scilicet
septem plenitudinescyphi potus mei desuper
auratas, ac septrm plenitudines caemeterii
mei yaccarum. His itaque decretis tota
munitio Regis fuu line desuper ejecto com- O'Donovan. See also p. 493.
busta est pariter et destructa. "—Colgan's 8 This ancient territory comprised the pre-
"
Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Februarii ix.
Ibid.
164 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [August ii.
territory, brought all the people of Connaught under his sway, excepting those of Lugnia, who were remarkable for their resolute character. The latter waged war against that prince, but we do not learn with what exact result, as the sentence which terminates St. Attracta's unfinished biography is so obscurely worded or incomplete, that no precise meaning can be derived from its con- struction or literal translations
This holy virgin was called to the joys of Heaven, after the performance of numerous miracles and the exercise of many virtues. We are ignorant regarding the year or even the day of St. Attracta's death, although few Irish saints have left after them such vivid traditions and so many lasting memo- rials. To this very day, her life and miracles form much of the folk-lore among the people of Coolavin. 10 According to most probable accounts, she flourished in the fifth century, and about the year 470. " In the foreign calendars, her name is written Tarachta or Tarahata. No saint so named is mentioned in any Irish document, and hence Colgan justly inferred, that she wasnootherthanSt. Athracta. " OneofthevirginsveiledbySt. Patrickat Cregi was St. Attracta, who is thus noted,13 but without her feast being
assigned, in Father Henry Fitzsimon's " List of Irish Saints. " 1 * Her name 1
is written Etrachta, Virgo, in the published Martyrology of Tallaght, * as also in that copy of it found in the Book of Leinster. ' 6 The Martyrologies of Tallagh, of Marianus O'Gorman, of Maguire and of Donegal record her festi- val at the nth of 1 ? She is mentioned, in the of
August. Martyrology Donegal, atthissamedate,asAthracht,Virgin,daughterofTighernach,of
of St. Athracta,
at which the people of that neighbourhood were accustomed
18
Cill Saile, in Crich Conaill. ^
She was venerated after her death, as patroness of the church of Kill-
Athracta or 2 in the townland so named, the modern church Killaraght, °and,
is built on the site of an old church, none of which now remains, but burials are still continued in the church-yard. In the same townland was the well
21
to perform stations, on the nth of August, which seems to have been tradi-
tionallyandlocallyregardedastheholyvirgin'schieffestival. Itwassituated
on the south side of Killaraght townland,22 on the road from Boyle to Frenchpark, and very near the boundary between Killaraght and Kilnaman-
sent counties of Leitrim and Cavan.
l6
There noted ecr\Accae
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
\\\\\.
f See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's,
niae," Februarii ix. , n. 21, p. 282.
l8 Edited by Drs. Todd arid Reeves, pp.
216, 217.
'»A note by O'Donovan at Crich Conaille
states, "Probably Conaille Muirtheimne. "
20 The Patron there was on the nth Day
of August, which was called by the people
St. Araght's (<Xr;rvACc) day, when visited by from St. Patrick, who was then engaged Mr. Patrick O'Keeffe, in 1 836, to dis-
"
preaching the Faith in Ireland. See Acta charge duties in connection with the Irish
9 See
Colgan's
niae," Februariii ix. Vita S. Attractse, cap.
xv. , p. 281, and n. 19, p. 182.
10 "
See Ven. Archdeacon O'Rorke's His-
tory of Sligo : Town and County," vol. ii. , chap, xxxiv. , p. 367.
11 refers for Colgan
proof
to the beginning of her published Acts,
where it is related, that she received the veil
Sanctorum Hiberaiee/' Februarii ix. Vita S. Attr—acts, cap. xv. , p. 281, and n. 20, p. 282. Ibid
" The Bollandists do not controvert his opinion.
*3joceline'sLife of St. Patrick is quoted for this statement.
14 See Catalogus aliquorum Sanctorum
Ordnance Survey. See "Letters contain- ing Information relative to the Antiquities of the County of Sligo, collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1836. Vol. i. , Letter dated Boyle, September 23rd, 1836, p. 233.
" Catholicae Iberniae compendium," tomus
* The accompanying illustration was drawn on the spot by William F. Wake- man, and afterwards transferred by him to the wood, engraved by Mrs. Millard,
Iberniae, in O'Sullevan Beare's
llistorine
i. , lib. iv. , cap. xii. , p. 53.
•' Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxxi.
On the Name Book of the Irish
of this statement
"
Ordnance Survey, the well is designated
August ii. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
165
agh parishes. Her memory is perpetuated by other ecclesiastical founda- tionsinthedioceseofAchonry. WithinafewpacesoftheruinsofBenada
23
of
convent, with its neat chapel and over its roof. That convent, built and endowed by private generosity, is
occupied by nuns of the Order of
of the convent is the chapel of Tourlesheane, dedicated to St. Attracta, the patroness of the Diocese of Achonry, The chief surviving popular tradition about this saint is, that she commenced making a passage across Lough
Abbey,
there is a
County
commodious schoolroom, having the sign of man's redemption conspicuous
Sligo,
Charity.
2 * At a short distance to the west
Holy Well of St. Attracta.
