Finan, lay across a hedge, which bounded it; and, although one part was within the hedge, and the other with- out, in a field, where the rain fell, the reapers remarked, that it escaped
entirely
from a wetting.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
T.
O'Conor's Letter, dated Birr, Februaiy 2nd,
1838.
^3 In the churchyard, there are found no
ancient inscriptions, which might indicate the antiquity of this place. Tliere is one head-stoneinit, whichbearssomeornameii- tal lines indented, and, it is looked upon, by the people, as being of remote date.
343^5"King'sCountyLettersoftheOrd- nance Survey," and now preserved, in the Royal Irish Academy, vol. ii. , pp. 88, 89, 91,92. T. O'Conor's Letter, dated Birr, February 2nd, 1S38. Mr. O'Conor, after- wards gives historic notices, relating to Kin- netty. /;4/'rf. , pp. 92, 93.
3sxhisisrelaled,in chapterviii. , ofhisLife.
^s See Codex Manuscriptus, ex Codice Inisensi, Vita S. Finani, cap. viii. , p. 259.
King's County Letters, Ord-
April 7. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 61
CHAP1 ER 11.
FISAN AT LOCH LEYN, OR KILLARNEV—HE IS PROBABLY THE PATRON THERE, AND AT AGHADOE—HIS MIRACLES.
In the old Life of St Finan, it is stated, that on one occasion, he had caused a boat to be built, near the waters of Loch Leyn, in Kerry,' and he sent word to the Regulus of its territory, tliat some of his people should come and haul it into the lake. The king and his servants obeyed that summons, but they were not able to carry it towards the water ; yet, by angelic power, this task was easily accomplished. " From this account, it may be inferred, that our saint lived' for some time, at or near the present Lakes of Killarney. Only on one of its Islands do we find, that an ancient religious house stood ; and, it may be questioned, if St. Finan of Kinnitty had not more connexion with it, than St. Finan, the Leper,3 who is popularly regarded as the founder. Be-
. -"353^:^
. St. ? 'inian"s Church on Innisfallen, Lower Lake of Killarney.
sides the monastery of Innis-Faithlenn,* which was the home of learned men, until destroyed in the reign of Henry VIII. , the Cathedral Church of Agha- doe 5 was also dedicated to St. Finnain Lobhar, it is thought. He was con-
sideredthepatronofSouthKerry. * Thispopularideamaybeerroneous, likewise, nor do the Acts of the latter saint sustain it; while, in the biography
of St. Finan Cam, he is represented, at least, as residing near Aghadoe,
namely, at Loch Leyn, or Killarney.
Chapter ii. —• The Latin has it "prope
Stagnum de Loch Leyn in Kyrrigia. " Before our saint's birth, hi. s mother is said to have bathed in Loch Leyn.
' Ex Manuscripto Codice Inisensi, cap. ix. , p. 259.
5 See his Life, at the i6th of March.
* The accompanying illustration of St.
Within two miles, over the margin of
Finan's old church, on the Island of Innis- fallen, is from a photogmpli, drawn on the wood, by William F. Wakeman, and en- graved, by Mrs. Millard.
5 The interesting doorway of Aghadoe Church is engraved, and represented, in Miss
Cusack's "
Kerry," chap, iii. , p. 51.
History
of
the Kingdom of
62 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[April 7.
the Lower Lake at Killarney, on a site of surpassing magnificence, and on an
eminence, are the rains of Aghadoe church, formerly called Aghaboe. 7 This
place is of great antiquity, and it had been likewise dedicated to St. Finian.
Excepting the stump of an old round tower,^ and the ruins of a small old
castle,9nohouseorbuildingstandsnearit. '° Inthe"AnnalsofInnisfallen,"
"
Aghadoe is called
extreme antiquity. It is supposed, that the Round Tower fell during the last century," but no description of its state, when perfect, now remains. "
At one time, wliile the saint and his companions were on their way, cer-
tain miscreants met them, and intended to murder them; but, they were for-
tunately rescued by a valiant man, named Lonan, and, in return for this
the old abbey," and this seems a sufficient evidence of its
" Because on this
of the Faith, never shall your enemies prevail against you, but to the day of
Leyn,
favour,
St. Finan
said,
day you have saved us from enemies
your death you shall continue to be victorious. " '3 On a certain occasion, when Finan was about to visit his people, he received hospitality from a poor and pious man, who killed a calf, belonging to the only cow he had, to enter- tain his guest. On learning this circumstance, on the following day, the holy man prayed to God for his host, and immediately a calf appeared to replace that,whichhadbeenkilled. ThishappenednearLochLeyn,andthere,too,a horse under the chariot of Finan dropped dead. In a miraculous manner, a horse of a hyacinth '•• colour came up from Loch
and that celebrated animal continued with him for three years. At the end of this time, our saint is said to have ordered him to return again into the lake, from which he issued, and this was accomplished. '5 Another remarkable miracle is recorded, re- garding a great tree, which lay prostrate on the road, over which the chariot of St. Finan pa. ssed, and by his command, the tree arose to its original posi- tion, so that the chariot was enabled to move without impediment. However, when it had passed, the tree once more inclined to the earth, yet not even a
branch was broken, notwithstanding the changes of position effected. '* On a certain day, while journeying, in a chariot, by the sea-side, it chanced, that a marshy place had been an obstacle in the way. St. Finan desired his charioteer to drive over it, without any hesitation ; and, when the driver obeyed this order, the plain beneath became so firm, that not even the hoofs of his horses, nor the chariot wheels, showed signs of being wet from the salt-water. '? Another time, a paralysed boy, who had no use of his limbs whatever, was brought toour saint, who, embracing him, and on applying his hands, com- manded him, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to arise, and to walk. The youth was able miraculously to fulfil this injunction. '* One day, while thirsty, he told a servant with him, to procure water. However, none was known to be near, until Finan, ordering a sod of earth to be raised, a well of
water immediately sprang from the earth. '?
In the territory of Corcabuibne, the place of our saint's nativity, a great
^
See ibid.
7 In Latin, called
Irish round towers remained at
"See Miss Cusack's interesting account
of the ruins at this in her " of place, History
the Kingdom of Kerry," chap, xxiii. , pp. 371, 372.
'3 See Vita S. Finani, cap. x. , p. 259. « The adjective used is " iacinthini. "
'5 SeeVita
« S. Finani, cap. xi. , p. 259.
"
English, "the field of the cow. "
Aghadoe.
^ " In the
Traveller's New Guide through Ireland," there is a map of the Killarney Lakes, and the tower there appears as high
as the old church gable.
9 In "Guide to Wright's
Campus bovis," or in
the
"> See Charles Smith's " Natural and 260.
Killarney," old castle is called the Pulpit.
See Vita S. Finani, cap. xii. , pp. 259, ? See ibid. , cap. xiii. , p. 260.
'8
See ibid. , cap. xiv. , p, 260. ' See ? ««'. , cap. xv. , p. 260.
Civil History of the County of Kerry," chap. vi. , p. 147.
"Smith in his "History of Kerry," only mentions, that a stump of one of the
April 7. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 63
disturbance arose, and the people sent word to St. Finan, that they were
A king, named Nectan,'° with his army, had vowed the destruction of the Cor- caduibne. Finan went to meet the tyrant, and to seek, if possible, to dis- suade him from that expedition. But Nectan, hearing about his purpose, sent messengers to state, that all interference should prove useless, as he was re- solvedontheirextermination. However,Finanwasnoteasilydiverted,from
"
sorely pressed, by their enemies, against whom they sought for his aid.
he had an interview with Nectan, and asked for a truce of one
his resolution
month, yet, he could not obtain it. The saint returned to his people, and blessing Holy Water, he desired them to drink of it, so that the spirit of God might strengthen them, to resist all assaults of their enemies. He also directed, that they should not leave the bounds of their own territory, but
;
rather there wait the attack. He said,
over your enemies, be not filled with pride, but give all glory to the Lord of Hosts, who is able to conquer with a few, as he is with a multitude. " The tyrant Nectan had brought an army of five thousand men, to spoil and to destroytheirdistrict; while,onlyafewoftheCorcaduibnecouldbemustered, toopposehim. TrustinginGod'sprotection,however,thelatterpeoplewere enabled to defend themselves ; and, in the very first attack, thirty of their enemies were killed, while this loss was doubled, on a renewal of the con- flict. " The tyrant was still obstinate, in a desire to be revenged on his opponents. ThenSt. FinansentamessagetoNectan,hishorseshoulddie that day, as a sign ; that, on the day following, he should cease to be a king ; and that even his kingdom should be taken away from him, while he should teanexileforsevenyears. Heprophesied,also,howNectan,who,onthat day, relied so much on the multitude of his forces, should be obliged, after- wards, to carry wood, on his shoulders, for the fire ; while, instead of that curiously fabricated dwelling then possessed, the oppressor should feel grate- ful, if he could only find a hollow tree, in the wood, wherein he might be able to take refuge. Until all these conditions were fulfilled, Nectan could not againbecomeaking,sincehehaddi. sobeyedFinan'sinjunctions. Thesaint signified, moreover, that he should not obtain the kingdom, until the king humbly served himself, and learned to love the people, whose destruction he now sought. While the Prophet of the Most High announced these tidings, the invaders beheld their own country, as it were in flames ; and especially, the castles of their king, were the first to take fire. Wherefore, the men of
that invading force rushed away hastily, to protect their own possessions ; yet, on returning, no conflagration was observable, nor were their houses burned. It was assumed, therefore, that the Almighty desired their fear of St. Finan to be confirmed, by such a prodigy. '' All that St. Finan had pro- phesied, regarding the king, was literally fulfilled. His horse died that day, andhewasanexileforsevenyears,fromhiskingdom. Afterhehadbeen ignominiously expelled, Nectan went to Dermitius,'^ the son of Cearuayll, with whom he lived for a while. Then the king's servant ordered him, to take his part, in bearing wood for a fire to be kindled. Afterwards, leaving the castle of King Diermit, with five other companions, Nectan wandered through
^ His record, ! n the Irish Annals, does not seem to be known. We read of a Neach- Ian, son of Canann, who died A. D. 616. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 240, 241.
261.
" He seems to have been no other than
Diarmaid, the son of Fearghus Ceirrbheoil, who was king over Ireland, from a. d. 539 to A. D. 558. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals
" In the Irish Annals, we do not find any of the B'our Masters," vol. i. , pp. igj to account of this raid. 201.
" See Vita S. Finani, cap. xtL, pp. , 360
If God this day give you the victory,
64 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 7.
a wood, and there found a liollow tree, in which he took a little repose. Still, all these misfortunes tended to a useful result ; for Nectan became penitent, and humbled in spirit, he sought once more his own country. There, he asked pardon from God, and from St. Finan. Thus, being sufficiently humi- liated, through the influence of our saint, Nectan once more came into pos- session of his former kingdom. '^
Another miracle is related, regarding a man, who, pressed for time on a long journey, sought aid from Finan. The saint, sympathizing in his necessi- ties, blessed him ; and, in three hours, the traveller was enabled to make as much way, as an ordinary man could in three days. 'S One of his brothers visited Cainnachty,'* where F'inan dwelt, and told the saint, he was under an engagement to his chief, that seven maid servants should be procured, to re-
deemamortgageonhishereditaryfarm. ^7 Thedayforredemptionhadbeen already fixed, but the tribute could not be paid. The saint paid little appa- rent attention to his brother's complaint, but on the day appointed for the contract being fulfilled, suddenly was the man removed from Cianachtius,^^ where he slept the night before, to his own land of Corcadubhny. He there found a sum of money, which was sufficient to pay his tribute to the chief, and he gave thanks to God and to our saint, for such favours as he obtained. ^' During the autumnal season, one day when great rain fell, so as to prevent the labours of other husbandmen, the harvesters of our saint were able to pursue their work, without one single drop falling on them, or within the cir- cuit of that field, in which they were engaged reaping. It so happened, that a chariot, or waggon, belonging to St.
Finan, lay across a hedge, which bounded it; and, although one part was within the hedge, and the other with- out, in a field, where the rain fell, the reapers remarked, that it escaped entirely from a wetting. 3° One day, while on his journey, a certain man was led out for execution ; but, the saint asked, in God's name, for the life of that doomed person. The executioners regarded his words as vain, but when their hands were raised to inflict death on their captive, these became paralysed. In fine, the bound man was released, and those, who were present, extolled the servant of God, who wrought such a miracle. 3'
CHAPTER III.
ST. FINAN AND KING FAILBE FLANN—MIRACLES OF OUR SAINT—OPINIONS REGARDING HIS CONNEXION WITH PLACES IN KERRY—A CONTEMPORARY WITH ST. MOCHELLOC AND ST. MOCHOEMOC—ST. FINAN'S ILLNESS AND DEATH—PLACES THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN UNDER HIS PATRONAGE—CALENDAR COMMEMORATIONS—CONCLUSION.
On another occasion, Finan went to a king, named Fland, who niled over a
certain territory. ' He desired to obtain the remission of taxes, which weighed
heavily on the people. Hearing about his designs, a certain counsellor of
"
you request. " Whereupon Finan answered : "If you do not grant that which
Flann cried out,
Even if you fast before him, the king will not remit what
°* See Vita S. Finani, cap. xvii. , p. 261.
^ See ibid. , cap. xx. , pp. 261, 262.
'
°s See ibid. , xviii. , cap.
°* Or Kinnitty.
3' gee Mb. , — xxi. , cap. p.
^ This incident illustrates curious ancient usagesandmanners.
" The Latinised form for Kinnetty, in the Vita S. Finani.
•s See ibid. , cap. xix. , p. 261.
he was iTAitbe fUinn, who was king over Cashel,atthattime; and,heisprobaljlythe king alluded to, in the Life of St. Mochoem-
hog, or St. Pulcherius, chap, iij. , at the 13th of March.
p.
261.
262.
Chapter hi. From the text we learn,
April 7. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 65
I ask for, fire shall come from Heaven, and bum your habitation. " Then happenedadoubleprodigy. NotonlylightningfromHeavencameinstantly, and burned down the house, before their eyes ; but, at that time, a boy, who had been infirm from the time of his birth, was restored to health, while the evil counsellor of the king was deprived of the use of his tongue. On wit- nessing this, the king relented, in his purpose, and granted the saint's request. Then, as the king desired it, in the presence of all, the mute was restored to the use of his speech, while our saint gave his blessing to the monarch. '
There was a St. P'inanus, who led the life of an anchorite, for many years, near the monastery of Dar-magh, or " the plain of the oak wood," while this lay,likewise,ontheconfinesofEliaandFera-Kellia; but,hemusthavebeen a distinct person from our saint, who hardly could have lived, afterwards, down to the time of St. Adamnan,3 about or after the year 660. Our saint cured a man, who for a year and a-half had been infirm, nor could he derive any benefit, from the aid of medical men. With Finan's blessing, he slept without disturbance orpain, during three whole days. Aftenvards, that man was abletorise,yet,somepaincontinuedinhisfoot. Thesaintsuppliedhimwitha
"
shoe to cover it, and he said,
continue to serve its purpose, you must know, that whenever it cannot be fitted to your foot, then death is already about to take place. " The fact was rea- lized, and it accorded with Finan's prediction. '* Once the leg of his chariot- horse was broken, but the saint's benediction restored the fractured limb, and the animal was enabled to draw the chariot. s St. Finan asked a certain king to liberate a hostage he held in chains, but when the king's son objected to such request,thatsametime,hebecameamute. Then,oursaintpromisedthe king, if his captive were restored to liberty, that very same moment, his son should be healed. The king promised to do so, and immediately, his son was restoredtotheuseofspeech. * Forawholeyear,oneofSt. Finan'smonks could not walk, until the Abbot visited him, on a certain day, and with a bless-
"
ing, he made the sign of the cross. He also said,
with me, and hold the horses. " When he had thus spoken, the infirm brother was healed. ' During a great fall of rain, upon a multitude of people around him, the garments of all were thoroughly drenched ; yet, not a single drop fell upon Finan, so that all present were in admiration, at this extraordinary manifestation of a good Providence watching over him. *
A certain holy person is mentioned, in'a Life of St. Mochoemoc,^ Abbot
of Lietlimore, in Ely O'Carroll, as having been in this monastery, on a parti-
cular occasion '° is of that this Finan must have been ; and, Colgan opinion,
identical with our saint. " His supposition is not improbable, as Kinnitty, where the holy Abbot resided, was situated, not far from that neighbourhood.
Our saint was a contemporary and relative, it is said, to Sl Mochelloc," of Kil- mallock, whom he visited on a certain occasion, bringing with him two cows andacalf,asapresent. Itappears,somewolveshaddevouredanothercalf, belonging to one of these cows ; and, St. Finan, having blessed the living calf, it was caressed, by that cow, which had lost its offspring, as much as it should have been by its own dam. Mochelloc, then an old man, gave orders
'
In Vita S. Finani, cap. xxii. , p. 262.
^ See his Life, at the 23rd of September.
cherius, at the 13th of March, chap. iL, where some notice is placed upon record.
'° See " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's
nise," xiii. Martii, VitaS. Mochoemoci, cap. xviii. , p. 592.
" See ibid. , IL 23, p. 597.
" See an account of him, at the 26th day of March.
* See Vita S. Finani,
cap.
xxiii. ,
p.
262.
s See ibid. , cap. xxiv. , p. 262. '
See ibid. , cap. xxv. , pp. 262, 263.
' See ibid. , cap. xxvi. , p. 263.
' See ibid. , cap. xxvii. , p. 263.
' See the Life of St. Mochoenihog, or Pul-
Vol. IV. —No, 2.
e
If this shoe, used each day during your life,
Arise, my brother, come
66 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 7.
for his discipleSj to take good care of this living calf, lest the wolves should devour it, in like manner. One of Finan's disciples, on hearing these com- mands, said, that this calf should not die, so long as their holy senior Finan was there ; but, however, on the following night, a wolf devoured it. Finan then requested Mochelloc to have his cows milked, and when a servant went forth for such a purpose, that wolf, which had been a destroyer on the night before, presented himself in a docile manner before the cows, who licked him with demonstrations of affection. St. Finan then said to his venerable friend : "ItisbetterforustoaskofGodanothercalf,thantohavethewolf. " Then, both saints prayed, and afterwards, a white calf, but, having red ears,
"
This calf shall only remain with you, so long as these cows have milk, and until they arc about to bring forth young. " As the wolf had not departed to a very great
:
distance,oursaintcontinued "Thatwolfshallbeguardianofyourcalves,
to the time of his death, nor shall he injure any animal. " Such prediction was afterwards fulfilled. '3 The substance of this legend is contained, also, in the old Life of St. Finan of Kinnetty. '*
Our saint healed five paralytics, as also, five mutes. One day, as he entered a smith's shop, the iron-worker was engaged drawing iron from the fire, when
the saint what he should then " Take do,
approached the cows, and the wolf retired. Finan then said,
the broke in his hand. tongs
Asking
the iron firmly in your hand, and strike it with tlie sledge," was his reply.
This order the smith obeyed, nor did his hand suffer any injury from the fire. '5 One day, some guests were expected to arrive at his monastery, and F"inan sent a monk to an adjoining pasture field, where there was no water, yet with direcUons to bring from it three fishes. His order was obeyed, and the fish were found there, as he had indicated. '^
The Rev. Dr. Lanigan is of opinion, that St. Finan was the founder of Ceall-achaidh-Conchinn monastery, and the more so, as he had been a native of Corcaduibhne, in which it was situated ; '7 but, he appears to have over- looked Colgan's remark, for apparently, the latter writer had materials, which should not favour such a conclusion. "^ Nor does this appear, in the Life of St. Finan, which we have seen. Among other matters written, a house of Cyclo-
pean style, on Church Island, placed in Lough Lee, or Lough Currane, county of Kerry, is said to have been called after St. Finan Cam. '9 It lies, on the boun- dary linesof the baronies of Iveragh and Dunkeerin. However, it seems to me very questionable, if the present saint were, in reality, the patron of this place ; for, the people here celebrated their festival,^" on the i6th of March,^' and this should seem to connect it with St. Finan Lobhar, whose habitation was beside
'3 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- niae," xxvi. Martii, De S. Mochelloco Kel- locia Patrono, p. 749.
'* See Codex Manuscriptus Inisensi, Vita S. Finani, cap. xxviii. , p. 263.
'5 See ibtd. , cap. xxix. , xxx. , p. 263.
" See ibid. , cap. xxxi. , pp. 263, 264.
'' See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. iii. , chap, xvii. , sec. iv. , n. 48, p. 19.
' See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xvi.
Martii, Vita S. Abbani, cap. xx. , p. 615, and n. 18, p. 622.
'' See Dr. George Petrie's " Ecclesiastical
Architecture and Round Tower or Ireland,"
Part ii. , sec. ii. , p. 130.
"° See Charles Smith's " Natural and Civil
History of Kerry," chap, v. , pp. 99, 100. " This celebration is continued, to our time, at the Well of St. Finian, not far from
the present village of Waterville, as the Rev Eugene Murphy, C.
1838.
^3 In the churchyard, there are found no
ancient inscriptions, which might indicate the antiquity of this place. Tliere is one head-stoneinit, whichbearssomeornameii- tal lines indented, and, it is looked upon, by the people, as being of remote date.
343^5"King'sCountyLettersoftheOrd- nance Survey," and now preserved, in the Royal Irish Academy, vol. ii. , pp. 88, 89, 91,92. T. O'Conor's Letter, dated Birr, February 2nd, 1S38. Mr. O'Conor, after- wards gives historic notices, relating to Kin- netty. /;4/'rf. , pp. 92, 93.
3sxhisisrelaled,in chapterviii. , ofhisLife.
^s See Codex Manuscriptus, ex Codice Inisensi, Vita S. Finani, cap. viii. , p. 259.
King's County Letters, Ord-
April 7. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 61
CHAP1 ER 11.
FISAN AT LOCH LEYN, OR KILLARNEV—HE IS PROBABLY THE PATRON THERE, AND AT AGHADOE—HIS MIRACLES.
In the old Life of St Finan, it is stated, that on one occasion, he had caused a boat to be built, near the waters of Loch Leyn, in Kerry,' and he sent word to the Regulus of its territory, tliat some of his people should come and haul it into the lake. The king and his servants obeyed that summons, but they were not able to carry it towards the water ; yet, by angelic power, this task was easily accomplished. " From this account, it may be inferred, that our saint lived' for some time, at or near the present Lakes of Killarney. Only on one of its Islands do we find, that an ancient religious house stood ; and, it may be questioned, if St. Finan of Kinnitty had not more connexion with it, than St. Finan, the Leper,3 who is popularly regarded as the founder. Be-
. -"353^:^
. St. ? 'inian"s Church on Innisfallen, Lower Lake of Killarney.
sides the monastery of Innis-Faithlenn,* which was the home of learned men, until destroyed in the reign of Henry VIII. , the Cathedral Church of Agha- doe 5 was also dedicated to St. Finnain Lobhar, it is thought. He was con-
sideredthepatronofSouthKerry. * Thispopularideamaybeerroneous, likewise, nor do the Acts of the latter saint sustain it; while, in the biography
of St. Finan Cam, he is represented, at least, as residing near Aghadoe,
namely, at Loch Leyn, or Killarney.
Chapter ii. —• The Latin has it "prope
Stagnum de Loch Leyn in Kyrrigia. " Before our saint's birth, hi. s mother is said to have bathed in Loch Leyn.
' Ex Manuscripto Codice Inisensi, cap. ix. , p. 259.
5 See his Life, at the i6th of March.
* The accompanying illustration of St.
Within two miles, over the margin of
Finan's old church, on the Island of Innis- fallen, is from a photogmpli, drawn on the wood, by William F. Wakeman, and en- graved, by Mrs. Millard.
5 The interesting doorway of Aghadoe Church is engraved, and represented, in Miss
Cusack's "
Kerry," chap, iii. , p. 51.
History
of
the Kingdom of
62 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[April 7.
the Lower Lake at Killarney, on a site of surpassing magnificence, and on an
eminence, are the rains of Aghadoe church, formerly called Aghaboe. 7 This
place is of great antiquity, and it had been likewise dedicated to St. Finian.
Excepting the stump of an old round tower,^ and the ruins of a small old
castle,9nohouseorbuildingstandsnearit. '° Inthe"AnnalsofInnisfallen,"
"
Aghadoe is called
extreme antiquity. It is supposed, that the Round Tower fell during the last century," but no description of its state, when perfect, now remains. "
At one time, wliile the saint and his companions were on their way, cer-
tain miscreants met them, and intended to murder them; but, they were for-
tunately rescued by a valiant man, named Lonan, and, in return for this
the old abbey," and this seems a sufficient evidence of its
" Because on this
of the Faith, never shall your enemies prevail against you, but to the day of
Leyn,
favour,
St. Finan
said,
day you have saved us from enemies
your death you shall continue to be victorious. " '3 On a certain occasion, when Finan was about to visit his people, he received hospitality from a poor and pious man, who killed a calf, belonging to the only cow he had, to enter- tain his guest. On learning this circumstance, on the following day, the holy man prayed to God for his host, and immediately a calf appeared to replace that,whichhadbeenkilled. ThishappenednearLochLeyn,andthere,too,a horse under the chariot of Finan dropped dead. In a miraculous manner, a horse of a hyacinth '•• colour came up from Loch
and that celebrated animal continued with him for three years. At the end of this time, our saint is said to have ordered him to return again into the lake, from which he issued, and this was accomplished. '5 Another remarkable miracle is recorded, re- garding a great tree, which lay prostrate on the road, over which the chariot of St. Finan pa. ssed, and by his command, the tree arose to its original posi- tion, so that the chariot was enabled to move without impediment. However, when it had passed, the tree once more inclined to the earth, yet not even a
branch was broken, notwithstanding the changes of position effected. '* On a certain day, while journeying, in a chariot, by the sea-side, it chanced, that a marshy place had been an obstacle in the way. St. Finan desired his charioteer to drive over it, without any hesitation ; and, when the driver obeyed this order, the plain beneath became so firm, that not even the hoofs of his horses, nor the chariot wheels, showed signs of being wet from the salt-water. '? Another time, a paralysed boy, who had no use of his limbs whatever, was brought toour saint, who, embracing him, and on applying his hands, com- manded him, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to arise, and to walk. The youth was able miraculously to fulfil this injunction. '* One day, while thirsty, he told a servant with him, to procure water. However, none was known to be near, until Finan, ordering a sod of earth to be raised, a well of
water immediately sprang from the earth. '?
In the territory of Corcabuibne, the place of our saint's nativity, a great
^
See ibid.
7 In Latin, called
Irish round towers remained at
"See Miss Cusack's interesting account
of the ruins at this in her " of place, History
the Kingdom of Kerry," chap, xxiii. , pp. 371, 372.
'3 See Vita S. Finani, cap. x. , p. 259. « The adjective used is " iacinthini. "
'5 SeeVita
« S. Finani, cap. xi. , p. 259.
"
English, "the field of the cow. "
Aghadoe.
^ " In the
Traveller's New Guide through Ireland," there is a map of the Killarney Lakes, and the tower there appears as high
as the old church gable.
9 In "Guide to Wright's
Campus bovis," or in
the
"> See Charles Smith's " Natural and 260.
Killarney," old castle is called the Pulpit.
See Vita S. Finani, cap. xii. , pp. 259, ? See ibid. , cap. xiii. , p. 260.
'8
See ibid. , cap. xiv. , p, 260. ' See ? ««'. , cap. xv. , p. 260.
Civil History of the County of Kerry," chap. vi. , p. 147.
"Smith in his "History of Kerry," only mentions, that a stump of one of the
April 7. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 63
disturbance arose, and the people sent word to St. Finan, that they were
A king, named Nectan,'° with his army, had vowed the destruction of the Cor- caduibne. Finan went to meet the tyrant, and to seek, if possible, to dis- suade him from that expedition. But Nectan, hearing about his purpose, sent messengers to state, that all interference should prove useless, as he was re- solvedontheirextermination. However,Finanwasnoteasilydiverted,from
"
sorely pressed, by their enemies, against whom they sought for his aid.
he had an interview with Nectan, and asked for a truce of one
his resolution
month, yet, he could not obtain it. The saint returned to his people, and blessing Holy Water, he desired them to drink of it, so that the spirit of God might strengthen them, to resist all assaults of their enemies. He also directed, that they should not leave the bounds of their own territory, but
;
rather there wait the attack. He said,
over your enemies, be not filled with pride, but give all glory to the Lord of Hosts, who is able to conquer with a few, as he is with a multitude. " The tyrant Nectan had brought an army of five thousand men, to spoil and to destroytheirdistrict; while,onlyafewoftheCorcaduibnecouldbemustered, toopposehim. TrustinginGod'sprotection,however,thelatterpeoplewere enabled to defend themselves ; and, in the very first attack, thirty of their enemies were killed, while this loss was doubled, on a renewal of the con- flict. " The tyrant was still obstinate, in a desire to be revenged on his opponents. ThenSt. FinansentamessagetoNectan,hishorseshoulddie that day, as a sign ; that, on the day following, he should cease to be a king ; and that even his kingdom should be taken away from him, while he should teanexileforsevenyears. Heprophesied,also,howNectan,who,onthat day, relied so much on the multitude of his forces, should be obliged, after- wards, to carry wood, on his shoulders, for the fire ; while, instead of that curiously fabricated dwelling then possessed, the oppressor should feel grate- ful, if he could only find a hollow tree, in the wood, wherein he might be able to take refuge. Until all these conditions were fulfilled, Nectan could not againbecomeaking,sincehehaddi. sobeyedFinan'sinjunctions. Thesaint signified, moreover, that he should not obtain the kingdom, until the king humbly served himself, and learned to love the people, whose destruction he now sought. While the Prophet of the Most High announced these tidings, the invaders beheld their own country, as it were in flames ; and especially, the castles of their king, were the first to take fire. Wherefore, the men of
that invading force rushed away hastily, to protect their own possessions ; yet, on returning, no conflagration was observable, nor were their houses burned. It was assumed, therefore, that the Almighty desired their fear of St. Finan to be confirmed, by such a prodigy. '' All that St. Finan had pro- phesied, regarding the king, was literally fulfilled. His horse died that day, andhewasanexileforsevenyears,fromhiskingdom. Afterhehadbeen ignominiously expelled, Nectan went to Dermitius,'^ the son of Cearuayll, with whom he lived for a while. Then the king's servant ordered him, to take his part, in bearing wood for a fire to be kindled. Afterwards, leaving the castle of King Diermit, with five other companions, Nectan wandered through
^ His record, ! n the Irish Annals, does not seem to be known. We read of a Neach- Ian, son of Canann, who died A. D. 616. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 240, 241.
261.
" He seems to have been no other than
Diarmaid, the son of Fearghus Ceirrbheoil, who was king over Ireland, from a. d. 539 to A. D. 558. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals
" In the Irish Annals, we do not find any of the B'our Masters," vol. i. , pp. igj to account of this raid. 201.
" See Vita S. Finani, cap. xtL, pp. , 360
If God this day give you the victory,
64 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 7.
a wood, and there found a liollow tree, in which he took a little repose. Still, all these misfortunes tended to a useful result ; for Nectan became penitent, and humbled in spirit, he sought once more his own country. There, he asked pardon from God, and from St. Finan. Thus, being sufficiently humi- liated, through the influence of our saint, Nectan once more came into pos- session of his former kingdom. '^
Another miracle is related, regarding a man, who, pressed for time on a long journey, sought aid from Finan. The saint, sympathizing in his necessi- ties, blessed him ; and, in three hours, the traveller was enabled to make as much way, as an ordinary man could in three days. 'S One of his brothers visited Cainnachty,'* where F'inan dwelt, and told the saint, he was under an engagement to his chief, that seven maid servants should be procured, to re-
deemamortgageonhishereditaryfarm. ^7 Thedayforredemptionhadbeen already fixed, but the tribute could not be paid. The saint paid little appa- rent attention to his brother's complaint, but on the day appointed for the contract being fulfilled, suddenly was the man removed from Cianachtius,^^ where he slept the night before, to his own land of Corcadubhny. He there found a sum of money, which was sufficient to pay his tribute to the chief, and he gave thanks to God and to our saint, for such favours as he obtained. ^' During the autumnal season, one day when great rain fell, so as to prevent the labours of other husbandmen, the harvesters of our saint were able to pursue their work, without one single drop falling on them, or within the cir- cuit of that field, in which they were engaged reaping. It so happened, that a chariot, or waggon, belonging to St.
Finan, lay across a hedge, which bounded it; and, although one part was within the hedge, and the other with- out, in a field, where the rain fell, the reapers remarked, that it escaped entirely from a wetting. 3° One day, while on his journey, a certain man was led out for execution ; but, the saint asked, in God's name, for the life of that doomed person. The executioners regarded his words as vain, but when their hands were raised to inflict death on their captive, these became paralysed. In fine, the bound man was released, and those, who were present, extolled the servant of God, who wrought such a miracle. 3'
CHAPTER III.
ST. FINAN AND KING FAILBE FLANN—MIRACLES OF OUR SAINT—OPINIONS REGARDING HIS CONNEXION WITH PLACES IN KERRY—A CONTEMPORARY WITH ST. MOCHELLOC AND ST. MOCHOEMOC—ST. FINAN'S ILLNESS AND DEATH—PLACES THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN UNDER HIS PATRONAGE—CALENDAR COMMEMORATIONS—CONCLUSION.
On another occasion, Finan went to a king, named Fland, who niled over a
certain territory. ' He desired to obtain the remission of taxes, which weighed
heavily on the people. Hearing about his designs, a certain counsellor of
"
you request. " Whereupon Finan answered : "If you do not grant that which
Flann cried out,
Even if you fast before him, the king will not remit what
°* See Vita S. Finani, cap. xvii. , p. 261.
^ See ibid. , cap. xx. , pp. 261, 262.
'
°s See ibid. , xviii. , cap.
°* Or Kinnitty.
3' gee Mb. , — xxi. , cap. p.
^ This incident illustrates curious ancient usagesandmanners.
" The Latinised form for Kinnetty, in the Vita S. Finani.
•s See ibid. , cap. xix. , p. 261.
he was iTAitbe fUinn, who was king over Cashel,atthattime; and,heisprobaljlythe king alluded to, in the Life of St. Mochoem-
hog, or St. Pulcherius, chap, iij. , at the 13th of March.
p.
261.
262.
Chapter hi. From the text we learn,
April 7. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 65
I ask for, fire shall come from Heaven, and bum your habitation. " Then happenedadoubleprodigy. NotonlylightningfromHeavencameinstantly, and burned down the house, before their eyes ; but, at that time, a boy, who had been infirm from the time of his birth, was restored to health, while the evil counsellor of the king was deprived of the use of his tongue. On wit- nessing this, the king relented, in his purpose, and granted the saint's request. Then, as the king desired it, in the presence of all, the mute was restored to the use of his speech, while our saint gave his blessing to the monarch. '
There was a St. P'inanus, who led the life of an anchorite, for many years, near the monastery of Dar-magh, or " the plain of the oak wood," while this lay,likewise,ontheconfinesofEliaandFera-Kellia; but,hemusthavebeen a distinct person from our saint, who hardly could have lived, afterwards, down to the time of St. Adamnan,3 about or after the year 660. Our saint cured a man, who for a year and a-half had been infirm, nor could he derive any benefit, from the aid of medical men. With Finan's blessing, he slept without disturbance orpain, during three whole days. Aftenvards, that man was abletorise,yet,somepaincontinuedinhisfoot. Thesaintsuppliedhimwitha
"
shoe to cover it, and he said,
continue to serve its purpose, you must know, that whenever it cannot be fitted to your foot, then death is already about to take place. " The fact was rea- lized, and it accorded with Finan's prediction. '* Once the leg of his chariot- horse was broken, but the saint's benediction restored the fractured limb, and the animal was enabled to draw the chariot. s St. Finan asked a certain king to liberate a hostage he held in chains, but when the king's son objected to such request,thatsametime,hebecameamute. Then,oursaintpromisedthe king, if his captive were restored to liberty, that very same moment, his son should be healed. The king promised to do so, and immediately, his son was restoredtotheuseofspeech. * Forawholeyear,oneofSt. Finan'smonks could not walk, until the Abbot visited him, on a certain day, and with a bless-
"
ing, he made the sign of the cross. He also said,
with me, and hold the horses. " When he had thus spoken, the infirm brother was healed. ' During a great fall of rain, upon a multitude of people around him, the garments of all were thoroughly drenched ; yet, not a single drop fell upon Finan, so that all present were in admiration, at this extraordinary manifestation of a good Providence watching over him. *
A certain holy person is mentioned, in'a Life of St. Mochoemoc,^ Abbot
of Lietlimore, in Ely O'Carroll, as having been in this monastery, on a parti-
cular occasion '° is of that this Finan must have been ; and, Colgan opinion,
identical with our saint. " His supposition is not improbable, as Kinnitty, where the holy Abbot resided, was situated, not far from that neighbourhood.
Our saint was a contemporary and relative, it is said, to Sl Mochelloc," of Kil- mallock, whom he visited on a certain occasion, bringing with him two cows andacalf,asapresent. Itappears,somewolveshaddevouredanothercalf, belonging to one of these cows ; and, St. Finan, having blessed the living calf, it was caressed, by that cow, which had lost its offspring, as much as it should have been by its own dam. Mochelloc, then an old man, gave orders
'
In Vita S. Finani, cap. xxii. , p. 262.
^ See his Life, at the 23rd of September.
cherius, at the 13th of March, chap. iL, where some notice is placed upon record.
'° See " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Colgan's
nise," xiii. Martii, VitaS. Mochoemoci, cap. xviii. , p. 592.
" See ibid. , IL 23, p. 597.
" See an account of him, at the 26th day of March.
* See Vita S. Finani,
cap.
xxiii. ,
p.
262.
s See ibid. , cap. xxiv. , p. 262. '
See ibid. , cap. xxv. , pp. 262, 263.
' See ibid. , cap. xxvi. , p. 263.
' See ibid. , cap. xxvii. , p. 263.
' See the Life of St. Mochoenihog, or Pul-
Vol. IV. —No, 2.
e
If this shoe, used each day during your life,
Arise, my brother, come
66 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 7.
for his discipleSj to take good care of this living calf, lest the wolves should devour it, in like manner. One of Finan's disciples, on hearing these com- mands, said, that this calf should not die, so long as their holy senior Finan was there ; but, however, on the following night, a wolf devoured it. Finan then requested Mochelloc to have his cows milked, and when a servant went forth for such a purpose, that wolf, which had been a destroyer on the night before, presented himself in a docile manner before the cows, who licked him with demonstrations of affection. St. Finan then said to his venerable friend : "ItisbetterforustoaskofGodanothercalf,thantohavethewolf. " Then, both saints prayed, and afterwards, a white calf, but, having red ears,
"
This calf shall only remain with you, so long as these cows have milk, and until they arc about to bring forth young. " As the wolf had not departed to a very great
:
distance,oursaintcontinued "Thatwolfshallbeguardianofyourcalves,
to the time of his death, nor shall he injure any animal. " Such prediction was afterwards fulfilled. '3 The substance of this legend is contained, also, in the old Life of St. Finan of Kinnetty. '*
Our saint healed five paralytics, as also, five mutes. One day, as he entered a smith's shop, the iron-worker was engaged drawing iron from the fire, when
the saint what he should then " Take do,
approached the cows, and the wolf retired. Finan then said,
the broke in his hand. tongs
Asking
the iron firmly in your hand, and strike it with tlie sledge," was his reply.
This order the smith obeyed, nor did his hand suffer any injury from the fire. '5 One day, some guests were expected to arrive at his monastery, and F"inan sent a monk to an adjoining pasture field, where there was no water, yet with direcUons to bring from it three fishes. His order was obeyed, and the fish were found there, as he had indicated. '^
The Rev. Dr. Lanigan is of opinion, that St. Finan was the founder of Ceall-achaidh-Conchinn monastery, and the more so, as he had been a native of Corcaduibhne, in which it was situated ; '7 but, he appears to have over- looked Colgan's remark, for apparently, the latter writer had materials, which should not favour such a conclusion. "^ Nor does this appear, in the Life of St. Finan, which we have seen. Among other matters written, a house of Cyclo-
pean style, on Church Island, placed in Lough Lee, or Lough Currane, county of Kerry, is said to have been called after St. Finan Cam. '9 It lies, on the boun- dary linesof the baronies of Iveragh and Dunkeerin. However, it seems to me very questionable, if the present saint were, in reality, the patron of this place ; for, the people here celebrated their festival,^" on the i6th of March,^' and this should seem to connect it with St. Finan Lobhar, whose habitation was beside
'3 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- niae," xxvi. Martii, De S. Mochelloco Kel- locia Patrono, p. 749.
'* See Codex Manuscriptus Inisensi, Vita S. Finani, cap. xxviii. , p. 263.
'5 See ibtd. , cap. xxix. , xxx. , p. 263.
" See ibid. , cap. xxxi. , pp. 263, 264.
'' See "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. iii. , chap, xvii. , sec. iv. , n. 48, p. 19.
' See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," xvi.
Martii, Vita S. Abbani, cap. xx. , p. 615, and n. 18, p. 622.
'' See Dr. George Petrie's " Ecclesiastical
Architecture and Round Tower or Ireland,"
Part ii. , sec. ii. , p. 130.
"° See Charles Smith's " Natural and Civil
History of Kerry," chap, v. , pp. 99, 100. " This celebration is continued, to our time, at the Well of St. Finian, not far from
the present village of Waterville, as the Rev Eugene Murphy, C.
