Senan's birth, but even before the
preaching
of St.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
Martii.
Vita Metrica S.
Senani,
Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kilkenny," Sheets 18, 22. The town and townland proper are on Sheet 18.
;"
be employed in, the most humble offices. Hence, he assumed the care of
grinding corn, at a mill, belonging to the monastery. Some robbers, in this
neighbourhood, noticing that Senan was often alone, and engaged during
night, tending the mill, formed a design of entering it, to take away corn, be-
longing to the monks. Before putting their intentions into execution, they
approached the door, and looking through an opening, they discovered two young men—one was engaged at reading, while the other tended the mill. The robbers doubted if they should enter, as there were two persons within ; but, one of the band gave it as his opinion, that they must wait for some
time, as those two young men could not be members of the same family, or
employed at the same duties. One was supposed to be the miller, and the
other, a person who had brought corn to be ground, which, when ready, he
would take away. It was proposed, by the robbers, to await the presumed egress of this latter person, whom they intended to deprive of the com, and
whatever else he might possess. Having accomplished these objects, they
were afterwards to attack that man, who remained alone in the mill, and thus
take all they might be able there to procure. This counsel was generally
approved, by the others ; but, whilst expecting the egress of one or other of
those young men, they waited in vain, and for a long time. They observed,
likewise, that neither of them slept until morning, when Senan came forth,
with an intention of returning to the monastery. On opening the mill-door, those robbers rushed forward and entered it. They asked, at the same time,
where and who was that other young man, who assisted in working the mill,
" What if it were of whom it is he he, said,
Senan
sleeps not, nor shall he sleep, who watches over Israel ? " 5 They insisted on finding out, where his companion should be found, when the saint replied :
3 gee Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- cap. viii. , ix. , pp, 515, 516, and Vita niae," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani,
Secunda S. Senani, cap. xi. , p. 527.
cap. x. , p. 516, and Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xii. , pp. 527, 528.
• Matt, xxiii. , II.
s See Psalms cxx. , 4.
^ See "The Legend of Iniscathy," in
Chapter ii. —' See his of July.
Life,
at the
31st
This parish is in tlie barony of Cran- nagh, and it is described on tlie " Ordnance
224 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
" He is near to all who invoke him. " At these words, the robbers were
touched with sorrow, and bursting into tears, they promised to repent and to amend their lives. At the same time, they asked to be received among the brethren. Full of joy, our saint promised that their request should be attended to, and he led them to St. Natalis. ^ Having received the monastic habit, they continued with him, in a holy course of living, to the end of their mortal pilgrimage. 7 At another time, St. Senan asked the monastic cook for some candles, which should be necessary for him, while prosecuting his labours at the mill. ^ The cook answered, in a short time, he expected to havesomeready,buthehadnone,atthatpresentmoment. Senanwentto the mill, at the same instant, and he did not return for a week, to repeat his demand, on the cook. Wondering how Senan had obtained light, to prose- cute his labours, during this lengthened period, the cook resolved to see, if he had been engaged at work, during all this time, or how he had procured light. At nightfall, going to the mill, and on looking through a crevice in the door, he saw a candle placed in a candlestick, while Senan was engaged reading; and,themillstonescontinuedgrindingwithoutcessation,noperson being required to supply the grain, nor to furnish any human assistance. Astonished at such a wonderful spectacle, the cook returned to his cell ; and, on a second and third visit, he witnessed a repetition of what had at first occurred : moreover, he observed, that it was the same candle, which he had given many days before, and which yet remained miraculously unconsumed. The cook related this whole affair to St. Natalis, who extolled the virtues of our saint. At the same time, he predicted, that God would afterwards work many and great miracles through him. 9
After relating an occurrence, which will be found in the Acts of St.
'°
— and
to a miracle
thire" the Metrical Life of our Saint is defective ; but, it is to be presumed,
that this deficiency, in a great measure, is supplied by the Second Life. After stating the circumstances of the miracle alluded to, it proceeds with a narra- tive of events, in the following order. We are told, that this wonder and other
St. the fame of his far and — miracles, wrought by Senan, spread sanctity, wide,
Natalis, referring
at a called Killmor-aradh- wrought place
through
all the
adjoining regions.
Numbersof
people infirmity
resorted to him
— might be instructed by him, in the practice of a spiritual life
that
" Hibernian
Duffy's I, p. 37.
be relieved from
and
that many, to ask
some,
they might
pains
others, —
they
Magazine,"
vol.
monks. discovered some names, in the Irish Calen- dars, which seem to correspond with those of Conmacus, Cyrillus and Hilarius, and whose festivals are assigned to different days of the year ; he would not undertake to assert, nevertheless, that these were to be confounded with the monks, who lived under
1 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nias," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xiii. , p. 528. The author of this Life
"
No. been robbers became
i. , holy
adds, regarding those converts,
sunt qui de se hanc historiam narraverunt. "
The foregoing circumstances are almost
similarly related, in the Vita Metrica S. St. Natalis' rule. ^&e. , ibid. , w. 9, p. 525.
et ipsi
Senani, cap. xii. , pp. 517, 518 ; but, in the latter, we are told, the num—ber and names
*
Another story is to the effect, that he read at night, using the fingers of his left
of those robbers, as follows
hand as candles. See Rev. S.
Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March viii. , p. 160.
» See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xiv. ,p. 528. Thecircumstancesofthis miracle are related differently, and much more extravagantly, in Vita Metrica S. Senani, cap. xi. , pp. 516, 517.
'°
At the 31st of July,
" The situation of this place is not known,
at present.
:
Per idem tempus Conmacus, Cyrillus et Hilarius,
Tres fratres pares opere, Prsedas solebant agere,
Et sub noctis silentio Intrare latrocinio. "
Colgan gives a note, on this passage, in which he confesses himself at a loss to find, who were those brothers, who from having
Baring-
"
Having
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 225
the benefit of his prayers—some, with donations and offerings made to him
for religious purposes, and others again, to put themselves under his direction, astheirspiritualadviserandfather. Seeingandhearingmiracleswroughtby
our saint, through the grace of God, and learning his fame for sanctity,
diffused among the people, the holy Abbot Natalis at once came to the con-
clusion, that his disciple was more worthy to rule over others, than to continue
longer the subject of any religious superior. Hereupon, he commanded
Senan's retirement to another place, where, with more advantage, he might
betake himself to the instruction of others. He was recommended to under-
take the direction of a monastic institute, where he might train religious men,
in the virtues of their state. With great reluctance, on his part, and after
remonstrance with the abbot ; at length, our saint humbly acquiesced in his
sujDerior's views, and asked advice, as to the place he should select, for this
new establishment. Natalis answered, that such direction should be asked, and
expected from him, by whom he had been called to a high office. Wherefore,
obeying the orders of his abbot, Senan took leave of him, and the rest of his
brethren. Having received his superior's blessing, our saint directed his
course towards eastern Leinster. Being admonished by an angel, he came
to an island, lying in the River Slaney, called Inis-conirthe,^^ in the territory
of Hy-Kinsellagh. It is probable, that this place, so written, in St. Senan's
Second Life, was identical with the present Enniscorthy,'^ a market town
situated on the River Slaney, in the barony of Scarawalshe, in Wexford
County. This town was formerly called Inis-Corthadh,'+ and even to this
day, the inhabitants of Kilkenny County call it Inis-Cortha. 'S While Senan
remained in this place, it is said, he contracted a friendship and familiarity
with Blessed Maidoc,'^ Archbishop of Ferns. '7 Dr. Lanigan however main-
tains, that St. Maidoc was not born at this time ; but, he allows, that at a
subsequent period, when young, he might have formed an acquaintance with
St. Senan.
'^
^^
Dr. O'Donovan states, that this is a mis- print for 1ni]' C6n\c'ne.
have been the capital of the Coriondi. As to the Chevalier de Montmorency's conjee-
and Templeshannon, are in the baronies of is false ; for, it appears from the Irish
authorities, that it is not the original form of
the name. The name is really compounded
of "an and aman's inis, island," Corthadh,
name. Mr. O'Donovan then refers, in proof, to his observations, on the name of
'3 The town and townland of
that the name is of Enis- compounded
Enniscorthy, ture,
in the parishes of St. Mary's, Enniscorthy, scor-teach, "the stud house pasturage," it
Scarawalsh and Ballaghkeen, and are shown "
on the Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
for the of Sheets 26. County Wexford," 20,
'* In Irish, \x\\\ Cb\\t&\-o, is also the
name given for it in the "Annals of the
Four Masters," at the year 1460.
'5
Speaking of this town, Enniscorthy, Mr. John O'Donovan, in the Antiquarian Letters of the Irish Ordnance Survey for
"
Wexford, says: Gough, in his foolish
additions to Camden, supposes this town to
have been the capital of the Coriondi of
Ptolemy ; and the Chevalier de Montmor- summer of 1840. Notices regarding this ency, in his communications to Mr. Brewer,
observes, that the name may be also derived
from^ Enis-scor-teach, the stud house pastur-
age. " Mr. O'Donovan adds, that the gentle-
men just mentioned are no authorities, and
their conclusions are merely unlearned con-
jectures. There is no evidence whatever, to
show that Enniscorthy was a town, a village,
or even a rath, before the arrival of the
English, nor anything but a green island,
formed by the River Slaney, near which
there was a primitive little church, built by
St. Senan, and this shows, that it could not Vol. in. —No. 4.
land," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect, i. , n. 5, p. 4. '» The Second Life of St. Senan has it,
Enniskillen, in the county of Fermanagh. See "Letters containing Information re- lative to the Antiquities of the County of Wexford, collected during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey," vol. ii. , pp. 228, 229. These notices are signed "J. O'D. " They appear to have been written, in the
place, taken from the " Annals of the Four Masters," Colcan, Gough's Camden, Arch- dall, Mason, Brewer, follow the foregoing account.
'* See his Life, at the 31st of January,
^^ The parish, bearing this name, is in the baronies of Gorey ana Scarawalsh, and is shown on the " Ordnance Survey Maps for the County of Wexford," Sheets 10, 11, 15,
16, 20. The town itself is on Sheet 15.
'^ See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
p
2 26. LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
After some time, our saint had a desire of visiting Rome, on a pilgrimage to the Apostohc shrines. It was said, having satisfied his devotions in that city, he returned through Gaul, and visited the city of Tours,'9 where he remained for some time. Before he set out for Ireland, he went to Britain, and lived some time with St. David,^° Archbishop of Menevia, according to the Second Life. But, it is an opinion, that St. Senan's visit to David must have occurred, before the latter became Bishop over Menevia ; for, his accession to that see was not prior to the year 540, in all probability, and at this time, Senan was established at Iniscatthy. While, however, Dr. Lanigan allows, that a friendship had subsisted between David and Senan ; yet, he thinks it probable, that St. Senan never left Ireland, as nothing is found in his Metrical Life, regarding a visit to St. David in Britain. Besides, no mention is made of Senan, in the Life of St. David, published by Colgan and others ; although, certain Irish saints are spoken of, as having formed a personal acquaintance and friendship, with the Bishop of Menevia. How- ever, it has been supposed, that an intimacy and correspondence might have existed between Saints David and Senan, even without their having seen each other. ^^ It must be observed, besides positive evidence we possess from tradition and writing, that Senan visited St. David, and remained with him ; the probability is, that this presumed intimacy, between both saints, was the result of a personal familiarity, established between them. The fact, that no mention has been made of Senan, in St. David's Life, should not prevent us from supposing it possible, that our saint visited the holy Bishop of Menevia ;
for, it would appear, from our saint's Second Life, that little worthy of especial notice occurred, at that time, more than Senan's interview and departure. We must not too hastily conclude, from the circumstance of nothing having been mentioned, in St. Senan's Metrical Life, regarding his having, left Ireland, and his visit to St. David, that neither of these events took place. On the contrary, when giving an account of our saint's death, his Metrical Life remarks, that Senan had been allied in friendship with St. David, during the lifetime of this latter holy man ; and, it alludes to a previous account, confirmatory of such statement. It would appear, that both saims had mutually expressed a wish, to be removed from this life, and at the same time, one being unwilling to survive the other ; while, we are told, that their wishes were granted, in a miraculous manner. ^* From this account alone, it is quite evident, a friendship and conversation between both saints must have been previously related, in that part of the Metrical Life, which is nowleftdefective; and,thisomissionmostprobablyoccurred,throughsome negligence of a transcriber. "^3 Hence, all indications left us warrant the sup- position,thatapersonalinterviewtookplacebetweenbothsaints. Asinthe Life of St. David, we do not read that he ever visited Ireland, another infer-
" Visit et S. Martinum Turonensem ;" yet, this only means, that he visited the church and relics of St. Martin, wlio died, not only before St.
Senan's birth, but even before the preaching of St. Patrick, in Ireland. His death is usually referred, to the close of the fourth century ; while, his chief festival is held, on the nth of November.
Obiisse David inclytum
Menevensem Episcopum, Cui viventi, ut diximus Suus adliresit spiritus.
Res autem mira contigit, Ut hoc Senanus comperit ; Nam ut silii condixerant Dum simul ambo vixerant, Nolebant ultra vivere Collega non superstite, Sed mox carne exuitur, Sicut
'° *'
See his Life, at the 1st of March.
See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire- land," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect, i. , n. 6, p. 4.
"
to, in his Metrical Life
St. Senan's — is thus alluded departure
qui somno solvitur. "
"
In eodem ergo loco Recognovit ab Angelo
^^ See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani, cap. xxv. , p. 523, and n. 20, p. 525.
:
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 227
ence to be drawn is, that Senan must have been with him in Wales, or
perhaps in some more distant country,^* In St. Senan's Second Life, we are
toW, that on taking leave of St. David, this latter holy man presented him
with the staff used as a token of his '^s This was by himself, friendship. gift
brought to Ireland, by our saint. Having received the kiss of peace from St. David, Senan sailed over to his own country, with favouring winds. He landed on Ardmenedh Island,^^ which lay off that part of the Munster
which is called Iliatham ^ here he
coast,^7 f and, remained, during forty days,
to recover from the fatigues of his voyage. An angel was sent to warn him, that this was not the place, designed by the Almighty, for his rest and sepul- ture,butanotherwhichwasmoredistant. Itwasintimatedtohim,likewise, that before he could occupy that spot, ultimately designed for him by Provi- dence, he should first build many cells and churches to God's greater glory, and to promote the increase of monastic discipline in Ireland. ^9
Having left some disciples, in the place already mentioned, St. Senan went to an island, called Inniscarra,3° where he erected a church. While
dwelling in this place, a ship touched at the island, having fifty monks, who wereforeigners,carriedonboard. ThesereligiouswereRomansbybirth,3'or persons subject to Roman laws. They desired to perfect themselves in Scriptural knowledge, or to lead Hves of more strict observance ; for these
objects, at that time, Ireland furnished ample opportunities. 3^ They had * The Bollandists remark, that before passed this grant to Philip de Barry ; and, it
A. D. 519, it is not pretended that St. David
•was Archbishop, and St. Senan's Acts seem
to indicate, that when he visited the former,
sucli a dignity had been obtained. See
"
Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Martii viii, Secunda Vila S. Senani, n. (d), p. 773.
^5 This, in all probability, was not a staff, which the Patriarch of Jerusalem is said to have bestowed on St. David, and which was regarded in \\ ales as a valuable relic ; but, probably, it was a different one, which the holy Bishop of Menevia used on ordinary occasions.
was confirmed to William, son and heir of this latter, in the eighth year of King John's
reign. The three cantreds, already named, are included in the baronies of Barrymore,
Kinatalloon, and Imokiily, in the county of Cork, and of Coshmore and Coshbride, in the county of Waterford. These three can- treds were to the east of the city of Cork. From Irish history, we know, lii^ewise, that the present village of Castle-Lyons, or Cais- lean Ui Liathain, and the island, called Oilean Mor Arda Neimhidh, now the Great Island, near Cork, were in Ui Liathain. This gives us a good idea of its position, and
^^
on the coast of Waterford County, south of even of its extent. See Dr. O' Donovan's
This island is said to have been situated,
Ardmore ; and to have formed part ot the ancient diocese of Lismore. In the Book of Litanies of Tamlacht, the author invokes the prayers of 150 saints, who were patrons over this island, and who were there buried. See
" Leabhar na g-Ceart, or Book of Rights,"
n. (s), pp. 72, 73.
^^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber*
nire," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani,
cap. xviii. , xix. , pp. 528, 529.
3° This island is about hve miles distant
from Cork, near the River Lee, and in Barret's barony. Its site is indicated, in the Life of St. Senan, as being "juxta Lua. "
"The of
See, likewise, Legend Iniscathy,"
Colgan's viii. Martii.
P- 525.
Hibernise,"
" Acta Sanctorum
Vita Secunda S. Senani, n. 9,
=' In " The Legend of Iniscathy," Ardne- meth—as it is written—has been identified
" now the Great near Cork. "
in " Hibernian Duffy's
vol.
as,
See Duffy's No. I, p. 38.
Island,
Hibernian Magazine," vol. I,
Magazine,"
i. ,
"
No. I, p. 38.
3' Colgan calls our attention to this cir-
^^ By this we are probably to understand cumstance, as illustrating the reputation Ui-Lialhain, who as a tribe derived name enjoyed by our island for learning and and origin from Eochaidh Liathanach, the sanctity, among the Romans, and other son of Daire Cearba. When surnames were nations of Europe. During the age, in
established, the chief families of this tribe
were O'h-Anmchadhan and O'Liathain.
'I'hey were located on the west side of the
Blackwater River. After the English in-
vasion, Henry II. granted Ui-Liathain,
called Olethan, with Muscherie-Dunegan to It, in great numl)ers.
and Ivillede, to Robert Fitzstephen, who 3^ In another account, it is said, these
which St. Senan lived, and subsequent to it, Ireland is compared to another 'I'hebais,
and to a literary gymnasium, to preserve ecclesiastical studies, (orthe benefit of various nations in Euro|)e, which sent students over
2 28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
previously learned the fame of certain holy fathers, in our island, under whom they might find themselves exercised in rigorous discipline, and in
practices of most exalted sanctity. These religious strangers, we are told, were divided into five bands, each one of which comprised ten persons. Of these bands, one was destined for the magistracy of St. Finnian ;33 another for that of St. Brendan a third for St. Barrens a fourth for St. Kieran
;;; while, the fifth, was a band of persons, who intended to place themselves
under the training of St. Senan. During their voyage, it would appear, they had agreed among themselves, that each band should assume in turn the direction of their vessel. During that time, the ship was placed under the
protection of its working crew's special patron. It happened one day, while St. Senan's band had the direction, a violent head-wind arose, against which their bark laboured with such difficulty, that the destruction of those on board seemed imminent. The pilot warned them, that they must have recourse to prayer. Then, a certain holy bishop, named Mola,34 who was found among the passengers, arose from a table, at which he had been seated, as it was about the time for dining. Having invoked St. Senan's intercession, he made a sign of the cross, towards the opposing winds. Im- mediately, this great tempest ceased, and the winds, which had been adverse, changed their direction. Favourable breezes bore their vessel safely to Cork. Here, ten disciples remained, who placed themselves under the direction of St. Barrens : the remaining forty sailed to Iniscarra, where St. Senan hospitably received them, and retained with himself, the bishops, John35andMota,3^witheightothercompanions. St. Senanthensentthose disciples, who had chosen Finnian, Brendan, and Kieran, as their masters, to the respective homes assigned them, and to the directors of their choice. Afterwards, Lugadius, son to Kicbeth, who was King of Rathlendia territory, in which this monastery of Iniscara had been located, sent messengers to St. Senan, demanding tribute from the abbot, as a mark of subjection to his dynastic power. The saint refused, saying he would not recognise any secular master, to whom he owed fealty or tribute. Then, this king ordered one of his best horses to be brought to the monastery, where it was to be
Romans landed at Iniscattery or Cathay.
"
History of Limerick," part hi. , chap, iii. , p. 185.
33 In the Life of our saint, this name is by mistake first set down as Tinnians, but
the correction is supplied subsequently, and in a note, where we are referred to St.
unless, as Colgan observes, he be Bishop of Kill-airthirensis, bearing that name. The
Martyrology of Tallagh, Marianus and other writers, treat of him, at the 24th of October ;
or, perchance, he was John, Bishop of Lis- more, who is named, in our Calendars, at the 13th of November. See ibid. , n. 13, p. 535. It must be remarked, that those called bishops, at this time, might not have received
See Ferrar's
Barrens' Acts, at the 25th of September, to
those of Finnen, at the 23rd of February ;
to those of Brendan, at the i6th of May ;
and to those of St. Kieran, at the 9th of period. A very general practice of ancient
September. See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," viii. Martii. Secunda Vita S. Senani, n. 11, p. 535.
34 Colgan says, that he cannot find any name, thus written, among the saints of our country. He hazards a supposition, that the name might have been Molua ; and, he refers us to Marianus, who mentions this name, at the 25th of June, at the 15th and 20th of October, and at the 21st of Decern- ber. See ibid. , n. 12, p. 535. However, it
•is a great mistake to suppose, that we must so constantly refer to the Calendars, for the identification of persons named in the Acts of our Irish Saints.
35 The John here named is not known,
writers, in recorduig honours and titles con-
ferred upon saints, often anticipated only the after course of their lives. It is probable,
the bishop, who is called Mota, in the latter part of the chapter, was no other than he, who is named Mela, on that occasion, when he wrought a miracle, during the voyage, He might have been called Mola, or Mota ; but, it seems likely, that the latter spelling is one of the numerous typographical errors, to be found in Colgan's works.
3" The BoUandists call him Mola, and consider him to have been the spiritual father of St. Maidoc. See "Acta Sancto- rum,"tomusi. , Martiiviii. SecundaVita S. Senani, cap. iii. , num. 21, n. (i. ), p. 773.
episcopal consecration, until a subsequent
March 8.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
229
fed on corn, belonging to the monks. But, this horse, having been con- ducted thither, and washed in an adjoining river, was immediately suffocated
in the water; and, after plunging about for some time, he disappeared beneath its surface,37 When the dynast heard what had occurred, being moved with indignation, he went to St. Senan ; and, after having loaded him with injuries, the chief threatened death. But, the servant of God, in turn, declared to Lugadius, that if he would not cease to persecute those, who had devoted themselves to a religious life, this prince should experience Divine displeasure, in being deprived of heavenly joys, and the possession of his temporal honours, so that after himself, none of his posterity should enjoy his principality. As members of his family, this dynast had two youths, named Aldus and Lugadius,^^ who were much loved by him ; and, these young persons grieving for the treatment exhibited towards our saint, by their chieftain, endeavoured to persuade the latter, that he should abandon such course of conduct, lest he might draw down the vengeance of heaven on his family. They advised him to confess his faults, to repair the injuries he had so wantonly inflicted, and to endeavour, by such means, to effect a reconcilia- tion with our saint. Their representations had due weight, on the chieftain's mind, for he changed that course of conduct. Lugadius and Aidus hastened to the abbot, whom they approached with great reverence and humility, as well to show their profound respect, as to- obtain his pardon, for what already had occurred. They asked his blessing, and promised they would become his faithful and devoted clients. Senan gave them his benediction, predict- ing, at the same time, that the posterity of Lugadius should possess the principality of Rathlindia, and that the posterity of Aidus and Luogarius should succeed, and enjoy the territories of Ivechia. 39 Leaving eight of his disciples in this place,'*° among whom were St. Fechin,'*' son to the Dynast of Muschragia, and St. Chillin,t2 St. Senan went thence to another island,
37 It seems the island there had previously
been called Tuam nava ; but, after this
occurrence, it was denominated Inis-cara ;
which means in Latin, insula arnii, as cara
in Irish bears the signification of annus. In
"
word CA|\A has the meaning of "a leg," or
dius, tells us, that their history was written
in verse by Colman, son of Lenine, who died
in the year 6oi. Aidus, it is said, was father
to Cathakl, King of Munster, who died in
"
625.
was at
Aidus was young at that time. "
astical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. x. , sect, i. , n. 10, p. 5.
*° Colgan says, this island, called Iniscarra,
there is reason to suppose, was the same as
that denominated Cuil-ochtair, which means,
the
haunch. "
2* It would seem, that the youth here
about A. D. —
O'Reilly's
Irish-English Dictionary,"
Inniscarra, 532
;
whereas, " Ecclesi-
"
called Lugadius, is called Luogarius a little
lower down, in St. Senan's Prose Life. In
one instance or other, there is probably a typographical error ; but, without access to the
MSS. , it would not be an easy matter to determine the correct reading.
3' See Colgan's "Acta Sanctonmi Hiber- niae," viii. Martii.
Survey Townland Maps for the County of Kilkenny," Sheets 18, 22. The town and townland proper are on Sheet 18.
;"
be employed in, the most humble offices. Hence, he assumed the care of
grinding corn, at a mill, belonging to the monastery. Some robbers, in this
neighbourhood, noticing that Senan was often alone, and engaged during
night, tending the mill, formed a design of entering it, to take away corn, be-
longing to the monks. Before putting their intentions into execution, they
approached the door, and looking through an opening, they discovered two young men—one was engaged at reading, while the other tended the mill. The robbers doubted if they should enter, as there were two persons within ; but, one of the band gave it as his opinion, that they must wait for some
time, as those two young men could not be members of the same family, or
employed at the same duties. One was supposed to be the miller, and the
other, a person who had brought corn to be ground, which, when ready, he
would take away. It was proposed, by the robbers, to await the presumed egress of this latter person, whom they intended to deprive of the com, and
whatever else he might possess. Having accomplished these objects, they
were afterwards to attack that man, who remained alone in the mill, and thus
take all they might be able there to procure. This counsel was generally
approved, by the others ; but, whilst expecting the egress of one or other of
those young men, they waited in vain, and for a long time. They observed,
likewise, that neither of them slept until morning, when Senan came forth,
with an intention of returning to the monastery. On opening the mill-door, those robbers rushed forward and entered it. They asked, at the same time,
where and who was that other young man, who assisted in working the mill,
" What if it were of whom it is he he, said,
Senan
sleeps not, nor shall he sleep, who watches over Israel ? " 5 They insisted on finding out, where his companion should be found, when the saint replied :
3 gee Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- cap. viii. , ix. , pp, 515, 516, and Vita niae," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani,
Secunda S. Senani, cap. xi. , p. 527.
cap. x. , p. 516, and Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xii. , pp. 527, 528.
• Matt, xxiii. , II.
s See Psalms cxx. , 4.
^ See "The Legend of Iniscathy," in
Chapter ii. —' See his of July.
Life,
at the
31st
This parish is in tlie barony of Cran- nagh, and it is described on tlie " Ordnance
224 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
" He is near to all who invoke him. " At these words, the robbers were
touched with sorrow, and bursting into tears, they promised to repent and to amend their lives. At the same time, they asked to be received among the brethren. Full of joy, our saint promised that their request should be attended to, and he led them to St. Natalis. ^ Having received the monastic habit, they continued with him, in a holy course of living, to the end of their mortal pilgrimage. 7 At another time, St. Senan asked the monastic cook for some candles, which should be necessary for him, while prosecuting his labours at the mill. ^ The cook answered, in a short time, he expected to havesomeready,buthehadnone,atthatpresentmoment. Senanwentto the mill, at the same instant, and he did not return for a week, to repeat his demand, on the cook. Wondering how Senan had obtained light, to prose- cute his labours, during this lengthened period, the cook resolved to see, if he had been engaged at work, during all this time, or how he had procured light. At nightfall, going to the mill, and on looking through a crevice in the door, he saw a candle placed in a candlestick, while Senan was engaged reading; and,themillstonescontinuedgrindingwithoutcessation,noperson being required to supply the grain, nor to furnish any human assistance. Astonished at such a wonderful spectacle, the cook returned to his cell ; and, on a second and third visit, he witnessed a repetition of what had at first occurred : moreover, he observed, that it was the same candle, which he had given many days before, and which yet remained miraculously unconsumed. The cook related this whole affair to St. Natalis, who extolled the virtues of our saint. At the same time, he predicted, that God would afterwards work many and great miracles through him. 9
After relating an occurrence, which will be found in the Acts of St.
'°
— and
to a miracle
thire" the Metrical Life of our Saint is defective ; but, it is to be presumed,
that this deficiency, in a great measure, is supplied by the Second Life. After stating the circumstances of the miracle alluded to, it proceeds with a narra- tive of events, in the following order. We are told, that this wonder and other
St. the fame of his far and — miracles, wrought by Senan, spread sanctity, wide,
Natalis, referring
at a called Killmor-aradh- wrought place
through
all the
adjoining regions.
Numbersof
people infirmity
resorted to him
— might be instructed by him, in the practice of a spiritual life
that
" Hibernian
Duffy's I, p. 37.
be relieved from
and
that many, to ask
some,
they might
pains
others, —
they
Magazine,"
vol.
monks. discovered some names, in the Irish Calen- dars, which seem to correspond with those of Conmacus, Cyrillus and Hilarius, and whose festivals are assigned to different days of the year ; he would not undertake to assert, nevertheless, that these were to be confounded with the monks, who lived under
1 See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nias," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xiii. , p. 528. The author of this Life
"
No. been robbers became
i. , holy
adds, regarding those converts,
sunt qui de se hanc historiam narraverunt. "
The foregoing circumstances are almost
similarly related, in the Vita Metrica S. St. Natalis' rule. ^&e. , ibid. , w. 9, p. 525.
et ipsi
Senani, cap. xii. , pp. 517, 518 ; but, in the latter, we are told, the num—ber and names
*
Another story is to the effect, that he read at night, using the fingers of his left
of those robbers, as follows
hand as candles. See Rev. S.
Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. iii. , March viii. , p. 160.
» See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xiv. ,p. 528. Thecircumstancesofthis miracle are related differently, and much more extravagantly, in Vita Metrica S. Senani, cap. xi. , pp. 516, 517.
'°
At the 31st of July,
" The situation of this place is not known,
at present.
:
Per idem tempus Conmacus, Cyrillus et Hilarius,
Tres fratres pares opere, Prsedas solebant agere,
Et sub noctis silentio Intrare latrocinio. "
Colgan gives a note, on this passage, in which he confesses himself at a loss to find, who were those brothers, who from having
Baring-
"
Having
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 225
the benefit of his prayers—some, with donations and offerings made to him
for religious purposes, and others again, to put themselves under his direction, astheirspiritualadviserandfather. Seeingandhearingmiracleswroughtby
our saint, through the grace of God, and learning his fame for sanctity,
diffused among the people, the holy Abbot Natalis at once came to the con-
clusion, that his disciple was more worthy to rule over others, than to continue
longer the subject of any religious superior. Hereupon, he commanded
Senan's retirement to another place, where, with more advantage, he might
betake himself to the instruction of others. He was recommended to under-
take the direction of a monastic institute, where he might train religious men,
in the virtues of their state. With great reluctance, on his part, and after
remonstrance with the abbot ; at length, our saint humbly acquiesced in his
sujDerior's views, and asked advice, as to the place he should select, for this
new establishment. Natalis answered, that such direction should be asked, and
expected from him, by whom he had been called to a high office. Wherefore,
obeying the orders of his abbot, Senan took leave of him, and the rest of his
brethren. Having received his superior's blessing, our saint directed his
course towards eastern Leinster. Being admonished by an angel, he came
to an island, lying in the River Slaney, called Inis-conirthe,^^ in the territory
of Hy-Kinsellagh. It is probable, that this place, so written, in St. Senan's
Second Life, was identical with the present Enniscorthy,'^ a market town
situated on the River Slaney, in the barony of Scarawalshe, in Wexford
County. This town was formerly called Inis-Corthadh,'+ and even to this
day, the inhabitants of Kilkenny County call it Inis-Cortha. 'S While Senan
remained in this place, it is said, he contracted a friendship and familiarity
with Blessed Maidoc,'^ Archbishop of Ferns. '7 Dr. Lanigan however main-
tains, that St. Maidoc was not born at this time ; but, he allows, that at a
subsequent period, when young, he might have formed an acquaintance with
St. Senan.
'^
^^
Dr. O'Donovan states, that this is a mis- print for 1ni]' C6n\c'ne.
have been the capital of the Coriondi. As to the Chevalier de Montmorency's conjee-
and Templeshannon, are in the baronies of is false ; for, it appears from the Irish
authorities, that it is not the original form of
the name. The name is really compounded
of "an and aman's inis, island," Corthadh,
name. Mr. O'Donovan then refers, in proof, to his observations, on the name of
'3 The town and townland of
that the name is of Enis- compounded
Enniscorthy, ture,
in the parishes of St. Mary's, Enniscorthy, scor-teach, "the stud house pasturage," it
Scarawalsh and Ballaghkeen, and are shown "
on the Ordnance Survey Townland Maps
for the of Sheets 26. County Wexford," 20,
'* In Irish, \x\\\ Cb\\t&\-o, is also the
name given for it in the "Annals of the
Four Masters," at the year 1460.
'5
Speaking of this town, Enniscorthy, Mr. John O'Donovan, in the Antiquarian Letters of the Irish Ordnance Survey for
"
Wexford, says: Gough, in his foolish
additions to Camden, supposes this town to
have been the capital of the Coriondi of
Ptolemy ; and the Chevalier de Montmor- summer of 1840. Notices regarding this ency, in his communications to Mr. Brewer,
observes, that the name may be also derived
from^ Enis-scor-teach, the stud house pastur-
age. " Mr. O'Donovan adds, that the gentle-
men just mentioned are no authorities, and
their conclusions are merely unlearned con-
jectures. There is no evidence whatever, to
show that Enniscorthy was a town, a village,
or even a rath, before the arrival of the
English, nor anything but a green island,
formed by the River Slaney, near which
there was a primitive little church, built by
St. Senan, and this shows, that it could not Vol. in. —No. 4.
land," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect, i. , n. 5, p. 4. '» The Second Life of St. Senan has it,
Enniskillen, in the county of Fermanagh. See "Letters containing Information re- lative to the Antiquities of the County of Wexford, collected during the Progress of the Ordnance Survey," vol. ii. , pp. 228, 229. These notices are signed "J. O'D. " They appear to have been written, in the
place, taken from the " Annals of the Four Masters," Colcan, Gough's Camden, Arch- dall, Mason, Brewer, follow the foregoing account.
'* See his Life, at the 31st of January,
^^ The parish, bearing this name, is in the baronies of Gorey ana Scarawalsh, and is shown on the " Ordnance Survey Maps for the County of Wexford," Sheets 10, 11, 15,
16, 20. The town itself is on Sheet 15.
'^ See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire-
p
2 26. LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
After some time, our saint had a desire of visiting Rome, on a pilgrimage to the Apostohc shrines. It was said, having satisfied his devotions in that city, he returned through Gaul, and visited the city of Tours,'9 where he remained for some time. Before he set out for Ireland, he went to Britain, and lived some time with St. David,^° Archbishop of Menevia, according to the Second Life. But, it is an opinion, that St. Senan's visit to David must have occurred, before the latter became Bishop over Menevia ; for, his accession to that see was not prior to the year 540, in all probability, and at this time, Senan was established at Iniscatthy. While, however, Dr. Lanigan allows, that a friendship had subsisted between David and Senan ; yet, he thinks it probable, that St. Senan never left Ireland, as nothing is found in his Metrical Life, regarding a visit to St. David in Britain. Besides, no mention is made of Senan, in the Life of St. David, published by Colgan and others ; although, certain Irish saints are spoken of, as having formed a personal acquaintance and friendship, with the Bishop of Menevia. How- ever, it has been supposed, that an intimacy and correspondence might have existed between Saints David and Senan, even without their having seen each other. ^^ It must be observed, besides positive evidence we possess from tradition and writing, that Senan visited St. David, and remained with him ; the probability is, that this presumed intimacy, between both saints, was the result of a personal familiarity, established between them. The fact, that no mention has been made of Senan, in St. David's Life, should not prevent us from supposing it possible, that our saint visited the holy Bishop of Menevia ;
for, it would appear, from our saint's Second Life, that little worthy of especial notice occurred, at that time, more than Senan's interview and departure. We must not too hastily conclude, from the circumstance of nothing having been mentioned, in St. Senan's Metrical Life, regarding his having, left Ireland, and his visit to St. David, that neither of these events took place. On the contrary, when giving an account of our saint's death, his Metrical Life remarks, that Senan had been allied in friendship with St. David, during the lifetime of this latter holy man ; and, it alludes to a previous account, confirmatory of such statement. It would appear, that both saims had mutually expressed a wish, to be removed from this life, and at the same time, one being unwilling to survive the other ; while, we are told, that their wishes were granted, in a miraculous manner. ^* From this account alone, it is quite evident, a friendship and conversation between both saints must have been previously related, in that part of the Metrical Life, which is nowleftdefective; and,thisomissionmostprobablyoccurred,throughsome negligence of a transcriber. "^3 Hence, all indications left us warrant the sup- position,thatapersonalinterviewtookplacebetweenbothsaints. Asinthe Life of St. David, we do not read that he ever visited Ireland, another infer-
" Visit et S. Martinum Turonensem ;" yet, this only means, that he visited the church and relics of St. Martin, wlio died, not only before St.
Senan's birth, but even before the preaching of St. Patrick, in Ireland. His death is usually referred, to the close of the fourth century ; while, his chief festival is held, on the nth of November.
Obiisse David inclytum
Menevensem Episcopum, Cui viventi, ut diximus Suus adliresit spiritus.
Res autem mira contigit, Ut hoc Senanus comperit ; Nam ut silii condixerant Dum simul ambo vixerant, Nolebant ultra vivere Collega non superstite, Sed mox carne exuitur, Sicut
'° *'
See his Life, at the 1st of March.
See "Ecclesiastical History of Ire- land," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect, i. , n. 6, p. 4.
"
to, in his Metrical Life
St. Senan's — is thus alluded departure
qui somno solvitur. "
"
In eodem ergo loco Recognovit ab Angelo
^^ See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani, cap. xxv. , p. 523, and n. 20, p. 525.
:
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 227
ence to be drawn is, that Senan must have been with him in Wales, or
perhaps in some more distant country,^* In St. Senan's Second Life, we are
toW, that on taking leave of St. David, this latter holy man presented him
with the staff used as a token of his '^s This was by himself, friendship. gift
brought to Ireland, by our saint. Having received the kiss of peace from St. David, Senan sailed over to his own country, with favouring winds. He landed on Ardmenedh Island,^^ which lay off that part of the Munster
which is called Iliatham ^ here he
coast,^7 f and, remained, during forty days,
to recover from the fatigues of his voyage. An angel was sent to warn him, that this was not the place, designed by the Almighty, for his rest and sepul- ture,butanotherwhichwasmoredistant. Itwasintimatedtohim,likewise, that before he could occupy that spot, ultimately designed for him by Provi- dence, he should first build many cells and churches to God's greater glory, and to promote the increase of monastic discipline in Ireland. ^9
Having left some disciples, in the place already mentioned, St. Senan went to an island, called Inniscarra,3° where he erected a church. While
dwelling in this place, a ship touched at the island, having fifty monks, who wereforeigners,carriedonboard. ThesereligiouswereRomansbybirth,3'or persons subject to Roman laws. They desired to perfect themselves in Scriptural knowledge, or to lead Hves of more strict observance ; for these
objects, at that time, Ireland furnished ample opportunities. 3^ They had * The Bollandists remark, that before passed this grant to Philip de Barry ; and, it
A. D. 519, it is not pretended that St. David
•was Archbishop, and St. Senan's Acts seem
to indicate, that when he visited the former,
sucli a dignity had been obtained. See
"
Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Martii viii, Secunda Vila S. Senani, n. (d), p. 773.
^5 This, in all probability, was not a staff, which the Patriarch of Jerusalem is said to have bestowed on St. David, and which was regarded in \\ ales as a valuable relic ; but, probably, it was a different one, which the holy Bishop of Menevia used on ordinary occasions.
was confirmed to William, son and heir of this latter, in the eighth year of King John's
reign. The three cantreds, already named, are included in the baronies of Barrymore,
Kinatalloon, and Imokiily, in the county of Cork, and of Coshmore and Coshbride, in the county of Waterford. These three can- treds were to the east of the city of Cork. From Irish history, we know, lii^ewise, that the present village of Castle-Lyons, or Cais- lean Ui Liathain, and the island, called Oilean Mor Arda Neimhidh, now the Great Island, near Cork, were in Ui Liathain. This gives us a good idea of its position, and
^^
on the coast of Waterford County, south of even of its extent. See Dr. O' Donovan's
This island is said to have been situated,
Ardmore ; and to have formed part ot the ancient diocese of Lismore. In the Book of Litanies of Tamlacht, the author invokes the prayers of 150 saints, who were patrons over this island, and who were there buried. See
" Leabhar na g-Ceart, or Book of Rights,"
n. (s), pp. 72, 73.
^^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber*
nire," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani,
cap. xviii. , xix. , pp. 528, 529.
3° This island is about hve miles distant
from Cork, near the River Lee, and in Barret's barony. Its site is indicated, in the Life of St. Senan, as being "juxta Lua. "
"The of
See, likewise, Legend Iniscathy,"
Colgan's viii. Martii.
P- 525.
Hibernise,"
" Acta Sanctorum
Vita Secunda S. Senani, n. 9,
=' In " The Legend of Iniscathy," Ardne- meth—as it is written—has been identified
" now the Great near Cork. "
in " Hibernian Duffy's
vol.
as,
See Duffy's No. I, p. 38.
Island,
Hibernian Magazine," vol. I,
Magazine,"
i. ,
"
No. I, p. 38.
3' Colgan calls our attention to this cir-
^^ By this we are probably to understand cumstance, as illustrating the reputation Ui-Lialhain, who as a tribe derived name enjoyed by our island for learning and and origin from Eochaidh Liathanach, the sanctity, among the Romans, and other son of Daire Cearba. When surnames were nations of Europe. During the age, in
established, the chief families of this tribe
were O'h-Anmchadhan and O'Liathain.
'I'hey were located on the west side of the
Blackwater River. After the English in-
vasion, Henry II. granted Ui-Liathain,
called Olethan, with Muscherie-Dunegan to It, in great numl)ers.
and Ivillede, to Robert Fitzstephen, who 3^ In another account, it is said, these
which St. Senan lived, and subsequent to it, Ireland is compared to another 'I'hebais,
and to a literary gymnasium, to preserve ecclesiastical studies, (orthe benefit of various nations in Euro|)e, which sent students over
2 28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
previously learned the fame of certain holy fathers, in our island, under whom they might find themselves exercised in rigorous discipline, and in
practices of most exalted sanctity. These religious strangers, we are told, were divided into five bands, each one of which comprised ten persons. Of these bands, one was destined for the magistracy of St. Finnian ;33 another for that of St. Brendan a third for St. Barrens a fourth for St. Kieran
;;; while, the fifth, was a band of persons, who intended to place themselves
under the training of St. Senan. During their voyage, it would appear, they had agreed among themselves, that each band should assume in turn the direction of their vessel. During that time, the ship was placed under the
protection of its working crew's special patron. It happened one day, while St. Senan's band had the direction, a violent head-wind arose, against which their bark laboured with such difficulty, that the destruction of those on board seemed imminent. The pilot warned them, that they must have recourse to prayer. Then, a certain holy bishop, named Mola,34 who was found among the passengers, arose from a table, at which he had been seated, as it was about the time for dining. Having invoked St. Senan's intercession, he made a sign of the cross, towards the opposing winds. Im- mediately, this great tempest ceased, and the winds, which had been adverse, changed their direction. Favourable breezes bore their vessel safely to Cork. Here, ten disciples remained, who placed themselves under the direction of St. Barrens : the remaining forty sailed to Iniscarra, where St. Senan hospitably received them, and retained with himself, the bishops, John35andMota,3^witheightothercompanions. St. Senanthensentthose disciples, who had chosen Finnian, Brendan, and Kieran, as their masters, to the respective homes assigned them, and to the directors of their choice. Afterwards, Lugadius, son to Kicbeth, who was King of Rathlendia territory, in which this monastery of Iniscara had been located, sent messengers to St. Senan, demanding tribute from the abbot, as a mark of subjection to his dynastic power. The saint refused, saying he would not recognise any secular master, to whom he owed fealty or tribute. Then, this king ordered one of his best horses to be brought to the monastery, where it was to be
Romans landed at Iniscattery or Cathay.
"
History of Limerick," part hi. , chap, iii. , p. 185.
33 In the Life of our saint, this name is by mistake first set down as Tinnians, but
the correction is supplied subsequently, and in a note, where we are referred to St.
unless, as Colgan observes, he be Bishop of Kill-airthirensis, bearing that name. The
Martyrology of Tallagh, Marianus and other writers, treat of him, at the 24th of October ;
or, perchance, he was John, Bishop of Lis- more, who is named, in our Calendars, at the 13th of November. See ibid. , n. 13, p. 535. It must be remarked, that those called bishops, at this time, might not have received
See Ferrar's
Barrens' Acts, at the 25th of September, to
those of Finnen, at the 23rd of February ;
to those of Brendan, at the i6th of May ;
and to those of St. Kieran, at the 9th of period. A very general practice of ancient
September. See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," viii. Martii. Secunda Vita S. Senani, n. 11, p. 535.
34 Colgan says, that he cannot find any name, thus written, among the saints of our country. He hazards a supposition, that the name might have been Molua ; and, he refers us to Marianus, who mentions this name, at the 25th of June, at the 15th and 20th of October, and at the 21st of Decern- ber. See ibid. , n. 12, p. 535. However, it
•is a great mistake to suppose, that we must so constantly refer to the Calendars, for the identification of persons named in the Acts of our Irish Saints.
35 The John here named is not known,
writers, in recorduig honours and titles con-
ferred upon saints, often anticipated only the after course of their lives. It is probable,
the bishop, who is called Mota, in the latter part of the chapter, was no other than he, who is named Mela, on that occasion, when he wrought a miracle, during the voyage, He might have been called Mola, or Mota ; but, it seems likely, that the latter spelling is one of the numerous typographical errors, to be found in Colgan's works.
3" The BoUandists call him Mola, and consider him to have been the spiritual father of St. Maidoc. See "Acta Sancto- rum,"tomusi. , Martiiviii. SecundaVita S. Senani, cap. iii. , num. 21, n. (i. ), p. 773.
episcopal consecration, until a subsequent
March 8.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
229
fed on corn, belonging to the monks. But, this horse, having been con- ducted thither, and washed in an adjoining river, was immediately suffocated
in the water; and, after plunging about for some time, he disappeared beneath its surface,37 When the dynast heard what had occurred, being moved with indignation, he went to St. Senan ; and, after having loaded him with injuries, the chief threatened death. But, the servant of God, in turn, declared to Lugadius, that if he would not cease to persecute those, who had devoted themselves to a religious life, this prince should experience Divine displeasure, in being deprived of heavenly joys, and the possession of his temporal honours, so that after himself, none of his posterity should enjoy his principality. As members of his family, this dynast had two youths, named Aldus and Lugadius,^^ who were much loved by him ; and, these young persons grieving for the treatment exhibited towards our saint, by their chieftain, endeavoured to persuade the latter, that he should abandon such course of conduct, lest he might draw down the vengeance of heaven on his family. They advised him to confess his faults, to repair the injuries he had so wantonly inflicted, and to endeavour, by such means, to effect a reconcilia- tion with our saint. Their representations had due weight, on the chieftain's mind, for he changed that course of conduct. Lugadius and Aidus hastened to the abbot, whom they approached with great reverence and humility, as well to show their profound respect, as to- obtain his pardon, for what already had occurred. They asked his blessing, and promised they would become his faithful and devoted clients. Senan gave them his benediction, predict- ing, at the same time, that the posterity of Lugadius should possess the principality of Rathlindia, and that the posterity of Aidus and Luogarius should succeed, and enjoy the territories of Ivechia. 39 Leaving eight of his disciples in this place,'*° among whom were St. Fechin,'*' son to the Dynast of Muschragia, and St. Chillin,t2 St. Senan went thence to another island,
37 It seems the island there had previously
been called Tuam nava ; but, after this
occurrence, it was denominated Inis-cara ;
which means in Latin, insula arnii, as cara
in Irish bears the signification of annus. In
"
word CA|\A has the meaning of "a leg," or
dius, tells us, that their history was written
in verse by Colman, son of Lenine, who died
in the year 6oi. Aidus, it is said, was father
to Cathakl, King of Munster, who died in
"
625.
was at
Aidus was young at that time. "
astical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. x. , sect, i. , n. 10, p. 5.
*° Colgan says, this island, called Iniscarra,
there is reason to suppose, was the same as
that denominated Cuil-ochtair, which means,
the
haunch. "
2* It would seem, that the youth here
about A. D. —
O'Reilly's
Irish-English Dictionary,"
Inniscarra, 532
;
whereas, " Ecclesi-
"
called Lugadius, is called Luogarius a little
lower down, in St. Senan's Prose Life. In
one instance or other, there is probably a typographical error ; but, without access to the
MSS. , it would not be an easy matter to determine the correct reading.
3' See Colgan's "Acta Sanctonmi Hiber- niae," viii. Martii.
