"
Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish His-
tory,'' Lect.
Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish His-
tory,'' Lect.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v6
, pp.
643, 644.
stance of this account, in his
"
General His-
36
The age and authorship of this anecdote
tory of Ireland," Part ii. , p. 376. Duffy's edition,
3° "
See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's Ecclesiatical
History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sect. ix. . p. 145.
3I Archbishop Ussher, who received a Manuscript Life of St Columba from Father
Stephen White, supplies from it the follow- ing account. Speaking of Columba's part-
strongly reminds us of the casuistry of the
moral theologians of the Middle Ages.
S7 Such is the gist of his argument as given by O'Donnell : "liber in nullo factus sit ea
excriptione deterior . . . proinde nee me Finneno injuriam, nee restitutioni ob-
noxium, nee culpae cujusquam in hac parte reum agnosco; ut qui sine cujusquam damno, multorum consului spiritali commodo, quod nemo debuit, ant juste potuit impedire. "
28 The decision was " Le following given :
gach boin a boinin, agus le gach leabhar a
leabhran," which may be interpreted in
" To cow her calf, English, every belongeth
and to every book its copy. " See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta Vita S. Columbae, lib. ii. , cap. i. , p. 408, 409.
"9 From the Black Book of Molaga, the Rev. Dr. Geoffry Keating has given the sub-
ing words, the writer adds :
"
Cumque hsec
of his 26 manuscript.
diceret, equum ascendens flagello percussit ;
et statim sanguis in copia emanavit. Quod
videns senatus astantium, valde miratus tan-
quam de re insolita, Regi dixerunt, ut volun-
tatem Sancti compleret, ac per omnia ei
obediret ne —regnum ejus a Domino Deo
;
dissiparetur. "Britannicarum Ecclesia-
rum Antiquitates," cap. xvii. , p. 468.
3* Edited by John T. Gilbert. See Part i. ,
No. iv.
33 For 1300 years, the book has been pre-
"
356 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9.
menintheseriesof"Fac-similesofNationalManuscriptsofIreland. "32 This is the celebrated Cathach,33 or " Book of Battle," and it is a copy of the Psalms. For many ages and through many national troubles and disturb- ances, that precious relic has been preserved with such sacred care, that it is yet in a wonderfully perfect condition. This is owing mainly to the fact, that it had been kept under a highly-interesting and curiously-wrought metallic cover, for the long lapse of ages, since the time of St. Columba, although sub- jected to various vicissitudes of exposure and danger in battles, and owing to
amily misfortunes.
Greatly distinguished as a sternly just legislator, King Dermod often *
Dermod's laws, however, some acts of cruelty are recorded.
Breasal was to it is because of their infraction put death, said,
assembled the states of his realm at Tara. 34
Here, many useful laws were enacted, by him, some were amended, and others revoked. The subject of revising national history was not neglected. 35 In the execution of King
may well regard this account, as being in the highest degree improbable. In those times lived a king, who ruled over Connaught, and who was called Eochaid Tirmcharna. He had a son called Aidus or Aedh. 3? It would seem, that Dermod entertained some distrust, regarding the fealty of that provincial king. He had a son, called Curnan, 38 and from the name of his father, he is also denominated Curnan Mac Hugh. According to the cus- tom of those times, he was detained as a hostage, by the Monarch of Ireland, at Tara; while St. Columba and other influential persons became bail for his safe keeping. Curnan is said to have killed a noble, at the Tara assembly. 3° Whether this had been a deliberate murder, or as seems more probable, the result of some sudden gust of passion, has not been ascertained. As related by O'Donnell, the son of King Dermod's steward and Curnan had been playing at ball, on the public green in the city, when a dispute arose between them. Curnanstruckthatyouthonthehead,andhewaskilledonthespot. Then Curnan sought shelter and protection from St. Columba, as also from Fergus and Domhnall, sons of Murtagh Mac Earc. However, Dermod had him arrested and put to death. 40 It has been stated, that Curnan was even dragged from the bosom of Columba, to whom he clung, with a hope that his pardon might be procured. Other accounts state it, that he had been mur- dered in the presence of St. Columkille, while this crime was regarded in the double character of sacrilege and cruelty. 41 The event happened, it is said, in the year 560. 42 If this occurrence took place, as has been stated, the mur- der of Curnan was, indeed, an unwarrantable violation of justice and
served as an heirloom, by the O'Donnells, Briuin, A. D. 574, according to Dr. O'Dono-
having been handed down to them from St. yan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. ,
Columba himself, who belonged to that pp. 208, 209.
clan.
34 For an account of the origin of the Feis
38 Accordingto the Rev. Dr. Jeoffry Keating, he was educated under the care and protection of Collum Cill. See " Gene-
Teamhrach, and its forms of precedure, the
reader may consult Charles A. Read's rsfl History of Ireland," Part ii. , p. 356.
"
Cabinet of Irish Literature," &c, vol. i. , pp. 4> 5-
35 See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book viii. , chap, i v. , p. 69.
History
37 He ruled over Connaught for many A. D. 562.
years, and at length he was slain by the TJi " See an account of these transactions in
36 See the story, as related in John "
40 According to Dr. O'Donovan's "An- nals of the Four Masters," this occurred a. d. of Ireland," Book ii. , Part i. , chap, i. , pp. 554. See vol. i. , pp. 19010193, and nn. (q, 451,452. r). The Annals of Clonmacnoise have it at
O'Mahony's edition of Keating's
Duffy's edition. —
39 Such is the account quoted from the
Jobhuir (? Leabhar) Chiaran—in Rev. Dr. Jeoffry Keating's "General History of Ireland," Part ii. , p. 375. Duffy's edition.
His own son
6 we y> however,
June 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 357
humanity ;*3 for, it seems he had been placed under the protection of St. Co- lumba, and this was supposed to have been a guarantee for the preservation of hislife. ->4 Upbraidingtheking,onaccountofthismercilessaction,Columba told him, that he would make a complaint to those powerful princes, who were his relatives, to avenge his cruelty, and that injustice, which he had re- ceived from the monarch. ^ These united circumstances are said to have aroused the ire of our saint. Accordingly, Columba secretly set out forhis own country, for he learned, that Dermod had commanded, that not one of the men of Ireland should join him, or convey him out of the palace. It is re- lated, that he escaped some snares, which had been laid for him by King Diermit, who desired to arrest him. However, the holy man contrived to
effect an escape, and he then proceeded to Monasterboice, where he passed one night. He afterwards made his journey onward, over a solitary part ofSliabh Breagh, and during his course, he is said to have composed a Poem,*6 which expresses great confidence in the Divine protection. 4? It con-
Columba arrived in Ulster. 4^ safely
tains seventeen 8 At quatrains/
last,
It is said, that St. Columba went among his relatives in Tyrconnell, and
induced them to join him; while he desired to form an alliance with Aidus,
the King of Connaught, so that a confederacy might be formed, to cope successfully against those forces, that Dermod might be able to bring into the field. The son of Setna, Anmireus, a brave prince, was then chieftain over Cinel-Connell. The two brothers Fergus and Domnald,50 were heads of Cinel-Eoguin, or Tyrone. They are stated to have heard St. Columba's account of his wrongs, and of King Dermod's cruelty. They were soon resolved on
avenging, what they deemed to be an injury and an outrage. Ninnid, son of
1
Duach, united with them. s
second their enterprise. 52
They succeeded, likewise, in bringing Aidus to Ainmire, the son of Sedna,53 and St. Columba's
first cousin, look up arms, and he was already distinguished as a successful
warrior. 54 The men of Connaught came to Columba's aid, on this occasion, chiefly in revenge for the death of Curnan Mac Hugh, son of their king. A
large hosting was speedily raised, and having united their forces, the monarch of Ireland was challenged to contend with them in battle. On his side, it is stated, that he was resolved entirely to subjugate the Northern Hy Niall, and
Major Wood-Martin's "History of Sligo," the Fourteenth Century, belonging to Trinity &c, Book ii. , chap, ii. , pp. 136 to 139. College Library, Dublin, and classed H 2. 42 According to the "Annals of Tigernach. " 16, at p. 320. This Poem is undoubtedly
See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
carum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 141.
4j In the " Chronicum Scotorum," edited by William M. H. nncssy, at a. d. 576, we
find the entry: "Minder of Aenh, son of Eochaidh Timcharna, King of Coanacht, by the Ui Bruin. "•—See pp. 60, 61.
44 See Dr. O'Donov. in's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 19010196, and nn. (q, r, s, t, u, w, x).
45 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sect.
xi. p. 145.
40 This has been published in the Irish
language, with an English translation, notes and commentaries, by John O'Donovan, in "The Miscellany of the Irish Archaeological Society," vol. i. , Art. i. , pp. I to 15.
47 It begins with m'oenurxan OAin ip m
rbiab. The original is preserved in the 543. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "R<. rum Leabhar BuHhe or Yellow Book of the Mac Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , T ger- Firbises of Lecan, a vellum Manuscript of naci Annales, p. 137.
ancient.
"
Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish His-
tory,'' Lect. xv. , p. 329, and Appendix, No. xcvii. ,p. 598.
49 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Quinta Vita S. Columbac, lib. ii. , cap. ii. ,
iii. , p. 409.
5° These were the sons of Muircheartach
Mac Earc.
5I See this account of the battle of Cuil-
dremhne, at A. D. 561, in Tigernachi Annales. Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberiiicarum
Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 142.
S2 See Dr. O'Doncvan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 192, 193.
53 He was brother to Fedhlim, father of
+s See Eugene O'Curry's
Lectures on the
St. Columba.
54 He helped to win the battle of Sligo, in
358 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9.
that he raised an army, amounting to more than 23,000 men, consisting of horse and foot, with several war-chariots. However, the Northern and Con-
naught army could only muster 3,000 to oppose him, but these relied greatly
— the"AnnalsoftheFourMasters"57havea. d. 555 atCul-Dreimhe, notfar from the town of Sligo, and towards the north. s° That district in which the battlewasfoughtisdetermined,thoughthenameislocallyforgotten. How- ever, it was situated in Carbury, or in the territory of the Cinel Cairbre, who
60
were a branch of the northern Hy-Niall ; and, at present, it is known, as the
on the
prayers
of St. Columba. ss Both contendin—g armies met a. d. 561 s6 58
Plain of Culdrumman, formerly Cul-Dreimhne.
plain of Culdrumman. The night before the battle was fought, St. Columba had a vision, which assured him of victory, and he arose early with comforting words for his adherents, whom he encouraged to be valiant and to fear not,
as the Lord was on their side. 01
It is related, that on the morning of this
6a and
the Divine assistance for his cause, which he deemed to be just.
famous St. Columba engagement,
began by prayer
fasting
to
propitiate An Angel
ss See the account contained in Father Dreimhne—was drawn on the spot by Stephen White's Manuscript. Archbishop William F. Wakeman. The view is taken
Usslier's
"
Britannicarum Ecclesiarum An-
from the old church, on the slope of Ben-
bulbin. It was transferred to the wood, by
Mr. Wakeman, and the engraving is by Mrs. Millard.
tiquitates," cap. xvii. , p. 468.
s6 This is the date assigned for it in the
Annals of Ulster.
s? See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i. ,
Britannicarum s8 It was near Drumcliffe, the old church Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii. ,
pp. 192 to 195.
script account in Ussher's
of which lies about four miles to the north of Sligo town.
59 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta Vita S. Columbse, n. 3, p. 452.
p. 468.
62 To his prayers, the successful issue of
this battle is ascribed, in Dermod O'Conor's
Keating's "General History of Ireland," 60 The accompanying i—llustration of the Part ii. , p. 356. Duffy's edition.
63
Plain of Culdrumman formerly Cul- This is said to have been made by Frae-
61
See Father Stephen White's Manu-
"
June 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 359
wassenttoadmonishhim,thatasamagicalcircle63 laybetweenthecontend-
ing hosts, misfortune should come upon the army that attempted to force its
passage. The place, where St. Columba prayed behind the northern and
western forces, was afterwards known by the name Suidhe Choluim Chille,
orthe"SeatofColumkille. " There,KingDermod'sforces,tothenumber
of 23,000 charioteers, cavalry, and foot soldiers, had assembled, and St. Finian
accompanied them to the field praying for their success. However, an Angel
of the Lord appeared in the camp of King Dermod ; he seemed to be of
giganticsize,andhewasclothedinarmour. Thisportentcreatedapanic
amongst their bravest warriors, and these are said to have engaged in battle
without order, frequently trampling down their own men in the rush of
chariots and 6* The commenced with both cavalry. engagement great vigour,
armies contending for a victory that was long doubtful. The carnage appears to have been great, especially among the bands of King Dermod. This
obstinate battle was
Conaill territory.
southern Hy Neill.
Finian continued to pray for their respective clients. During this internecine contest, St. Finian is said to have been praying for the success of the King ; while, on other side, Columba prayed for that of his relatives and friends. 6 ? We are told, besides, that the prayers of the latter saint proved more effica-
68 andthathesenta
" This day, my dear son, has prepared for me a long journey
cious,
message
toFinian
stating,
Almighty
6* on the confines of and ofthe Cinel Connaught,
fought,
It was waged between the chiefs of the northern and
Nor could it be decided, so long as Columba 66 and
thatasthe
had assured his friends of victory, it must only be prolonged, and bloodshed must be all the greater, unless he ceased to pray. Knowing that Columba would not be guilty of falsehood, Finian yielded to his request. Then, the Monarch's army gave way, and the Northern and Western forces prevailed. King Diermit's army was defeated with a loss, estimated at 3,000 men. 6? When the battle was over, and his friends brought word to Columba, that they had triumphed, the latter turned to his disciple Scandalan, who was present,
and he said
from my family and to a strange land. But, mention it not, until the event becomes manifest. "? Ainmire ? ' was one of Dermot's successful opponents
:
chan, son of Teniusan, who made the Erbhe- on this occasion by him. See vol. i. , pp.
Druadh—or Druidical charm—forDiarmaid. According to the Leabhar Buidhe, or Yellow
Book of Mac Firbises, Manuscript of Trinity
College, Dublin, classed H 2. 16, this seems
to have been a circle drawn around King Cuildremne, and it is very probable, with- Diarmaid's army, which, if passed, must out his having been at all concerned in prove fatal to the transgressor. Both Father bringing it about, that St. Columba prayed Colgan and Rev. Dr. O'Conor fail to render for the protection of his kinsmen and their this legend correctly. We are told, that subjects against the fury of Diermit. He, it
Tuathan, son of Dimman, placed the Erbhe- Druadh over Diarmaid's head. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 194 to 196, and nn. (w, x). ibid.
64 Such is the account given in Father
would seem, was bent on exterminating them. See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sect, xii. , pp. 148 to 153, with notes.
^ All that has been said about Columba having been the cause or occasion of that battle, and consequently of his departure
from Ireland, rests upon no other authority than the jarring fictions of some poetasters, who strove to embelish their rhapsodies with tales of saints, contending against each other,
Stephen White's Manuscript Life of St. "
Columba. See Ussher's Britannicarum
Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii. , p. 468.
6s According to the "Annals of Tiger-
nach, a. d. 561. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
" Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus in support of the respective armies, for ii. , p. 142. which they implored victory. See ibid. , pp.
66 An Irish poem is quoted in Dr. 148, 149.
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Mas- 69 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
ters," as having been composed and spoken Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 194, 195.
194, 195.
6? It is the opinion of Dr. Lanigan, that
there is scarcely a word of truth in the nar-
rative, except that a battle was fought at
36° LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9.
at Cooldrevny; and some years afterwards, he became monarch over Ireland. ? 2
In their antagonist army, there fell only one man,73 according to the legendary
account, and this happened because he dared to cross the Druidical circle. 74
This, however, is quite incredible ; but, it seems the battle was a decisive
one, and the carnage was great, in proportion to the desperate struggle on
both sides. Peace was soon afterwards proclaimed between King Uermod
and St. Columkille. To the latter was assigned his transcription. In course
of ages, it was enclosed within a beautiful chased silver cover, and it was
preserved as a highly-prized relic in Tyrconnell. It was called the Cathach or Prseliator ; because, according to the tradition of the country, whenever it
was borne thrice around the armies of the O'Donnells, and with due rever-
ence,75 before their enemies engaged them, victory was expected to alight on
the standards of 6 A scion of that clan, to which Tyrconnell. ? distinguished
the holy man belonged, still retains proprietorship of the Cathach," and with a commendable spirit of true generosity and of national feeling, it has been
deposited for some years, by its hereditary owner,78 in the Museum of the RoyalIrishAcademy. Atpresent,itsfewrelicsareinaverymutilatedcon-
dition. 7? 1 These are in a ornamental case of most curious kept highly
antique
workmanship.
The whole of this notable story ends by telling us, that Columba felt re-
morse for the part he had acted in these troubles, and that he declared to his friends, how an Angel had warned him to leave Ireland for ever, because
his
but also in the battles of
so Cuilfedha,
had been 80 not alone in that slain,
through
instrumentality
many
battle,
70 According to Father Stephen White's
Manuscript Life of St. Columba. See
"
Ussher's BritannicarumEcclesiarumAnti-
quitates,"cap. xvii. , p. 468.
71 Tir-Ainmirech was the old name for the
barony of Boylagh, in the county of Done-
are damaged at head and foot. "—" Fac- similes of National Manuscripts of Ireland," edited by John T. Gilbert, F. S. A. , M. R. I. A. , Part i. , Introduction, pp. vii. , viii.
anditwasderivedfromhim. SeeDr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
at A. D. 1343, vol.
stance of this account, in his
"
General His-
36
The age and authorship of this anecdote
tory of Ireland," Part ii. , p. 376. Duffy's edition,
3° "
See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's Ecclesiatical
History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sect. ix. . p. 145.
3I Archbishop Ussher, who received a Manuscript Life of St Columba from Father
Stephen White, supplies from it the follow- ing account. Speaking of Columba's part-
strongly reminds us of the casuistry of the
moral theologians of the Middle Ages.
S7 Such is the gist of his argument as given by O'Donnell : "liber in nullo factus sit ea
excriptione deterior . . . proinde nee me Finneno injuriam, nee restitutioni ob-
noxium, nee culpae cujusquam in hac parte reum agnosco; ut qui sine cujusquam damno, multorum consului spiritali commodo, quod nemo debuit, ant juste potuit impedire. "
28 The decision was " Le following given :
gach boin a boinin, agus le gach leabhar a
leabhran," which may be interpreted in
" To cow her calf, English, every belongeth
and to every book its copy. " See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta Vita S. Columbae, lib. ii. , cap. i. , p. 408, 409.
"9 From the Black Book of Molaga, the Rev. Dr. Geoffry Keating has given the sub-
ing words, the writer adds :
"
Cumque hsec
of his 26 manuscript.
diceret, equum ascendens flagello percussit ;
et statim sanguis in copia emanavit. Quod
videns senatus astantium, valde miratus tan-
quam de re insolita, Regi dixerunt, ut volun-
tatem Sancti compleret, ac per omnia ei
obediret ne —regnum ejus a Domino Deo
;
dissiparetur. "Britannicarum Ecclesia-
rum Antiquitates," cap. xvii. , p. 468.
3* Edited by John T. Gilbert. See Part i. ,
No. iv.
33 For 1300 years, the book has been pre-
"
356 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9.
menintheseriesof"Fac-similesofNationalManuscriptsofIreland. "32 This is the celebrated Cathach,33 or " Book of Battle," and it is a copy of the Psalms. For many ages and through many national troubles and disturb- ances, that precious relic has been preserved with such sacred care, that it is yet in a wonderfully perfect condition. This is owing mainly to the fact, that it had been kept under a highly-interesting and curiously-wrought metallic cover, for the long lapse of ages, since the time of St. Columba, although sub- jected to various vicissitudes of exposure and danger in battles, and owing to
amily misfortunes.
Greatly distinguished as a sternly just legislator, King Dermod often *
Dermod's laws, however, some acts of cruelty are recorded.
Breasal was to it is because of their infraction put death, said,
assembled the states of his realm at Tara. 34
Here, many useful laws were enacted, by him, some were amended, and others revoked. The subject of revising national history was not neglected. 35 In the execution of King
may well regard this account, as being in the highest degree improbable. In those times lived a king, who ruled over Connaught, and who was called Eochaid Tirmcharna. He had a son called Aidus or Aedh. 3? It would seem, that Dermod entertained some distrust, regarding the fealty of that provincial king. He had a son, called Curnan, 38 and from the name of his father, he is also denominated Curnan Mac Hugh. According to the cus- tom of those times, he was detained as a hostage, by the Monarch of Ireland, at Tara; while St. Columba and other influential persons became bail for his safe keeping. Curnan is said to have killed a noble, at the Tara assembly. 3° Whether this had been a deliberate murder, or as seems more probable, the result of some sudden gust of passion, has not been ascertained. As related by O'Donnell, the son of King Dermod's steward and Curnan had been playing at ball, on the public green in the city, when a dispute arose between them. Curnanstruckthatyouthonthehead,andhewaskilledonthespot. Then Curnan sought shelter and protection from St. Columba, as also from Fergus and Domhnall, sons of Murtagh Mac Earc. However, Dermod had him arrested and put to death. 40 It has been stated, that Curnan was even dragged from the bosom of Columba, to whom he clung, with a hope that his pardon might be procured. Other accounts state it, that he had been mur- dered in the presence of St. Columkille, while this crime was regarded in the double character of sacrilege and cruelty. 41 The event happened, it is said, in the year 560. 42 If this occurrence took place, as has been stated, the mur- der of Curnan was, indeed, an unwarrantable violation of justice and
served as an heirloom, by the O'Donnells, Briuin, A. D. 574, according to Dr. O'Dono-
having been handed down to them from St. yan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. ,
Columba himself, who belonged to that pp. 208, 209.
clan.
34 For an account of the origin of the Feis
38 Accordingto the Rev. Dr. Jeoffry Keating, he was educated under the care and protection of Collum Cill. See " Gene-
Teamhrach, and its forms of precedure, the
reader may consult Charles A. Read's rsfl History of Ireland," Part ii. , p. 356.
"
Cabinet of Irish Literature," &c, vol. i. , pp. 4> 5-
35 See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's " Gene- ral History of Ireland," vol. ii. , Book viii. , chap, i v. , p. 69.
History
37 He ruled over Connaught for many A. D. 562.
years, and at length he was slain by the TJi " See an account of these transactions in
36 See the story, as related in John "
40 According to Dr. O'Donovan's "An- nals of the Four Masters," this occurred a. d. of Ireland," Book ii. , Part i. , chap, i. , pp. 554. See vol. i. , pp. 19010193, and nn. (q, 451,452. r). The Annals of Clonmacnoise have it at
O'Mahony's edition of Keating's
Duffy's edition. —
39 Such is the account quoted from the
Jobhuir (? Leabhar) Chiaran—in Rev. Dr. Jeoffry Keating's "General History of Ireland," Part ii. , p. 375. Duffy's edition.
His own son
6 we y> however,
June 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 357
humanity ;*3 for, it seems he had been placed under the protection of St. Co- lumba, and this was supposed to have been a guarantee for the preservation of hislife. ->4 Upbraidingtheking,onaccountofthismercilessaction,Columba told him, that he would make a complaint to those powerful princes, who were his relatives, to avenge his cruelty, and that injustice, which he had re- ceived from the monarch. ^ These united circumstances are said to have aroused the ire of our saint. Accordingly, Columba secretly set out forhis own country, for he learned, that Dermod had commanded, that not one of the men of Ireland should join him, or convey him out of the palace. It is re- lated, that he escaped some snares, which had been laid for him by King Diermit, who desired to arrest him. However, the holy man contrived to
effect an escape, and he then proceeded to Monasterboice, where he passed one night. He afterwards made his journey onward, over a solitary part ofSliabh Breagh, and during his course, he is said to have composed a Poem,*6 which expresses great confidence in the Divine protection. 4? It con-
Columba arrived in Ulster. 4^ safely
tains seventeen 8 At quatrains/
last,
It is said, that St. Columba went among his relatives in Tyrconnell, and
induced them to join him; while he desired to form an alliance with Aidus,
the King of Connaught, so that a confederacy might be formed, to cope successfully against those forces, that Dermod might be able to bring into the field. The son of Setna, Anmireus, a brave prince, was then chieftain over Cinel-Connell. The two brothers Fergus and Domnald,50 were heads of Cinel-Eoguin, or Tyrone. They are stated to have heard St. Columba's account of his wrongs, and of King Dermod's cruelty. They were soon resolved on
avenging, what they deemed to be an injury and an outrage. Ninnid, son of
1
Duach, united with them. s
second their enterprise. 52
They succeeded, likewise, in bringing Aidus to Ainmire, the son of Sedna,53 and St. Columba's
first cousin, look up arms, and he was already distinguished as a successful
warrior. 54 The men of Connaught came to Columba's aid, on this occasion, chiefly in revenge for the death of Curnan Mac Hugh, son of their king. A
large hosting was speedily raised, and having united their forces, the monarch of Ireland was challenged to contend with them in battle. On his side, it is stated, that he was resolved entirely to subjugate the Northern Hy Niall, and
Major Wood-Martin's "History of Sligo," the Fourteenth Century, belonging to Trinity &c, Book ii. , chap, ii. , pp. 136 to 139. College Library, Dublin, and classed H 2. 42 According to the "Annals of Tigernach. " 16, at p. 320. This Poem is undoubtedly
See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberni-
carum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 141.
4j In the " Chronicum Scotorum," edited by William M. H. nncssy, at a. d. 576, we
find the entry: "Minder of Aenh, son of Eochaidh Timcharna, King of Coanacht, by the Ui Bruin. "•—See pp. 60, 61.
44 See Dr. O'Donov. in's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 19010196, and nn. (q, r, s, t, u, w, x).
45 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sect.
xi. p. 145.
40 This has been published in the Irish
language, with an English translation, notes and commentaries, by John O'Donovan, in "The Miscellany of the Irish Archaeological Society," vol. i. , Art. i. , pp. I to 15.
47 It begins with m'oenurxan OAin ip m
rbiab. The original is preserved in the 543. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's "R<. rum Leabhar BuHhe or Yellow Book of the Mac Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , T ger- Firbises of Lecan, a vellum Manuscript of naci Annales, p. 137.
ancient.
"
Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish His-
tory,'' Lect. xv. , p. 329, and Appendix, No. xcvii. ,p. 598.
49 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Quinta Vita S. Columbac, lib. ii. , cap. ii. ,
iii. , p. 409.
5° These were the sons of Muircheartach
Mac Earc.
5I See this account of the battle of Cuil-
dremhne, at A. D. 561, in Tigernachi Annales. Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hiberiiicarum
Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 142.
S2 See Dr. O'Doncvan's "Annals of the
Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 192, 193.
53 He was brother to Fedhlim, father of
+s See Eugene O'Curry's
Lectures on the
St. Columba.
54 He helped to win the battle of Sligo, in
358 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9.
that he raised an army, amounting to more than 23,000 men, consisting of horse and foot, with several war-chariots. However, the Northern and Con-
naught army could only muster 3,000 to oppose him, but these relied greatly
— the"AnnalsoftheFourMasters"57havea. d. 555 atCul-Dreimhe, notfar from the town of Sligo, and towards the north. s° That district in which the battlewasfoughtisdetermined,thoughthenameislocallyforgotten. How- ever, it was situated in Carbury, or in the territory of the Cinel Cairbre, who
60
were a branch of the northern Hy-Niall ; and, at present, it is known, as the
on the
prayers
of St. Columba. ss Both contendin—g armies met a. d. 561 s6 58
Plain of Culdrumman, formerly Cul-Dreimhne.
plain of Culdrumman. The night before the battle was fought, St. Columba had a vision, which assured him of victory, and he arose early with comforting words for his adherents, whom he encouraged to be valiant and to fear not,
as the Lord was on their side. 01
It is related, that on the morning of this
6a and
the Divine assistance for his cause, which he deemed to be just.
famous St. Columba engagement,
began by prayer
fasting
to
propitiate An Angel
ss See the account contained in Father Dreimhne—was drawn on the spot by Stephen White's Manuscript. Archbishop William F. Wakeman. The view is taken
Usslier's
"
Britannicarum Ecclesiarum An-
from the old church, on the slope of Ben-
bulbin. It was transferred to the wood, by
Mr. Wakeman, and the engraving is by Mrs. Millard.
tiquitates," cap. xvii. , p. 468.
s6 This is the date assigned for it in the
Annals of Ulster.
s? See Dr. O'Donovan's edition, vol. i. ,
Britannicarum s8 It was near Drumcliffe, the old church Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii. ,
pp. 192 to 195.
script account in Ussher's
of which lies about four miles to the north of Sligo town.
59 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta Vita S. Columbse, n. 3, p. 452.
p. 468.
62 To his prayers, the successful issue of
this battle is ascribed, in Dermod O'Conor's
Keating's "General History of Ireland," 60 The accompanying i—llustration of the Part ii. , p. 356. Duffy's edition.
63
Plain of Culdrumman formerly Cul- This is said to have been made by Frae-
61
See Father Stephen White's Manu-
"
June 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 359
wassenttoadmonishhim,thatasamagicalcircle63 laybetweenthecontend-
ing hosts, misfortune should come upon the army that attempted to force its
passage. The place, where St. Columba prayed behind the northern and
western forces, was afterwards known by the name Suidhe Choluim Chille,
orthe"SeatofColumkille. " There,KingDermod'sforces,tothenumber
of 23,000 charioteers, cavalry, and foot soldiers, had assembled, and St. Finian
accompanied them to the field praying for their success. However, an Angel
of the Lord appeared in the camp of King Dermod ; he seemed to be of
giganticsize,andhewasclothedinarmour. Thisportentcreatedapanic
amongst their bravest warriors, and these are said to have engaged in battle
without order, frequently trampling down their own men in the rush of
chariots and 6* The commenced with both cavalry. engagement great vigour,
armies contending for a victory that was long doubtful. The carnage appears to have been great, especially among the bands of King Dermod. This
obstinate battle was
Conaill territory.
southern Hy Neill.
Finian continued to pray for their respective clients. During this internecine contest, St. Finian is said to have been praying for the success of the King ; while, on other side, Columba prayed for that of his relatives and friends. 6 ? We are told, besides, that the prayers of the latter saint proved more effica-
68 andthathesenta
" This day, my dear son, has prepared for me a long journey
cious,
message
toFinian
stating,
Almighty
6* on the confines of and ofthe Cinel Connaught,
fought,
It was waged between the chiefs of the northern and
Nor could it be decided, so long as Columba 66 and
thatasthe
had assured his friends of victory, it must only be prolonged, and bloodshed must be all the greater, unless he ceased to pray. Knowing that Columba would not be guilty of falsehood, Finian yielded to his request. Then, the Monarch's army gave way, and the Northern and Western forces prevailed. King Diermit's army was defeated with a loss, estimated at 3,000 men. 6? When the battle was over, and his friends brought word to Columba, that they had triumphed, the latter turned to his disciple Scandalan, who was present,
and he said
from my family and to a strange land. But, mention it not, until the event becomes manifest. "? Ainmire ? ' was one of Dermot's successful opponents
:
chan, son of Teniusan, who made the Erbhe- on this occasion by him. See vol. i. , pp.
Druadh—or Druidical charm—forDiarmaid. According to the Leabhar Buidhe, or Yellow
Book of Mac Firbises, Manuscript of Trinity
College, Dublin, classed H 2. 16, this seems
to have been a circle drawn around King Cuildremne, and it is very probable, with- Diarmaid's army, which, if passed, must out his having been at all concerned in prove fatal to the transgressor. Both Father bringing it about, that St. Columba prayed Colgan and Rev. Dr. O'Conor fail to render for the protection of his kinsmen and their this legend correctly. We are told, that subjects against the fury of Diermit. He, it
Tuathan, son of Dimman, placed the Erbhe- Druadh over Diarmaid's head. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 194 to 196, and nn. (w, x). ibid.
64 Such is the account given in Father
would seem, was bent on exterminating them. See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sect, xii. , pp. 148 to 153, with notes.
^ All that has been said about Columba having been the cause or occasion of that battle, and consequently of his departure
from Ireland, rests upon no other authority than the jarring fictions of some poetasters, who strove to embelish their rhapsodies with tales of saints, contending against each other,
Stephen White's Manuscript Life of St. "
Columba. See Ussher's Britannicarum
Ecclesiarum Antiquitates," cap. xvii. , p. 468.
6s According to the "Annals of Tiger-
nach, a. d. 561. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's
" Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus in support of the respective armies, for ii. , p. 142. which they implored victory. See ibid. , pp.
66 An Irish poem is quoted in Dr. 148, 149.
O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Mas- 69 See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the
ters," as having been composed and spoken Four Masters," vol. i. , pp. 194, 195.
194, 195.
6? It is the opinion of Dr. Lanigan, that
there is scarcely a word of truth in the nar-
rative, except that a battle was fought at
36° LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9.
at Cooldrevny; and some years afterwards, he became monarch over Ireland. ? 2
In their antagonist army, there fell only one man,73 according to the legendary
account, and this happened because he dared to cross the Druidical circle. 74
This, however, is quite incredible ; but, it seems the battle was a decisive
one, and the carnage was great, in proportion to the desperate struggle on
both sides. Peace was soon afterwards proclaimed between King Uermod
and St. Columkille. To the latter was assigned his transcription. In course
of ages, it was enclosed within a beautiful chased silver cover, and it was
preserved as a highly-prized relic in Tyrconnell. It was called the Cathach or Prseliator ; because, according to the tradition of the country, whenever it
was borne thrice around the armies of the O'Donnells, and with due rever-
ence,75 before their enemies engaged them, victory was expected to alight on
the standards of 6 A scion of that clan, to which Tyrconnell. ? distinguished
the holy man belonged, still retains proprietorship of the Cathach," and with a commendable spirit of true generosity and of national feeling, it has been
deposited for some years, by its hereditary owner,78 in the Museum of the RoyalIrishAcademy. Atpresent,itsfewrelicsareinaverymutilatedcon-
dition. 7? 1 These are in a ornamental case of most curious kept highly
antique
workmanship.
The whole of this notable story ends by telling us, that Columba felt re-
morse for the part he had acted in these troubles, and that he declared to his friends, how an Angel had warned him to leave Ireland for ever, because
his
but also in the battles of
so Cuilfedha,
had been 80 not alone in that slain,
through
instrumentality
many
battle,
70 According to Father Stephen White's
Manuscript Life of St. Columba. See
"
Ussher's BritannicarumEcclesiarumAnti-
quitates,"cap. xvii. , p. 468.
71 Tir-Ainmirech was the old name for the
barony of Boylagh, in the county of Done-
are damaged at head and foot. "—" Fac- similes of National Manuscripts of Ireland," edited by John T. Gilbert, F. S. A. , M. R. I. A. , Part i. , Introduction, pp. vii. , viii.
anditwasderivedfromhim. SeeDr. O'Donovan's "Annals of the Four Masters,"
at A. D. 1343, vol.
