SenanofIniscatthycouldnot have been born, at this time ; since, accord- ing to the
Salisbury
Martyrology, St.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
xxxvi.
, pp.
531, 532, and Vita Metrica S.
Senani, cap.
xvii.
, p.
520.
Both accounts are essentially the same, as to the former part of those various incidents related.
The name of Prince Nectan Kenn-fhoda is alone men- tioned, in the Prose Life.
The miracle, re- ferring to the bell, however, is only to be found, in St.
Senan's Metrical Life.
Clare, by W. F. Wakeman, and now pre- served in the Royal Irish Academy, the
following five subjects refer to Iniscathy. I. The Round Tower of Scattery Island,
2. The large church of Scattery. 3. St. Cinan's Church, Scattery. 4. The door- way of the Round Tower of Scattery. 5.
Thedoor-wayof the great church on Scattery Island. These sketches, like all others by the same artist, are exceeding beautiful ; but, nevertheless, tlie present ones, although very carefully outlined, are not highly finished.
53 jjee
^-
It must have been intended, by this
account, to designate the well on Iniscathy "
Island, called Tober Sheanain," which is yet to be seen there. Among the sketches of Antiquities, illustrating the county of
Colgan's
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 241
CHAPTER IV.
THE QUESTION OF ST. SENAN's EPISCOPACY, AND HIS OFFICE OF ABBOT, AT INISCATTERY—> ENQUIRY AS TO WHETHER HE HAD BEEN ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH—HIS STRICT MONASTIC DISCIPLINE—HIS MIRACULOUS POWERS—ANTIQUITIES ON BISHOP's ISLAND.
It is supposed, by Dr. Lanigan, that Senan became a bishop, when his estab- lishment was founded at Iniscatthy ; and, most probably, even some time before it, owing to the circumstance of his having previously given the veil to the dynast Brendan's daughters, while he was living at Inisluinge, We are not informed, regarding the time when, or the bishop by whom, he had been consecrated. ' According to some historians,^ St. Senan founded Inis- cathy monastery, before St. Patrick's arrival in Munster ; but, it is easy to discover, how incorrect such a conclusion must be. The opinion of Dr. Lanigan is, that Senan had been rather advanced in life, when he settled on Iniscathy ; a supposition even is entertained of his being not less than fifty years of age, at that time. 3
After dwelling on circumstances, connected with the baptism of the Thomond people by St. Patrick, and on his pri^'Jiction regarding a successor, it is clear, in certain passages of St. Senan's Acts,'* no more is meant, than that instead of St. Patrick, who acted then as universal bishop over all Ireland, and
accordingly over Thomond, this district should have, after some years, a bishop of its own, and who might very justly be styled a successor to the Irish
Apostle, s Yet, it has been understood, by some writers,^ as if Senan had succeeded St. Patrick, at Armagh. While he rejected this fable, Ussher fell into a mistake, almost equally unfounded. He supposed, that Senan having been spoken of as a successor to St. Patrick, the latter had been at Iniscatthy, and must have acted there as bishop, for a considerable time. ' Yet, from the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick,^ and from the Second Life of St. Senan, it is evident, that St. Patrick did not visit the country about Iniscatthy, although he took care to supply the inhabitants with religious teachers. 9
Certain writers conform to an opinion, that St. Patrick predicted Senan should succeed him in the episcopacy,^° and that his prophecy was accordingly fulfilled. " Among these are Richard Whitford,^^ the Carthusian Martyrology of Newport, in England, and Albert le Grand. '3 Moreover, it is thought to
nise," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, tur ;" and, according to this, a bishop could cap. xxxvii. , p. 532, and Vita Metrica S. be said to succeed other bishops, although Senani, cap. xxv—. , p. 523. not attached to the same See.
'
Chapter IV. See Dr. Lanigan's Ec-
clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. X. , sect, i. , pp. 3, 4, and n. 20, p. 7.
*
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "His- toryofIreland,"vol. iii. , bookvii. , chap. vi. , p. 44.
3 In the Life of Kieran of Clonmacnois,
Senan is spoken of as old as the time of his
receiving a visit, when he supplied Kieran with a cloak. It could not have taken place
chap, xi. , sect, iv. , n, 28, p. 91.
De Primordiis Ecclesiarum Bri-
tannicarum," cap. xvii. , p. 873.
^ See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Mar-
tii viii. , p. 542.
^
SeeColgan's"TriasThaumaturga,"Sep- timaVitaS. Patricii, lib. iii. , cap. xlvi. , p. 158. 9 See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His-
tory of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, viii. , sect, i. ,
p. 374, and chap, ix. , sect, iv. , n. 57, pp.
448, 449.
whether or not our saint had been Arch-
later than the of early part
'° has a Colgan
the
in which Kieran died. See Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. ,
of his
to St. Senan's Life, devoted to an enquiry
* See iii. , iv.
especially
the Prose
" St. Senan is called in Archipontifex,
s Dr. Lanigan remarks, in connexion with this enquiry, that episcopal unity is well ex-
his Metrical Life, chapter xxiii.
'^ In the " Martyrology of Salisbury," at
the 8th of March.
'3 See "Les Vies des Saints de la Bretagne
Armorique," &c. In the account of St. Q
St.
est, enjus a singulis in solidum pars tene-
pressed by
Cyprian :
year
Life, chapters
chapter
Appendix
549,
" unus Episcopatus
"^" See
bishop of Armagh.
242
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8,
have been our saint, who is found in a list of the Armagh Archbishops, under thesenames,Senchonan,^4Senior,'5orSenach. Thesethreenameshavea similar meaning, and they denote seniority. They have a hke derivation and significancy, also, with the name Senan, which bears the Latin interpre-
" Seniculus. " in two lists of Armagh Archbishops, which However,
tation,
Colgan had seen, he found nothing of Senchonan, Senior, or Senan ; unless it be, that Senior or Senan must be regarded as the same Senach, who stood there fifteenth in order. '^ Granting that Senchonanus and Senior were incor- rectly omitted, and that they should have been included, in this list of bishops; yet,neitherofthemcanbeconfoundedwithoursaint,ifwhatis already written regarding both be true. '? Senchonan is said to have suc- ceeded St. Secundin. 'S whether it be the Senan, who is called Senach, in those lists already named, was a matter of doubt to Colgan ; since he read an account of him, contained in the " Annals of the Four Masters," at A. D. 609. ^9 An event in his life, of so very important a character, as having been over the church of Armagh, could not have been omitted by his biographers ; yet, they are quite silent, on such a subject. There can be no doubt what- ever, that Senan was the first founder of Iniscatthy Monastery ; and, Dr. Lanigan's opinion is, that Senan's estabUshment there cannot be placed earher, than about a. d. 534. ^°
By one of the rules of St. Senan's monastic institute, females were ex- cluded, not only from its enclosure, but even from landing on the island. St. Senan's monks were so chaste, that they never looked at a woman. ''^ This regulation was observed, even with regard to the most holy virgins ; as we are given to understand, in the case of St. Cannera,^^ who died, soon
after she landed on the
island,
and she was buried in the " Grave. " '3 Lady's
Senan, it is here remarked, in the fourth
chapter, that he was unanimously elected a bishop, and the successor of St. Patrick.
'* St. Senchonan is numbered amongst the Armagh Archbishops, in a Life of St. Benig-
"
Sanctus autem Sechnaldus, sive Secundinus, imme- diatus S. Patricii successor, sedit in Ponti- ficatu et Hiberiiias primatu annis sedecim : et post Secundinum, S. Senchonanus annis decim, et post hunc, S. Benignus aliis de-
cim. "
'= At the iitU of April, Marianus men-
*'
predicted, that he should be born I20 years after the time of his prophecy, or according to an anonymous author of St. Patrick's Life, after a term of 40 years. Wherefore, he who is there named Senchonan seems to have been the person, called by others, Senpatruic, or Patrick Senior, for these rea- sons, that what is already said of Senchonan immediately succeeding St. Secundin, and preceding St. Benignus, is written regarding St. Patrick Senior, in the two lists already referred to ; and because, this appellation of Senior, prefixed to either name, seems to insinuate as much. Senchonan is the same as Conan Senior, and Senpatruic means
Patrick Senior.
'9 His death is there recorded, as having
been Abbot of Ardmacha, and as being of Cluain-Ua-nGrici. Dr. O'Donovan does not know, where the latter place had been situated. See vol. i. , pp. 234, 235, and n.
nus, chap, viii. , in these words,
Senior filius Maldaluaini Primas Ai-dmachanus. " The Martyrology of Done- gal commemorates him, also, on the same day. Still, our St. Senan was not the son of Maldaluan, but son to Ercan or Erchinn, according to the account, contained in his Acts.
'* On a list of Armagh Archbishops, in the Calendar of Cashel.
'7 The in which our St. Senan time,
tions,
lived, distinguishes him from the first ; while, the
'° See "Ecclesiastical of
History Ireland,"
vol. i. , chap, ix. , sect, iv. , p. 446.
" See Ferrar's " of
History Limerick,"
part iii. , chap, iii. , p. 185.
^- Her a well-known in- Life, containing
cident, will be found at the 28th of January. -3 It is yet shown, on the south strand of
the island.
" Nee mora, reddit spiritum Diemque clausit ultimuni.
name of his being the second.
him from
died, during St. Patrick's lifetime. According to the Four Masters, in their Annals, the Annals of Clonmacnoise and of Senatenses, he died A. D. 447, St.
SenanofIniscatthycouldnot have been born, at this time ; since, accord- ing to the Salisbury Martyrology, St. Patrick
parent, precludes
^^ to he According Jocelyn,
(n),
ibid.
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 243
It is greatly to be lamented, that tourists should have their prejudices and
ignorance, regarding the reHgion and history of Ireland, unremoved, if not strengthened by the statements of a widely-circulated Guide-book. ^'* In reference to Scattery Island, and to St. Senan, it is most incorrectly stated, that he built a church there, and established a religious retreat, long previous to the mission of St. Patrick.
The Iniscattery establishment must have existed about the year 540, and most certainly before that time, at which Kieran of Clonmacnoise is said to have visited Senan, to engage him as a spiritual director. '^ But, it can hardly be allowed a much earlier date. The learned Sir James Ware is even mistaken, in assigning the foundation of this abbey, to the end of the fifth century. ^^ Again, Ussher most certainly was quite astray, when he supposed, that St. Patrick must have spent some time on Iniscatthy Island, as bishop, and pre- decessor of St. Senan, over that see. He would seem to have fallen into such an error, so that he might account for our saint being considered Patrick's successor in the episcopacy. However, the opinion, that our saint was Archbishop of Armagh, is a supposition which Ussher rejects. '^
To resume the narrative of our Saint's Acts, we are told, that being one
day on a journey to our saint, Kieran met a mendicant on the way, who was
ragged and almost naked, and who was very importunate for alms. Having nothing else to give, Kieran took off a clock or monastic habit he wore, and
thus deprived of covering he proceeded to the island. In spirit, knowing what had occurred, St. Senan ordered his monks to take a boat, which was broken, and out of repair,*^ yet the only one moored on their island, so that they might bring over St. Kieran, who stood on the opposite shore. When they had obeyed his order, Senan himself, bearing a cloak, ran to meet his holy visitor. On being covered, the charitable Kieran was joyfully con- ducted to the monastery. *9
By their many magical incantations, the Druids had wished to pervert God's servant, from the true faith : but, he overcame all their efforts, through the assistance of heaven. Having disturbed the air, through means of the powers of darkness, these magi caused rain to follow ; and, then they challenged our saint to prevent this shower, if he were able, through his
A fratribus insolitse Celebrantur exequiae. "
On the west side of Rinn Eanaigh point, there is a flag, said to cover the body of the
who desired to obtain admission to the
lady,
island, but, who was repulsed by St. Senan.
See "Antiquarian Letters relating to the
simply the practice of holy purity, in his life and institute, by the careful exclusion of fe-
males ; and, how injurious to historical ac- curacy, when a glaring anachronism is thus palmed off, on the unsuspecting travellei-.
p. 3, and sect, xi. , n. 175, pp- S^j 57-
=* See "De Hibernia et Antiquitatibus
of Clare. " Irish Ordnance
vol. ii. , pp. 13 to 30. Mr. O'Donovan's ejus," cap. xxvi.
County
Survey,
Letter, dated Kildysart, December 24th, 1840.
="* See "The Tourists' Illustrated Hand- Book for Ireland," p. 134. It also tells them, with a characteristic elegance of ex- pression : "It was here that Senan, a woman-hating hunks of the St. Kevin (Wicklow) genus" lived. It is deplorable, that the use and possession of
flippant
and like circu- ill-compiled books, this,
late in thousands ; and, still worse, that implicit reliance is too often placed on their statements, by visitors. Yet, how untrue is
the history and the character given, regard- ing the venerable Senan, who cultivated
'7 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvii. , p. 454.
"^ In St. Senan's Metrical Life, this boat
is described, as being woven together with oziers. Probably,itwascoveredwithskins,
'
=^5
See Dr.
« r- • n TM
" Lanigan's
Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect, i. ,
«,. . « oi;o,v. Cm nullam esse aham
^avem, nisi
Scapham, nee aptam usibus,
„„ ^^^^^l &c.
'' This circumstance is related, almost in
a similar manner, in the Vita Metrica S.
Senani, cap. xxi. , p. 522. Also, see Colgati's " Acta Sanctorum Hibernijc," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xxxviii. , p. 532.
244 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
faithinChrist. Betakinghimselftoprayer,forashorttime,Senanrepressed
the rain caused by those Druids ; and, it was followed by rain, procured from
heaven, through his prayers. Still, relying on their evil arts, the magi dared
to enter upon another trial, with God's holy servant , and, through unworthy means, they caused snow to descend, and to cover the earth. Confident in
the protection and power of Almighty God, our holy bishop caused this snowtodisappear; and,afterwards,heprocuredanotherfallofsnow,through his prayers and merits. Seeing themselves vanquished, in this contest, by the power of God ; the magi would not presume to contend further, but, betook themselves to flight ; however, whilst sailing from his island, they were drownedintheriver. Thus,asinthecaseofmanyvainattempts,madebythe magicians of Egypt, to rival the miracles of Moses and of Aaron, death
followed, as a consequence of their impious proceedings. 3° And, as Simon Magus, in the reign of Nero, was overcome by the Apostles, being taken away from this world in an untimely manner ; so did these magicians find an unprovided death, while the servant of God was preparing to enjoy the rewards of the saints. 3^
The author of St. Senan's Prose Life tells us, that he has only related a few
of many actions, relating to the illustrious subject of his memoir ; and, that a
bookcouldnotcontainafullserialnarrativeofhisactsand — which large virtues,
were of an exalted character. St. Senan was constant in prayer assiduous
in
—unwearied in — works of — absorbed fasting performing charity frequently
in heavenly contemplation vigilant in exercising the care of a director. No one was superior to him, in the love of holy things, nor was he inferior to any, in his desire for heavenly enjoyments. He was rather to be admired than imitated, in his exercises of penance. In the opinion of all others, he had attained the highest degree of excellence in merits and in virtue, whilst in his own estimation, he was the most lowly and humble of mankind. 3^
A barren and precipitous rock, environed with perpendicular or over-
hanging cliffs, about 250 feet over the sea-level, contains about three-quarters of an acre on the surface. Access to it is most difficult, and only to be effected, by a skilful climber, after a long continuance of fair weather. On the top of this ocean rock, known as Bishop's Island,33 near Kilkee,3+ off the coast —of Clare, is a curious bee-hive house,3s with the oratory of St. Senan adjoining the erection of which is traditionally ascribed to himself. 3^ It measures 18 feet by 12 ; the walls are 2 feet 7 inches in thickness. 37 The clear wood-cut3^ represents it, as of a very antique type, stone-roofed, with a doorway,39 in the south side, and immediately adjoining the west-end wall. i°
3° Exodus, chap. vii. , viii. , ix. , x. , xi. , xii.
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita Metrica S. Senani,
foot, a peculiarity not found in any other
3' See
nise," viii. Martii.
cap. xxiv. , XXV. , p. 523.
structure of the and which was kind,
Colgan's
pro- bably introduced with a view of lessening
3^ See ibid. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xli. , p. 532.
33 In Irish, it is styled, Oilean-an-Easpoig-
or "the island of the gortaigh," starving
bishop. "
3* Both of these townland denominations
are to be found in the parish of Kilfearagh, barony of Moyarta, defined on the " Ord- nance Survey Maps for the County of Clare. " Sheets 46, 55, 56, 57, 66. Bishop's Island is shown on Sheet 55, and Kilkee on Sheet 56.
35 It measures in circumference 115 feet. The exterior face of the wall, at four different heights, recedes to the deptli of about one
the weight of the dome-shaped roof. This
was formed, not on the principal of the arch,
but, as usual, by the gradual approximation of the stones, as the wall ascended,
35 gge " ofthe ofthe Proceedings Society
Antiquaries of Scotland," vol. ii. , p. 516.
37 See William F. Wakeman's " Archaso-
logia Hibernica," part ii. , chap, i. , pp. 59, 60.
38 Engraved by George A. Hanlon, and drawn on the spot by Mr, Wakeman, for his
interesting work.
39 It is six feet in height, one foot ten
inches wide, at the top, and two feet four inches, at the bottom,
^° Several large monumental pillar-stones
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 245
The east window splays externally, and in this respect, it is probably unique in Ireland. This interesting group of ruins presents an exceedingly antique appearance, and its insulated position renders it a lonely and deserted spot.
CHAPTER V
ST. SENAN's gifts of PROrHECY—his LATEST RECORDED ACTIONS—HIS DORMITION AND SUBSEQUENT RESTORATION TO LIFE—DATE FOR HIS DEPARTURE—HIS OBSEQUIES— HIS BURIAL IN INISCATTERY.
The gifts of prophecy have been assigned to St. Senan. ^ Cuimin of Coin- deire states, that a Senan loved to have sickness upon him, so that there werenolessthanthirtydifferentdiseases,infectinghisbody. ^ But,itisnot certain, what Senan he means, from among the two-and-twenty,3 who have festivals,'^andwhoarefoundrecordedinourCalendars. Perceivingthathis end was approaching, in order to leave this earth of exile with even more perfect dispositions, the holy Senan proposed to visit the cell of his first teacher and master, St. Cassidian, who, in all probability, was not then living. But, it was only natural, that Senan should wish to see once more the loved retreat, in which he had first learned the practices of a spiritual life. He also desired, to visit the cell of his paternal aunt, St. Scota,s daughter to Cobh- tach, that he might devote himself to absorbing prayer, and to prepare more fullyfortheexpectedhourofhisdeparture. Ontheway,heturnedfromhis course, to see the daughters of Nsereus, virgins, whom he had veiled, and in- stalled, at the church of Killeochaille f and, by these ladies was he most kindlyreceived. 7 Theyrequestedhimtoprocureforthemtherelicsofsome holy monk, who might become titular patron of their church. Aware of his own approaching dissolution, and through Divine inspiration, the servant of God replied, that a Patron's and a Protector's relics should not be wanting to them. Hiswordswereverified,forhisdormitiontookplaceafewdayssub- sequentlytothisannouncement. Afterhehadtakenleaveofthem,hepro- ceeded towards the church of St. Cassidan. Having satisfied his devotions there, he returned through a certain plain, near Killeochaille. ^ Here, he
heard a voice from on " O high saying :
called to Heaven ! "
stand at a short distance from the church,
in an easterly direction, but they bear no
where she is noticed as St. Scoth. There is also a holy virgin, bearing the same name,
Senan, p. 189. *
is what Cuimin
—
the
of Nrereus were
those
"
Senan noble invalid loved,
Good wes every answer of his answers ; To have thirty diseases in his body, "Which was of evil to this
of Nateus, mentioned by Aengus Kelideus.
These conjectures, particularly the former,
are very probable ; but, Archdall had no
This, however,
says
:
daughters
perhaps
enough
sage. "
facts. "— Dr. " Ecclesias- positive Lanigan's
Senan,
On receiving this announcement, the holy man thither-
or — inour inscriptions symbols.
jNISS. , in the R. I. A. , contains a quatrain,
'^" Chapter v. The vi. vol. of O'Longan
on the
of Saints Sedna and
' cell of the
Clare, not far from Iniscatthy ; and, that
prophecies
caillech,
nuns,'
in the of county
3 In a note Dr. Todd here says : —" Col-
gan enumerates two-and-twenty saints of
this name, with their festivals Actt. SS.
Append, ad Vitam S. Senani, chap, i. , p. been identified. See Duffy's "Hibernian
537-"
'^ See '' The of Martyroiogy Donegal,
"
Magazine," vol. i. . No. i, p. 39.
^Theancientnameof inthe Youghal,
county of Cork, was Eochaille, i. e. , "the Yew Wood. " It might have had Kill, i. e. ,
a church, formerly in conjunction, as a local
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 68 to 71, and n, i.
5 See notices of her, at the l6th of July,
servant of thou art God,
atthei8thof Calendars, January,
Colgan thought that Killeochaille might have been the same as Kill-mac-
right (at Kilnagallegh) to change them into
tical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sect, iv. , n. 31, p. 92.
'In the "Legend of Iniscatthy," it is said, the church of Killeochaille has not
246 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
Clare, by W. F. Wakeman, and now pre- served in the Royal Irish Academy, the
following five subjects refer to Iniscathy. I. The Round Tower of Scattery Island,
2. The large church of Scattery. 3. St. Cinan's Church, Scattery. 4. The door- way of the Round Tower of Scattery. 5.
Thedoor-wayof the great church on Scattery Island. These sketches, like all others by the same artist, are exceeding beautiful ; but, nevertheless, tlie present ones, although very carefully outlined, are not highly finished.
53 jjee
^-
It must have been intended, by this
account, to designate the well on Iniscathy "
Island, called Tober Sheanain," which is yet to be seen there. Among the sketches of Antiquities, illustrating the county of
Colgan's
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 241
CHAPTER IV.
THE QUESTION OF ST. SENAN's EPISCOPACY, AND HIS OFFICE OF ABBOT, AT INISCATTERY—> ENQUIRY AS TO WHETHER HE HAD BEEN ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH—HIS STRICT MONASTIC DISCIPLINE—HIS MIRACULOUS POWERS—ANTIQUITIES ON BISHOP's ISLAND.
It is supposed, by Dr. Lanigan, that Senan became a bishop, when his estab- lishment was founded at Iniscatthy ; and, most probably, even some time before it, owing to the circumstance of his having previously given the veil to the dynast Brendan's daughters, while he was living at Inisluinge, We are not informed, regarding the time when, or the bishop by whom, he had been consecrated. ' According to some historians,^ St. Senan founded Inis- cathy monastery, before St. Patrick's arrival in Munster ; but, it is easy to discover, how incorrect such a conclusion must be. The opinion of Dr. Lanigan is, that Senan had been rather advanced in life, when he settled on Iniscathy ; a supposition even is entertained of his being not less than fifty years of age, at that time. 3
After dwelling on circumstances, connected with the baptism of the Thomond people by St. Patrick, and on his pri^'Jiction regarding a successor, it is clear, in certain passages of St. Senan's Acts,'* no more is meant, than that instead of St. Patrick, who acted then as universal bishop over all Ireland, and
accordingly over Thomond, this district should have, after some years, a bishop of its own, and who might very justly be styled a successor to the Irish
Apostle, s Yet, it has been understood, by some writers,^ as if Senan had succeeded St. Patrick, at Armagh. While he rejected this fable, Ussher fell into a mistake, almost equally unfounded. He supposed, that Senan having been spoken of as a successor to St. Patrick, the latter had been at Iniscatthy, and must have acted there as bishop, for a considerable time. ' Yet, from the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick,^ and from the Second Life of St. Senan, it is evident, that St. Patrick did not visit the country about Iniscatthy, although he took care to supply the inhabitants with religious teachers. 9
Certain writers conform to an opinion, that St. Patrick predicted Senan should succeed him in the episcopacy,^° and that his prophecy was accordingly fulfilled. " Among these are Richard Whitford,^^ the Carthusian Martyrology of Newport, in England, and Albert le Grand. '3 Moreover, it is thought to
nise," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, tur ;" and, according to this, a bishop could cap. xxxvii. , p. 532, and Vita Metrica S. be said to succeed other bishops, although Senani, cap. xxv—. , p. 523. not attached to the same See.
'
Chapter IV. See Dr. Lanigan's Ec-
clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. X. , sect, i. , pp. 3, 4, and n. 20, p. 7.
*
See Dr. Sylvester O'Halloran's "His- toryofIreland,"vol. iii. , bookvii. , chap. vi. , p. 44.
3 In the Life of Kieran of Clonmacnois,
Senan is spoken of as old as the time of his
receiving a visit, when he supplied Kieran with a cloak. It could not have taken place
chap, xi. , sect, iv. , n, 28, p. 91.
De Primordiis Ecclesiarum Bri-
tannicarum," cap. xvii. , p. 873.
^ See "Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," Mar-
tii viii. , p. 542.
^
SeeColgan's"TriasThaumaturga,"Sep- timaVitaS. Patricii, lib. iii. , cap. xlvi. , p. 158. 9 See Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical His-
tory of Ireland," vol. i. , chap, viii. , sect, i. ,
p. 374, and chap, ix. , sect, iv. , n. 57, pp.
448, 449.
whether or not our saint had been Arch-
later than the of early part
'° has a Colgan
the
in which Kieran died. See Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. ,
of his
to St. Senan's Life, devoted to an enquiry
* See iii. , iv.
especially
the Prose
" St. Senan is called in Archipontifex,
s Dr. Lanigan remarks, in connexion with this enquiry, that episcopal unity is well ex-
his Metrical Life, chapter xxiii.
'^ In the " Martyrology of Salisbury," at
the 8th of March.
'3 See "Les Vies des Saints de la Bretagne
Armorique," &c. In the account of St. Q
St.
est, enjus a singulis in solidum pars tene-
pressed by
Cyprian :
year
Life, chapters
chapter
Appendix
549,
" unus Episcopatus
"^" See
bishop of Armagh.
242
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8,
have been our saint, who is found in a list of the Armagh Archbishops, under thesenames,Senchonan,^4Senior,'5orSenach. Thesethreenameshavea similar meaning, and they denote seniority. They have a hke derivation and significancy, also, with the name Senan, which bears the Latin interpre-
" Seniculus. " in two lists of Armagh Archbishops, which However,
tation,
Colgan had seen, he found nothing of Senchonan, Senior, or Senan ; unless it be, that Senior or Senan must be regarded as the same Senach, who stood there fifteenth in order. '^ Granting that Senchonanus and Senior were incor- rectly omitted, and that they should have been included, in this list of bishops; yet,neitherofthemcanbeconfoundedwithoursaint,ifwhatis already written regarding both be true. '? Senchonan is said to have suc- ceeded St. Secundin. 'S whether it be the Senan, who is called Senach, in those lists already named, was a matter of doubt to Colgan ; since he read an account of him, contained in the " Annals of the Four Masters," at A. D. 609. ^9 An event in his life, of so very important a character, as having been over the church of Armagh, could not have been omitted by his biographers ; yet, they are quite silent, on such a subject. There can be no doubt what- ever, that Senan was the first founder of Iniscatthy Monastery ; and, Dr. Lanigan's opinion is, that Senan's estabUshment there cannot be placed earher, than about a. d. 534. ^°
By one of the rules of St. Senan's monastic institute, females were ex- cluded, not only from its enclosure, but even from landing on the island. St. Senan's monks were so chaste, that they never looked at a woman. ''^ This regulation was observed, even with regard to the most holy virgins ; as we are given to understand, in the case of St. Cannera,^^ who died, soon
after she landed on the
island,
and she was buried in the " Grave. " '3 Lady's
Senan, it is here remarked, in the fourth
chapter, that he was unanimously elected a bishop, and the successor of St. Patrick.
'* St. Senchonan is numbered amongst the Armagh Archbishops, in a Life of St. Benig-
"
Sanctus autem Sechnaldus, sive Secundinus, imme- diatus S. Patricii successor, sedit in Ponti- ficatu et Hiberiiias primatu annis sedecim : et post Secundinum, S. Senchonanus annis decim, et post hunc, S. Benignus aliis de-
cim. "
'= At the iitU of April, Marianus men-
*'
predicted, that he should be born I20 years after the time of his prophecy, or according to an anonymous author of St. Patrick's Life, after a term of 40 years. Wherefore, he who is there named Senchonan seems to have been the person, called by others, Senpatruic, or Patrick Senior, for these rea- sons, that what is already said of Senchonan immediately succeeding St. Secundin, and preceding St. Benignus, is written regarding St. Patrick Senior, in the two lists already referred to ; and because, this appellation of Senior, prefixed to either name, seems to insinuate as much. Senchonan is the same as Conan Senior, and Senpatruic means
Patrick Senior.
'9 His death is there recorded, as having
been Abbot of Ardmacha, and as being of Cluain-Ua-nGrici. Dr. O'Donovan does not know, where the latter place had been situated. See vol. i. , pp. 234, 235, and n.
nus, chap, viii. , in these words,
Senior filius Maldaluaini Primas Ai-dmachanus. " The Martyrology of Done- gal commemorates him, also, on the same day. Still, our St. Senan was not the son of Maldaluan, but son to Ercan or Erchinn, according to the account, contained in his Acts.
'* On a list of Armagh Archbishops, in the Calendar of Cashel.
'7 The in which our St. Senan time,
tions,
lived, distinguishes him from the first ; while, the
'° See "Ecclesiastical of
History Ireland,"
vol. i. , chap, ix. , sect, iv. , p. 446.
" See Ferrar's " of
History Limerick,"
part iii. , chap, iii. , p. 185.
^- Her a well-known in- Life, containing
cident, will be found at the 28th of January. -3 It is yet shown, on the south strand of
the island.
" Nee mora, reddit spiritum Diemque clausit ultimuni.
name of his being the second.
him from
died, during St. Patrick's lifetime. According to the Four Masters, in their Annals, the Annals of Clonmacnoise and of Senatenses, he died A. D. 447, St.
SenanofIniscatthycouldnot have been born, at this time ; since, accord- ing to the Salisbury Martyrology, St. Patrick
parent, precludes
^^ to he According Jocelyn,
(n),
ibid.
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 243
It is greatly to be lamented, that tourists should have their prejudices and
ignorance, regarding the reHgion and history of Ireland, unremoved, if not strengthened by the statements of a widely-circulated Guide-book. ^'* In reference to Scattery Island, and to St. Senan, it is most incorrectly stated, that he built a church there, and established a religious retreat, long previous to the mission of St. Patrick.
The Iniscattery establishment must have existed about the year 540, and most certainly before that time, at which Kieran of Clonmacnoise is said to have visited Senan, to engage him as a spiritual director. '^ But, it can hardly be allowed a much earlier date. The learned Sir James Ware is even mistaken, in assigning the foundation of this abbey, to the end of the fifth century. ^^ Again, Ussher most certainly was quite astray, when he supposed, that St. Patrick must have spent some time on Iniscatthy Island, as bishop, and pre- decessor of St. Senan, over that see. He would seem to have fallen into such an error, so that he might account for our saint being considered Patrick's successor in the episcopacy. However, the opinion, that our saint was Archbishop of Armagh, is a supposition which Ussher rejects. '^
To resume the narrative of our Saint's Acts, we are told, that being one
day on a journey to our saint, Kieran met a mendicant on the way, who was
ragged and almost naked, and who was very importunate for alms. Having nothing else to give, Kieran took off a clock or monastic habit he wore, and
thus deprived of covering he proceeded to the island. In spirit, knowing what had occurred, St. Senan ordered his monks to take a boat, which was broken, and out of repair,*^ yet the only one moored on their island, so that they might bring over St. Kieran, who stood on the opposite shore. When they had obeyed his order, Senan himself, bearing a cloak, ran to meet his holy visitor. On being covered, the charitable Kieran was joyfully con- ducted to the monastery. *9
By their many magical incantations, the Druids had wished to pervert God's servant, from the true faith : but, he overcame all their efforts, through the assistance of heaven. Having disturbed the air, through means of the powers of darkness, these magi caused rain to follow ; and, then they challenged our saint to prevent this shower, if he were able, through his
A fratribus insolitse Celebrantur exequiae. "
On the west side of Rinn Eanaigh point, there is a flag, said to cover the body of the
who desired to obtain admission to the
lady,
island, but, who was repulsed by St. Senan.
See "Antiquarian Letters relating to the
simply the practice of holy purity, in his life and institute, by the careful exclusion of fe-
males ; and, how injurious to historical ac- curacy, when a glaring anachronism is thus palmed off, on the unsuspecting travellei-.
p. 3, and sect, xi. , n. 175, pp- S^j 57-
=* See "De Hibernia et Antiquitatibus
of Clare. " Irish Ordnance
vol. ii. , pp. 13 to 30. Mr. O'Donovan's ejus," cap. xxvi.
County
Survey,
Letter, dated Kildysart, December 24th, 1840.
="* See "The Tourists' Illustrated Hand- Book for Ireland," p. 134. It also tells them, with a characteristic elegance of ex- pression : "It was here that Senan, a woman-hating hunks of the St. Kevin (Wicklow) genus" lived. It is deplorable, that the use and possession of
flippant
and like circu- ill-compiled books, this,
late in thousands ; and, still worse, that implicit reliance is too often placed on their statements, by visitors. Yet, how untrue is
the history and the character given, regard- ing the venerable Senan, who cultivated
'7 See " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
quitates," cap. xvii. , p. 454.
"^ In St. Senan's Metrical Life, this boat
is described, as being woven together with oziers. Probably,itwascoveredwithskins,
'
=^5
See Dr.
« r- • n TM
" Lanigan's
Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect, i. ,
«,. . « oi;o,v. Cm nullam esse aham
^avem, nisi
Scapham, nee aptam usibus,
„„ ^^^^^l &c.
'' This circumstance is related, almost in
a similar manner, in the Vita Metrica S.
Senani, cap. xxi. , p. 522. Also, see Colgati's " Acta Sanctorum Hibernijc," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xxxviii. , p. 532.
244 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
faithinChrist. Betakinghimselftoprayer,forashorttime,Senanrepressed
the rain caused by those Druids ; and, it was followed by rain, procured from
heaven, through his prayers. Still, relying on their evil arts, the magi dared
to enter upon another trial, with God's holy servant , and, through unworthy means, they caused snow to descend, and to cover the earth. Confident in
the protection and power of Almighty God, our holy bishop caused this snowtodisappear; and,afterwards,heprocuredanotherfallofsnow,through his prayers and merits. Seeing themselves vanquished, in this contest, by the power of God ; the magi would not presume to contend further, but, betook themselves to flight ; however, whilst sailing from his island, they were drownedintheriver. Thus,asinthecaseofmanyvainattempts,madebythe magicians of Egypt, to rival the miracles of Moses and of Aaron, death
followed, as a consequence of their impious proceedings. 3° And, as Simon Magus, in the reign of Nero, was overcome by the Apostles, being taken away from this world in an untimely manner ; so did these magicians find an unprovided death, while the servant of God was preparing to enjoy the rewards of the saints. 3^
The author of St. Senan's Prose Life tells us, that he has only related a few
of many actions, relating to the illustrious subject of his memoir ; and, that a
bookcouldnotcontainafullserialnarrativeofhisactsand — which large virtues,
were of an exalted character. St. Senan was constant in prayer assiduous
in
—unwearied in — works of — absorbed fasting performing charity frequently
in heavenly contemplation vigilant in exercising the care of a director. No one was superior to him, in the love of holy things, nor was he inferior to any, in his desire for heavenly enjoyments. He was rather to be admired than imitated, in his exercises of penance. In the opinion of all others, he had attained the highest degree of excellence in merits and in virtue, whilst in his own estimation, he was the most lowly and humble of mankind. 3^
A barren and precipitous rock, environed with perpendicular or over-
hanging cliffs, about 250 feet over the sea-level, contains about three-quarters of an acre on the surface. Access to it is most difficult, and only to be effected, by a skilful climber, after a long continuance of fair weather. On the top of this ocean rock, known as Bishop's Island,33 near Kilkee,3+ off the coast —of Clare, is a curious bee-hive house,3s with the oratory of St. Senan adjoining the erection of which is traditionally ascribed to himself. 3^ It measures 18 feet by 12 ; the walls are 2 feet 7 inches in thickness. 37 The clear wood-cut3^ represents it, as of a very antique type, stone-roofed, with a doorway,39 in the south side, and immediately adjoining the west-end wall. i°
3° Exodus, chap. vii. , viii. , ix. , x. , xi. , xii.
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber- Vita Metrica S. Senani,
foot, a peculiarity not found in any other
3' See
nise," viii. Martii.
cap. xxiv. , XXV. , p. 523.
structure of the and which was kind,
Colgan's
pro- bably introduced with a view of lessening
3^ See ibid. Vita Secunda S. Senani, cap. xli. , p. 532.
33 In Irish, it is styled, Oilean-an-Easpoig-
or "the island of the gortaigh," starving
bishop. "
3* Both of these townland denominations
are to be found in the parish of Kilfearagh, barony of Moyarta, defined on the " Ord- nance Survey Maps for the County of Clare. " Sheets 46, 55, 56, 57, 66. Bishop's Island is shown on Sheet 55, and Kilkee on Sheet 56.
35 It measures in circumference 115 feet. The exterior face of the wall, at four different heights, recedes to the deptli of about one
the weight of the dome-shaped roof. This
was formed, not on the principal of the arch,
but, as usual, by the gradual approximation of the stones, as the wall ascended,
35 gge " ofthe ofthe Proceedings Society
Antiquaries of Scotland," vol. ii. , p. 516.
37 See William F. Wakeman's " Archaso-
logia Hibernica," part ii. , chap, i. , pp. 59, 60.
38 Engraved by George A. Hanlon, and drawn on the spot by Mr, Wakeman, for his
interesting work.
39 It is six feet in height, one foot ten
inches wide, at the top, and two feet four inches, at the bottom,
^° Several large monumental pillar-stones
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 245
The east window splays externally, and in this respect, it is probably unique in Ireland. This interesting group of ruins presents an exceedingly antique appearance, and its insulated position renders it a lonely and deserted spot.
CHAPTER V
ST. SENAN's gifts of PROrHECY—his LATEST RECORDED ACTIONS—HIS DORMITION AND SUBSEQUENT RESTORATION TO LIFE—DATE FOR HIS DEPARTURE—HIS OBSEQUIES— HIS BURIAL IN INISCATTERY.
The gifts of prophecy have been assigned to St. Senan. ^ Cuimin of Coin- deire states, that a Senan loved to have sickness upon him, so that there werenolessthanthirtydifferentdiseases,infectinghisbody. ^ But,itisnot certain, what Senan he means, from among the two-and-twenty,3 who have festivals,'^andwhoarefoundrecordedinourCalendars. Perceivingthathis end was approaching, in order to leave this earth of exile with even more perfect dispositions, the holy Senan proposed to visit the cell of his first teacher and master, St. Cassidian, who, in all probability, was not then living. But, it was only natural, that Senan should wish to see once more the loved retreat, in which he had first learned the practices of a spiritual life. He also desired, to visit the cell of his paternal aunt, St. Scota,s daughter to Cobh- tach, that he might devote himself to absorbing prayer, and to prepare more fullyfortheexpectedhourofhisdeparture. Ontheway,heturnedfromhis course, to see the daughters of Nsereus, virgins, whom he had veiled, and in- stalled, at the church of Killeochaille f and, by these ladies was he most kindlyreceived. 7 Theyrequestedhimtoprocureforthemtherelicsofsome holy monk, who might become titular patron of their church. Aware of his own approaching dissolution, and through Divine inspiration, the servant of God replied, that a Patron's and a Protector's relics should not be wanting to them. Hiswordswereverified,forhisdormitiontookplaceafewdayssub- sequentlytothisannouncement. Afterhehadtakenleaveofthem,hepro- ceeded towards the church of St. Cassidan. Having satisfied his devotions there, he returned through a certain plain, near Killeochaille. ^ Here, he
heard a voice from on " O high saying :
called to Heaven ! "
stand at a short distance from the church,
in an easterly direction, but they bear no
where she is noticed as St. Scoth. There is also a holy virgin, bearing the same name,
Senan, p. 189. *
is what Cuimin
—
the
of Nrereus were
those
"
Senan noble invalid loved,
Good wes every answer of his answers ; To have thirty diseases in his body, "Which was of evil to this
of Nateus, mentioned by Aengus Kelideus.
These conjectures, particularly the former,
are very probable ; but, Archdall had no
This, however,
says
:
daughters
perhaps
enough
sage. "
facts. "— Dr. " Ecclesias- positive Lanigan's
Senan,
On receiving this announcement, the holy man thither-
or — inour inscriptions symbols.
jNISS. , in the R. I. A. , contains a quatrain,
'^" Chapter v. The vi. vol. of O'Longan
on the
of Saints Sedna and
' cell of the
Clare, not far from Iniscatthy ; and, that
prophecies
caillech,
nuns,'
in the of county
3 In a note Dr. Todd here says : —" Col-
gan enumerates two-and-twenty saints of
this name, with their festivals Actt. SS.
Append, ad Vitam S. Senani, chap, i. , p. been identified. See Duffy's "Hibernian
537-"
'^ See '' The of Martyroiogy Donegal,
"
Magazine," vol. i. . No. i, p. 39.
^Theancientnameof inthe Youghal,
county of Cork, was Eochaille, i. e. , "the Yew Wood. " It might have had Kill, i. e. ,
a church, formerly in conjunction, as a local
edited by Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp. 68 to 71, and n, i.
5 See notices of her, at the l6th of July,
servant of thou art God,
atthei8thof Calendars, January,
Colgan thought that Killeochaille might have been the same as Kill-mac-
right (at Kilnagallegh) to change them into
tical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xi. , sect, iv. , n. 31, p. 92.
'In the "Legend of Iniscatthy," it is said, the church of Killeochaille has not
246 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
