Bricín

Saint Bricín (c.590–650; also known as Bricin, Briccine, DaBreccoc, Da-Breccocus) was an Irish abbot of Tuaim Dreccon in Breifne (modern Tomregan, County Cavan), a monastery that flourished in the 7th century.

The history of Bricín centres on the abbey of Túaim Dreccon in the Bréifne territory. The Gaelic place name meant "tumulus (burial mound) of Dreacon", referring to a pre-Christian chieftain who ruled the district around the Woodford river.

In early Christian times, Tuaim Dreccon was the site of a monastic school. Investigations by the Breffni Antiquarian and Historical Society show that the present townland of Mullynagolman (located about two miles southeast of Ballyconnell) corresponds to the original site. All traces of the building have disappeared, as have any remnants of the mound of Dreacon.

In the early years of the 7th century, Bricin was attached to this scholarly establishment, distinguishing himself as a scholar and surgeon.

His most distinguished surgical achievement relates to his care of a serious skull wound on an Ulster noble of royal blood named Cenn Fáelad mac Aillila. Following the Battle of Magh Rath fought near Moira, County Down in 636 AD, the wounded Cenn Fáelad was rushed to Bricín at Tomregan for treatment. After surgery Cennfaelad remained at the academy for a period of convalescence under Bricín's care. As a result, Cenn Fáelad developed an almost perfect memory and a keen interest in study at the three colleges of the university—Brehon Law, History and Poetry, and Classical Learning—going on to become its most distinguished scholar and poet. Following his studies Cenn Fáelad produced three famous works, on law, Irish grammar and history, which include references to exploits of the Ulster Red Branch Knights.

A Romanesque sculpture depicting Bricin performing the operation on Cenn Fáelad still survives from the medieval church of Tomregan.

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