Mac Creiche
| Mac Creiche | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6th century |
| Died | 6th century |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Saint |
| Known for | Defeat of Chrom Chonaill |
Mac Creiche (or Maccreehy, MacCrecius) of Liscannor is described by various old texts as an early Irish saint, a hermit who slew monsters and persuaded kings to submit to him through miracles. He was probably not a historical figure. The stories of his life are most likely derived from earlier pagan legends, and he may be equated with a pagan god.
The civil parish of Kilmacrehy on the west coast of County Clare is named after him.
Mac Creiche is said to have lived in the late 6th century and to have been descended from the god Ercc, the Corcu MoDruad chieftain Mac Ercc. According to his biography, the Corcu MoDruad was the leading sept of the Tuadmumu region of northern County Clare, which included the Corcomroe and Burren baronies, and was paramount over the neighboring people of Cenél Fermaic. His homeland "Corcu Mruad in Nindois" also included the Aran Islands.
One source says Mac Creiche's father was Pesslan (not an Irish name) and his mother was from the Cíarraige people. It is possible that the Corcu MoDruad were subordinates in an alliance led by the Cíarraige. Another source says he was of the Fermacaig, and the son of Saint Ailbe of Emly. The sources agree that he was connected to the Cíarraige. He may been a cousin of Saint Brendan of Clonfert on his mother's side. Mac Creiche is said to have lived to 180 years of age, which would make him one of the oldest of the Irish saints.
Various legends of the saint are recorded in his life and other sources.
Mac Creiche lived as a hermit in a structure made of four stones at a place called Cluain Í. The dwelling had "a stone at his back, a stone to each side, and a stone in front of him", and seems to have been designed for discomfort. He lived a frugal life: "Mac Creiche, the devout, loved / A hard and undefiled dungeon. / From Shrovetide to Easter would he subsist / Upon only bread and cresses."
He was a pupil of Ailbe of Emly. Ailbe and Mac Creiche once made a spring appear through their prayers. Saint Mainchín is described as Mac Creiche's son, or spiritual son, whom Mac Creiche baptized and taught. Mainchín and Mac Creiche went to Fid Inis, an island, where Mac Creiche told Mainchín to fetter him and hand him the key. Mac Creiche threw the key into the sea, saying he would stay on the island until the key came out of the water to free him. Ailbe later came to Fid Inis. He caught a salmon and found the fetter key in its stomach, with which he released Mac Creiche.
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