Nisi Mac Niata

Nisi Mac Niata
Family	Conmaícne Rein tribe
Father	Niata
Died	South Leitrim, Ireland
Religion	Celtic Christian
Memorials	Moynish (plain of Nisi)

Nisi Mac Niata (or Nissi Mac Niatach, fl. 560 AD) lived in 6th century Gaelic Ireland. Nothing is known of his life, but his death left a legacy for a millennium. Namely, the Túath where he died was renamed in his honour, and his brother Saint Caillín obtained a substantial honour price in compensation under Brehon Law, securing a revenue stream for the famous monastery of Fenagh.

Nisi (prounced Nishy) was born in 6th century Gaelic Ireland, the son of Niata and brother of Saint Caillín, the patron saint of Fenagh. He belonged to the tribe of Conmaicne-Rein who lived in present day South Leitrim and West Longford. He was probably a noble or a priest, and close associate of his sibling Saint Caillin. Little else is known of his life.

His death is described in both prose and rhyme by the ancient Book of Fenagh along the following lines. Sometime in the 5th or 6th century, Nisi and Caillin journeyed from Ard-Carna Monastery in Roscommon eastwards towards Cora Droma Rúisc crossing the river Shannon to Magh-Cellachain ("the plain of Cellachan"), staying overnight at a place named the Bennachan, in the home of Cellachan, who was not of the Conmaicne tribe. Next morning for some unknown reason, Nisi was killed unlawfully by Cellachan who then had to pay Nisi's brother a substantial "body fine" and honour price in compensation. Nisi was interred at Fenagh.

...
Wikipedia