Tighernach of Clones
| Tigernach | |
|---|---|
Clones Abbey
|
|
| Coarb of Clones Abbey | |
| Died | 549 Clones, County Monaghan |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church |
| Feast | 4 April |
Tigernach mac Coirpri (d. 549) was an early Irish saint, patron saint of Clones (Co. Monaghan) in the province of Ulster.
Tigernach (anglicised Tierney) was one of the pre-eminent saints of the territory ruled by the Uí Chremthainn dynasty, together with Mac Caírthinn of Clogher and Mo Laisse of Devenish. His principal foundation is Clones, which lay in the western part of Fernmag, a kingdom ruled by the Uí Chremthainn branch Uí Nad Sluaig. The first foundation by Tigernach, in about the same area, is Gabáil-liúin, now Galloon Island, Upper Lough Erne (Co. Fermanagh), on the border of that kingdom.
Tigernach’s Life depicts an early stage when the Uí Chremthainn had not yet branched off but had a single royal seat near Clogher. Tigernach was born out of an illicit union between a king's daughter and an alien warrior: his mother, Der Fraích, was a daughter of Eochaid, king of the Uí Chremthainn, while his father, Coirpre, was a Leinsterman in Eochaid's service, the Irish genealogies specifying that Coirpre belonged to the Uí Briúin branch of the Uí Bairrche. Soon after his birth, he was brought to Leinster. St Brigit of Kildare named the child Tigernach, meaning "princely". According to Butler, Tigernach was baptized by Conleth, bishop of Kildare with St. Brigid as godmother. Tigernach's maternal uncle was Cairpre Daim Argat, King of Airgíalla who died in 514. His maternal aunt was Saint Cinnia of Druim Dubhain (Feast Day 1 February). His maternal 1st cousin once removed was Saint Damhnat of Slieve Betha (Feast Day 13 June). His maternal second cousin was Saint Enda of Aran (Feast Day 21 March). His fourth cousins were Saints Dallán Forgaill and Mogue.
The Life goes on to describe a number of experiences in preparation for his career in Ulster: he was educated in Rosnat in Britain. Lanigan identifies Rosnat with Candida Casa, established by Ninian some time before. However, David Dumville does not find that credible and notes that St. Davids's in Dyfed has also been proposed. Having heard his teacher prophesy the foundation of a prominent church, Tigernach went to Rome to obtain relics and returned to Brigit in Leinster, who urged him to become bishop.
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