Senán mac Geirrcinn
Senán mac Geirrcinn was an Irish Christian minister prominent in the 6th century, revered as the founder of Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island) and patron of the Corco Baiscinn and Uí Fhidgeinte. He is also listed among the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and is remembered for his austere monastic rule and his legendary confrontation with a sea creature known as the 'Cathach'.
- Feast Day
- March 8
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- Ireland
Key Facts
- ›Senán mac Geirrcinn was born in 488 in Moylougha, County Clare, Ireland.
- ›He studied under Cassidus and was ordained a priest by St Natalis.
- ›Senán founded a church near Enniscorthy in 510 or 512, now known as Templeshannon.
- ›He traveled to Britain, France, and Rome before returning to Ireland around 520.
- ›In 534, he founded a monastery on Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island) which became a bishopric.
- ›Senán died on March 8, 544, and is buried on Scattery Island.
Senan, Little old wise man
Corco Baiscinn, Uí Fhidgeinte
About Senán mac Geirrcinn
Senán mac Geirrcinn (fl. 6th century) was a prominent Irish Christian minister, revered as the founder of the monastic settlement on Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island) and a patron saint of the Corco Baiscinn and the Uí Fhidgeinte. He is also recognized as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. His life and ministry played a significant role in the early Christianization of Ireland.
Born in 488 in Moylougha, County Clare, Senán's early life was marked by piety. According to tradition, his mother's grasp on a tree branch during labor caused it to blossom, foretelling his future sanctity. He studied under monks Cassidus and St Natalis, receiving his monastic habit and tonsure, and was eventually ordained a priest. Senán began his missionary work by establishing a church near Enniscorthy around 510 or 512, which is still known as Templeshannon.
Senán was a well-traveled individual for his time, journeying to Britain, France, and Rome before returning to Ireland. He furthered his studies in various Irish monasteries before founding the abbey on Inishmore. His most significant foundation was the monastery on Inis Cathaigh, established around 534. This settlement, characterized by its austere rule, grew to include five churches and a round tower, eventually becoming the seat of a bishopric with Senán as its first bishop.
Legends surround Senán's life, most notably his confrontation with a monstrous sea creature known as the 'Cathach' that terrorized Scattery Island. He is credited with driving the beast away, thus making the island safe for habitation and monastic life. Another tale recounts how a druid sent to curse him was overcome by a tidal wave. His sister, St Conainne, is said to have wished for burial near him; Senán, adhering to his edict that only men were allowed on the island, waited for low tide to bury her in the inter-tidal zone.
Senán mac Geirrcinn died on March 8, 544, and is buried on Scattery Island, likely in Temple Senan. His legacy endures through place names, institutions like St. Senan's Primary School, and his feast day, which remains an important occasion for pilgrimage to Inis Cathaig. The surname 'Gilsenan' is believed to have originated from his followers.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Senán mac Geirrcinn born?
Senán mac Geirrcinn was born in 488 in a place called Moylougha, located about four miles east of present-day Kilrush in County Clare, Ireland.
What is Senán mac Geirrcinn best known for founding?
He is chiefly known as the founder of the monastery on Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island) in the Shannon estuary, which later became a bishopric with Senán as its first bishop. He also founded a church near Enniscorthy, now known as Templeshannon.
What was Senán mac Geirrcinn's connection to the Twelve Apostles of Ireland?
Senán mac Geirrcinn is listed among the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, a traditional group of early Irish saints.
What is the legend surrounding Senán and a sea creature?
Legend has it that Senán slew a huge sea creature known as the 'Cathach' that inhabited Scattery Island and terrorized locals, making the island safe for habitation.
What was the rule of Senán's monastery on Scattery Island?
The rule of the monastery founded by Senán on Scattery Island was described as extremely austere.
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