4th: St Mac Nissi. Oengus Mac Nissi took his name from his mother Cnes or Ness. It is claimed that Patrick baptised him and taught him the psalms. He chose the district of Connor for his hermitage, but later became bishop of his clan. He died early in the 6th century.
9th: St Ciaran was born in Roscommon around 512. He came to Clonmacnois in January 545 where he founded a monastery which was to become one of the most renowned in Europe. He died at the age of thirty-three while the monastery was still being built.
12th: St Ailbe is sometimes claimed as one of the pre-Patrician saints, but the annals note his death in 528. A tradition held that he went to Rome and was ordained bishop by the Pope. He founded the monastery of Emly which became very important in Munster. A 9th century Rule bears his name.
23rd: St Eunan (Adomnan) was born in Donegal around 624 and died in 704. He became a monk in lona and was chosen aobot there in 679. One of his writings is the Life of Colum Cille,
25th: St Finbarr came to Loch Irce (Gougane Barra) and probably lived there as a hermit. When disciples gathered round him he moved to Cork at the mouth of the Lee where he founded a monastery which became a famous centre of learning.
