ST. FINTAN
-
His Parentage
- His Studies
- Opposition and Conversion of those who opposed him.
- Miracles he Performed
- His Reception and Settlement in Doon
St. Fintan was a brother to St. Finlug, son to Diman who was descended from
Mured Manderig, King of Ulster. Alinna, of a noble Limerick family, was his
mother.
St. Comgall, Abbot of Bangor had founded a school at Bangor in the
middle of the 6th century and it was here that St. Fintan studied. At this time
pirates raided these monasteries frequently. St. Fintan, once, asked Finian of
Maghbile to loan him a Gospel for his studies but was refused. The next night
St. Fintan and his companions were on guard at the port, fearing an invasion.
The pirates, however, firstly raided Magh Bile - the monastery of St. Finian and
among the treasures they stole was the Gospel. Later they approached Bangor
where St. Fintan was on guard. When they were about to attack the city a storm
suddenly arose and all the ships were sank except that which carried the Gospel.
The Gospel, along with other artefacts were recovered.
One Spring a leper came to St. Fintan and requested some bread,
made from newly ripened corn. St. Fintan instructed the leper to plant a seed in
the newly ploughed field. The seed immediately grew and ripened and thus the
leper was satisfied.
At this time a pagon king lived in a district called Calathmagh.
On hearing of St. Fintan's approach the king instructed his servants to prevent
the further progress of St. Fintan. On reaching a field where the king's workers
were, the saint and his followers were obstructed from continuing. On requesting
permission they were insulted. Presently a storm arose and the crops were set on
fire from which the smoke almost blinded the kings employees. With some blessed
water St. Fintan restored their vision and they were deeply grateful to him.
After these occurrences St. Fintan settled at Doon (Dun Bleisce),
whose name is derived from the earthen dun and from Blesc who was a vassal to
the king at that time. The presence of St. Fintan's well and the fact that this
is the only place in the area with a name of origin "Dun" verifies that Doon is
the place where St. Fintan settled.
St. Fintan's settlement at Doon had been prophesised by St.
Comgall in the Leabhar Breac which has been translated thus:
"My litter foster son shall obtain the fortress, Fintan, by whom
the dun will be obtained His city of sacred protection shall be That which is
called Dun Bleisce".
At Doon St. Fintan was welcomed with much hospitality from
Columbanus, son to Kynchadhe.
A feast, which consisted of a cow and calf, and milk had been
prepared for St. Fintan and his seven followers.
St. Fintan's well is situated in a grove of trees in the east
corner of lower Kilmoylan townland. The well's water is reputed to have great
healing powers and previously many went there to be healed.
"They have left their cot for the holy well Near the cross in the
valley flowing; Its bright blude hide haith a spell Light and joy to the blind
bestowing".
- The Blind Girl -
St. Fintan is reputed to have lived to the age of 260 but this is
probably an exaggeration.
The site of St. Fintan's monastery in Doon is not known. From St.
Engus' comments and other sources it has been learned that St. Fintan's death
fell on the 3rd of January. His feast-day was formerly celebrated in the parish.
There is no information, however, regarding the year or place of his death.