The See Elphin in the High Middle Ages (1246-1499)

From Walsh, Thomas; History of the Irish Hierarchy, cap. xxix, p. 301 ff.

Thomas O'Connor, dean of Achonry, was consecrated bishop of Elphin in 1246 and translated to the archiepiscopal see of Tuam in 1259. He sat there twenty years. While in the chair of Elphin he consecrated the church of the Dominican abbey at Roscoman.
Milo O'Connor, archdeacon of Clonmacnois, was consecrated at Dundalk by the archbishop of Armagh in 1260 and died in 1262.
His right to the see was cassated or made void on appeal to Rome and Thomas MacFarrell MacDermott succeeded in 1262. Thomas was abbot of Boyle, was twice elected before and after Milo's death. He only sat a short time and died in 1265. After the death of this prelate Hugh O Connor by force usurped the episcopal revenues.
Maurice O'Connor, a Dominican friar, succeeded on the 23d of April, 1266. He was a witness to a deed of exchange on the 28th of November, 1282, between King Edward I and the prior of St. Coman's convent at Roscoman of the lands of Rostrenin for the lands of Lisnerny. He died in 1284.
Auliffe O'Tumalty succeeeded but died soon after.
Gelasius MacJulianaid, abbot of Loughkee, was restored to the temporals on the 4th of March, 1285. He sat eleven years and died in 1296.
Malachy MacBrian, abbot of Boyle, succeeded in 1296 and died at Home about the close of the year 1302.
Donatus O'Flanigan, abbot of Boyle, who to the abbacy as well as to the bishopric succeeded in September, 1303, died in June, 1308, worn out by a tedious distemper. Donatus was much esteemed for his wisdom, hospitality and other virtues.
Charles MacJulianaig, abbot of Loughkee, elected by a portion of the canons bishop of Elphin and consecrated at Armagh in 1308, was deprived by the Pope. Charles returned to the abbacy where he died at an advanced age A.D. 1343, and Malachy MacAeda canon of Elphin succeeded by provision of Pope Clement V and obtained the royal assent on the 7th of December, 1310, was translated to Tuam in 1313.
Laurence Ó Lughtuan, some time official of Tuam, a canon of Elphin, was consecrated bishop of this see in 1313, being advanced by Pope Clement V. He died in 1325.
John O'Finsey or Ó Finachta, canon of Elphin, was elected by the dean and chapter and consecrated by his metropolitan in 1326, He died in 1354 and was buried at Elphin in the cathedral of the Virgin Mary.
Gregory, provost of Killala, was consecrated bishop of Down, supposed then vacant, promoted to the see of Elphin by Pope Innocent VI in February, 1356, thence in 1372 translated to Tuam.
Thomas Barrett, archdeacon of Enaghdune, was consecrated bishop of Elphin in 1372. He governed this see thirty two years, was the most eminent man in Ireland for wisdom and a superior knowledge of divinity. He died at Errew of Lough Con and was buried there.
John O'Grady succeeded in 1405 and died in 1417.
Robert Foster, a Franciscan friar and doctor of divinity, succeeded by provision of Pope Martin V in February, 1418.
William Ó Etegan, according to the annals of MacFirbisse, bishop of Elphin and many of the clergy of Connaught went to Rome in the year 1444.  Most of them died there.
Cornelius Ó Mullaghlin, bishop of Elphin, built a Franciscan monastery at Elphin about the year 1450. The canons and inhabitants of Elphin were donors also of this church. Cornelius died A.D. 1468. It seems that he resigned some time before his death as his successor, Nicholas O'Flanigan, a Dominican friar, was bishop of Elphin in 1458. The effects of old age and a dimness of sight caused him to resign in 1494. Nicholas requested of the Pope to translate George Brann, bishop of Dromore, to the see of Elphin but it appears Cornelius was the successor in the see for some time and after his death Richard MacBrien, a Dominican friar, succeeded in 1496 and died in 1499.

The See Elphin in the Early Middle Ages (512-1246)

From Walsh, Thomas; History of the Irish Hierarchy, cap. xxix, p. 299 ff.

The See of Elphin now embraces those of Ardcarn, Drumcliffe and Roscoman. By the annexation of those sees, Elphin became one of the richest in the kingdom. Caisseal Iorra or West Cashel is also mentioned and a bishop Bron as having resided there. He died in 512.

St. Asicus is mentioned as the first bishop of Elphin and to have been placed in the see by St. Patrick but it is doubtful whether he has been one in the lifetime of the apostle. The festival of St. Asicus is celebrated on the 27th of April but the year of his death, like unto the deaths of other saints, is not known. Ware fixes his incumbency in or about 450. It is said that Asicus was an excellent goldsmith and that he adorned the cathedral with monuments of elegant workmanship, that he also wrought for St. Patrick quadrangular chalices and altars. It is also related of him that through a penitential spirit he retired from his diocese to the mountain Slievliag in Donegal where, after sojourning a considerable time, he was discovered by his disciples. He could not be induced to return to his see but went with them to a solitude and when he died was buried at Rathcunga barony of Tyrhugh in that county.

Next to Asicus is mentioned his nephew Bitheus, bishop of Elphin, and who was buried with Asicus in Rathcunga. Bron, bishop of Caisseal Iorra, was the contemporary of both and died in the time of St. Bridget, A.D. 512. The names of the successors are lost to our enquiries but may we not hope that they are recorded in the book of life

Domnald Ó Dubhai, who was also bishop of Clonmacnois and who died at Clonfert in 1137. Flanachan Ó Dubhai, who died in 1168.
Maelisa Ó Conactain, bishop of east Connaught assisted at the council of Kells in 1152. Died in 1174.
Florence MacRiagan O'Mulrony, a Cistercian monk and abbot of Boyle, died in 1195, was descended of the kings of Connaught.
Ardgal O'Conor of the royal family of the O Connors died A.D. 1214.
Denis O'Mulkeran, bishop of Ardcarn, died in 1224.
Denis Ó Morda, who succeeded, resigned in 1229 and died in 1231.
Alan of whom nothing is known.
Donat O'Connor sat twelve years and died in 1244.
John Ó Hughroin, archdeacon of Elphin, was elected on the 12th of June, 1244. The archbishop of Tuam refused to consecrate him until he obtained the royal assent but the Pope, giving a laudable testimony of John to the king, assent was given for his consecration and a writ issued to the lord justice to restore him to the temporals. John died A.D. 1246 at Rahugh mic Brec, county Westmeath.
Cornelius Rufus, son to the successor of St. Molua, was bishop of Elphin in 1246 but he survived a short time.

Saint Assicus of Elphin (Walsh)

From Thomas Walsh's History of the Irish Hierarchy:

"St Asicus is mentioned as the first bishop of Elphin and to have been placed in the see by St Patrick but it is doubtful whether he has been one in the lifetime of the apostle. The festival of St. Asicus is celebrated on the 27th of April but the year of his death like unto the deaths of other saints is not known. Ware fixes his incumbency in or about 450. It is said that Asicus was an excellent goldsmith and that he adorned the cathedral with monuments of elegant workmanship that he also wrought for St. Patrick quadrangular chalices and altars. It is also related of him that through a penitential spirit he retired from his diocese to the mountain Slievliag in Donegal where, after sojourning a considerable time, he was discovered by his disciples. He could not be induced to return to his see but went with them to a solitude and when he died was buried at Rathcunga barony of Tyrhugh in that county. Next to Asicus is mentioned his nephew Bitheus bishop of Elphin and who was buried with Asicus in Rathcunga.  Bron bishop of Caisseal Iorra was the contemporary of both and died in the time of St. Bridget, AD 512. The names of the successors are lost to our enquiries but may we not hope that they are recorded in the book of life."

"Rathcunga in the barony of Tir Hugh. A very old establishment St Asicus of Elphin and Baithen are interred here St Patrick is said to have erected this church."
 
"881 Asicus bishop of Elphin Biteus and Tassach who fabricated sacred utensils are noticed as such as well as Dageus The ingenuity of the last saint is described in his life which Colgan quotes Idem enim episcopus Dageus abbatibus aliisqne Hibernite Sanctis campanas cymbala baculos cruces scrinia capsas pixides calics discos altariola chrismalia librorumque coopertoria qusedam horum nuda quaedam vero alia auro atque argento gemmisque pretiosis circumtecta pro amore Dei et sanctorum honore sine ullo terreno pretio ingeniose ac mirabiliter composuit."

"See of Rathcunga county of Donegal: St Bitheus. was the founder was contemporary with Bron of Cashel Iorra and Asicus of Elphin, who was his uncle. It is likely that he was also bishop of West Cashel. He has been buried at Rathcunga where the remains of his uncle St Asicus were deposited."

Ballindune Priory (Walsh)

From Walsh, Thomas; History of the Irish Hierarchy, cap. lx, p. 640.

Ballindune in the barony of Tirelill, seven miles north of Boyle and on Lough Arrow. The ancient sept of MacDonagh founded this monastery for Dominicans about the year 1427. This family has given bishops, priests, martyrs and heroes to Ireland. They are a branch of the MacDermot of Moylurg who was descended of Heremon, the third son of Milesius. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and it could compete with many monasteries of the country in extent and beauty.

In the twenty seventh of queen Elizabeth the possessions consisted of a church and cemetery with half a quarter of land of every kind annual value 6s 8d English money. They were granted to Francis Crofton who had assigned them to Edward Crofton. They have eventually fallen into the hands of the King family. In the year 1756 there were four friars attached to Ballindune, Michael Reynolds the prior, Dominick O'Hart, Andrew Dwyer and Miles Lipnan. Turlogh MacDonogh, the most eminent lawyer of his time, has been buried in this abbey.

Lough Key Abbey (Walsh)

From Thomas Walsh's History of the Irish Hierarchy chapter lix, p. 632 ff:

Loughkey. The river Boyle runs through this lake in which there is an island called Trinity Island, an abbey dedicated to the holy and undivided Trinity having existed there AD 700.

AD 1215 the eminent Clarus Mac Moyhn O'Mulchonry, archdeacon of Elphin, refounded this abbey under the invocation of the Holy Trinity for Premonstré canons. He also founded the church of Deryndonne.

AD 1231 on the 15th of December died here Dionysius O'Morra, who had retired from the bishopric of Elphin.

AD 1234 Gillisa O Gibbellan anchorite of this island died.

AD 1239 Lasra Fina, daughter of Cathal Croivdeargh and wife of O'Domnail, granted to this abbey the half townland of Rosburn, being part of her dower.

AD 1380 the abbot who was son of MacDermod Roe died.

AD 1440 the abbot died.

AD 1466 the abbey was consumed by an accidental fire caused by the negligence of a woman. This abbey was filial to the abbey of Premonstré in France. Its possessions were granted with other property valued at 26 13s 8d annually to Robert Harrison for ever in free soccage. The annals of Loughkey were preserved here.

Cashell Jorra

Cashell Jorra (See diocese of Elphin) in the barony of Corran between the rivers Uncion and the Owenmore and six miles south of Sligo. St. Bron, the disciple of St. Patrick, was bishop of this place.

Baslick Abbey (Walsh)

From Thomas Walsh's History of the Irish Hierarchy chapter lix, p. 624 ff:



Bais-leac-mor. St. Sacellus, a disciple of St. Patrick, was bishop of this place, now called Baslick. He was one of those who attended the synod at Maghseola. Whether he was then a bishop or not, remains in doubt.

Bealaneney, was a house of conventual Franciscans. It was found to contain a church, with other buildings, and a cemetery, orchard, and garden within the precincts; eight acres of arable land and seven of pasture; a castle in the town of Athlone, near the cemetery of the parish church, in which were two chambers, and a parcel of land adjacent to the said castle, extending from the east near the market-place, sixty feet, and in length, near the river Shannon, two hundred feet.

These possessions were granted to Edmund OTallon, of Athlone, at the annual rent of 44s. 7d., Irish money.

Drumcliffe Abbey (Walsh)

From Walsh, Thomas; History of the Irish Hierarchy, chapter lx, p. 646 ff.

Drumcliffe in the barony of Drumcliffe formerly a town of some note.

Lanigan is not inclined to assign to St. Columbkille the merit of erecting the monastery of Drumcliffe. He is only willing to admit as he does with regard to St. Fechin at Ballysadare that St. Columba only founded a church in this place. At the time in which not only Columba flourished but also that in which St. Fechin was cut off by the plague the erection of a monastery was a work of very little delay, especially when the people or the prince were pleased to sanction and assist in its construction. The Abbé MacGeoghegan writes that the piety of the early Christians of Ireland was such that they not only gave food and other necessaries for the wants of their religious houses but even dedicated some of their families to the service of God as was the custom with the Jewish people.

If the history of the foundation of Imay, Co. Galway, be correct we are therein assured that the holy founder was at his monastery in Easdara when admonished to seek the island of Imay by an angel. Yet Lanigan will not accord to him the erection of that establishment. A St. Thorian, a disciple of Columba who followed him afterwards to Hy, is named as having governed Drumcliffe as the first abbot. It is again argued that as a blank occurs in the names of the abbots until the year 921, St. Columba was not the founder Drumcliffe, does not appear to be singular in this respect. Voids of the same sort occur in the succession of the bishops of our sees. Lanigan also urges the silence of Ware with regard to its foundation &c. Ware is also silent of the Dominican convent of Clonmel, one of far later date. Ware omits the ancient monastery of Tirdaglas, founded by Columba, son of Crimthan.

AD 921 died the abbot of Drumcliffe, St. Thorian or Thorannan. He was also abbot of Banchor and was honored on the 12th of June. Died also this year the blessed Maolpatrick Mac Moran.

AD 930 died the abbot Moyngall son of Becan.

AD 950 died the blessed Flan Ó Becain, archdeacon of Drumcliffe, a learned and celebrated scribe.

AD 1029 This year Aengus Ó Hoengusa, archdeacon of Drumcliffe, with sixty other persons, perished by an accidental fire in an island called Inislanne, territory of Carberry.

AD 1053 Murchad Ó Beollain, archdeacon of Drumcliffe, died.

AD 1077 died Murrogh Ó Beollan, comorb of Drumcliffe and St. Columb.

AD 1187 the abbey was spoiled by Melaghlin, king of Meath. The wrath of Heaven soon overtook him, having been killed in a fortnight after.

AD 1225 died Amlave Ó Beollain, archdeacon of Drumcliffe, a man of extraordinary erudition and in general esteem for piety wisdom and unbounded hospitality.

AD 1252 died in this abbey Maelmaidoc Ó Baollan, comorb of St. Columb, a venerable and hospitable man and in universal estimation in England and Ireland.

AD 1416 this abbey was set on fire by a band of plunderers, the abbot Maurice Ó Coincoil perished in the flames.

AD 1503 died the abbot Ó Beollan.