Ailbe of Emly

Ailbe of Emly is regarded as one of the first preachers of Ireland, before Saint Patrick, and as the patron of Emly in Munster. Irish sources from the eighth century call him the first bishop of Emly. Later Welsh sources (from the eleventh century) link him with Saint David, whom he is said to have baptized. Little that is reliable is known of his life. He is venerated as one of the four great patrons of Ireland and as patron of the archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. He reposed in the early sixth century, around the year 527. He is a saint of the undivided Church, venerated in the West.

His commemoration falls on 12 September (new calendar); the Churches on the Old Calendar keep the same day of the Menaion on 25 September of the civil calendar.