Dallan Forgaill

Saint Dallan Forgaill, an Irish poet and scholar, was slain by pirates at the monastery on the island of Inishkeel, according to the calendars in 598, according to other sources around 640. His birth name was Eochaid mac Colla; the nickname Dallan means little blind one.

He was born at Maigen (now Ballyconnell) in the north-⁠west of County Cavan, of a branch of the Airgialla, and was a relative of Saint Aidan of Ferns. He lost his sight, it is said, through intense study. He was a poet, chief ollam of Ireland and a scholar of Latin Scripture, and he took part in the reform of the bardic order at the Convention of Drumceat. He wrote the Amra Coluim Chille, a praise of Saint Columba, one of the most important poems of the early Gaelic world; it is reported that when he finished it he regained his sight. Tradition also attributes to him the hymn Rop tu mo baile, Be Thou my Vision. He also wrote a praise of Saint Senan and founded several churches.

While visiting his friend Saint Conall Cael at the monastery on Inishkeel, pirates raided the island and Dallan was beheaded; it is said that God reattached his head. He was buried at Inishkeel, and Conall Cael was later laid in the same grave. He is a saint of the undivided Church, commemorated on 29 January (new style).