Flannan of Killaloe

Holy Hierarch Flannan of Killaloe lived in the seventh century in Ireland. He was the son of Toirdhealbhach, a chieftain of the Dál gCais. He entered the monastery of Saint Mo Lua at Killaloe and is believed to have become its abbot; he was known as a great preacher. According to tradition, Pope John IV consecrated him at Rome as the first bishop of Killaloe, and he is today the patron of that diocese.

He made a pilgrimage to Rome and also preached in the Hebrides. It is said that he recited the whole Psalter every day. He is a saint of the undivided Church, remembered on 18 December in the Western calendar (new style).