Macartan of Clogher

Saint Macartan of Clogher (Mac Cairthinn) was a disciple of Saint Patrick and the first bishop of Clogher in Ireland, from 454 until his death in 505 or 506. Patrick called him the Strong Man, for his steadfastness and faithfulness to the young Church.

He was born in Munster in the south of Ireland and bore the name Aidus, son of Caerthen. Hearing Patrick's preaching, he came to Armagh; at Drumlease, near Dromahair, he was baptized and became a companion of the apostle of Ireland. Later Patrick, moved with sympathy for his faithful companion, agreed that he should spend the rest of his life in peace, founding a monastery at Clogher, near the ancient royal fort of Rathmore. One of the oldest bishoprics of Ireland was established there. Patrick gave him his staff and relics kept in a shrine called the Domnach Airgid, which holds fragments of a Gospel manuscript of the eighth or ninth century; it is today preserved in the National Museum of Ireland. He is a saint of the undivided Church, commemorated on 24 March (new style; 6 April in the old style).