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Saint

Sourney

A saint venerated in the Western Church, of whom few details survive.

Era
6th century

Life

Saint Sourney (Sárnait, also called Surney of Drumacoo) was an Irish saint of the 6th century, remembered on 30 May. She was an associate of Colman mac Duagh, who was bishop of the region at the time. Her origin is unknown, but her name may be of the Uí Fiachrach Aidhne, like Colman's.

Around 550 she founded the church of Drumacoo, in the parish of Ballinderreen, County Galway. She was known to raise animals from the dead, even after they had been eaten. A later medieval church, now disused, stands on the site of the old foundation, and the adjoining graveyard is still in use. Saint Sourney's holy well is nearby.