Tola

Saint Tola (Thola, Tolanus) was an Irish hermit and bishop, born after the middle of the seventh century and who died between 734 and 737 (around 733, according to our record). He is called a good soldier of Christ. He lived many years as a hermit at Disert Tola and founded a monastery there, in the late seventh or early eighth century. About the year 700 he established a monastic community in north-⁠western County Clare, between the river Fergus and the Burren. He sent missionaries to Europe and helped the spread of learning. Later he was called to preside over Clonard in Meath until his death. A crozier ascribed to him is in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, and the high cross at Dysert O'Dea is called Tola's Cross, the cross of blessing. He is a saint of the undivided Church, commemorated on 30 March (new style; 12 April in the old style).