Bairrfind m. Muiredaig of Druimm Cuilinn, associate of Brendan

Other names

Bairrfind Ua Néill; Barinthus (of 'Navigatio Sancti Brendani')

Introduction

This saint is assigned to the Uí Néill and may be identified with Barinthus Ua Néill, a navigator who appears in the Navigatio Sancti Brandani as the inspiration behind Brendan’s journeys (Ó Riain, Dictionary, 83-4; David Thornton in ODNB http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/1609) Manus O'Donnell has a Barann son of Muireadaig who is portrayed as a relative of Columba's travelling with him towards Assaroe (Lacey 1998 p 77). Barann's lost staff miraculously appears in a stream of water gushing out of a rock. The place is called Tobar na Bachaille. Bairrfind’s feast-day of May 21st coincides with one of the commemorations of Bairre m. Amairgin. It is probable that the two are in origin the same (Ó Riain, Dictionary, 84).

Gender

Male

Associated places

Druimm Cuillin (Drumcullen parish, barony of Eglish, Co. Offaly); Cell Barrfind (now Kilbarron, north of Assaroe, see Mart. Do. p 134)

Genealogies

He is usually given a descent from Conall Gulban m. Néill Noígiallaig (Rec. Mai. 24, Rec. Min. 433, Rec. Met. 622.21) but in one MS of Mart. O he is assigned to the Ceinél Fiachach of the S. Uí Néill (Mart. O, 134, notes in La 610), probably because this was the dominant group in the vicinity of his main church at Druimm Cuillin. His mother is Didnat ingen Mechair (Mothers of the saints, 722.82).

Territory or Ethnicity (broad)

Gaelic

Territory or Ethnicity (refined)

S. Uí Néill

N. Uí Néill

Related Saints

Belongs to the group Findbarr, Bairrfind, Bairre, Uinniau, Finnén etc (ns) (certain)

Same as Barinthus of Argyll (probable)

Related Personal Names

Name

Bairrfind (certain)

Feast days

Day of Year

May 21

Calendar

Martyrology of Oengus the Culdee

Source code

Mart. O

Source title

Martyrology of Oengus the Culdee

Editors

Stokes, Whitley

Year

1905

Notes

Full title is Félire Óengusso Céli Dé, The Martyrology of Oengus the Culdee, critically edited from Ten Manuscripts, with a Preface, Translation, Notes and Indices.

Quote from source

Barrfind Drommo Cuilinn

Notes

FO notes in RB 505: Barrind, Barrinn D.c. hi feraib cell i ndesciurt Mide. .i. fil il-Laignib notes in La 610 .i. Barrind mac Muiredaig mic Fiachach mic Neill Náegiallaig. Droma cuilind .i. i Feraib cell.

Day of Year

May 21

Calendar

Martyrology of Tallaght

Source code

Mart.T

Source title

Martyrology of Tallaght

Editors

Best, R. I. and Lawlor, H. J.

Year

1931

Notes

From the Book of Lesinter and MS 5100-4 in the Royal Library, Brussels.

Quote from source

Barrfinn Droma Cuilinn

Day of Year

May 21

Calendar

Martyrology of Gorman

Source code

Mart. G

Source title

Martyrology of Gorman

Editors

Stokes, Whitley

Year

1895

Notes

Full title is Félire Húi Gormáin, The Martyrology of Gorman edited from a manuscript in the Royal library, Brussels, with a preface, translation, notes and indices. It is published by the Henry Bradshaw Society.

Quote from source

Barrfind gloss: Droma cuilinn. [in marg. Bairrfionn epscop & ab ó Druim Cuilinn & ó Chill Bhairrfinn fri hEss-ruaidh atuaidh. Do chenel Conaill Gulbain meic Neill dó]

Day of Year

May 21

Calendar

The Martyrology of Donegal

Source code

Mart. Do.

Source title

The Martyrology of Donegal

Editors

Todd, J. H.

Year

1864

Notes

Other author to be specified.

Quote from source

Bairrfhionn, epscop, ó Druimchuilind acus o Chill Bairrfinn fri hEss Ruaidh atuaidh. Do chenel Conaill Gulban, mic Neill, do etc. Didhnat, inghen Meachair, a mathair.