Speaking about Tory, Bishop McGuckian said: “There is an ancient Columban heritage on Tory. Tradition has it Colmcille himself founded the monastery on the island.”
In his book “The Waves of Tory,” historian Jim Hunter explains: “In the sixth century St. Colmcille brought Christianity to the island and built a monastery with seven small chapels. There are several ecclesiastical remains from the early Christian era, the most ancient being the church of the seven. Tradition has it that Colmcille endowed the island clay with unique properties to ward off vermin and protect fishermen when at sea.
Comer pointed to the spread of Colmcille’s influence, evidenced by the Irish landscape.
“Place-name evidence of the saint’s influence remains extant in the wider area and stories told of the saint, in particular in ‘Beatha Cholmcille’ (‘The Life of Colmcille’) penned in the 16th century by Mánus Ó Domhnaill, contains a collection of stories which highlight the huge influence which the saint had on many aspects of life in Ireland. A significant cultural legacy is associated with this most influential of characters from Ireland’s history, and his influence has impacted many aspects of Irish life.”
Given the breadth of the Donegal saint’s influence in founding monasteries and his association with illuminated bibles and psalters, painstakingly copied in scriptoria in Colmcille-founded monasteries, it is intriguing to note that St. Patrick’s position as Ireland’s patron was cemented due to political factors: Patrick’s patronage being supported by the O’Neill clan, Colmcille by the less influential Donegal Cineal Conall.
Today Colmcille’s name is etched across Ireland on its landscape. Every visitor to Derry, every tourist who visits Donegal, and every viewer of the Book of Kells is touched by the legacy of St. Colmcille, whether they are aware of it or not. In the seventh century, Beccán, a hermit of Iona, wrote “Last Verses in Praise of Colmcille,” hailing him as wisdom’s champion.
“He possessed books, renounced fully claims of kinship: for love of learning he gave up wars, gave up strongholds,” the hermit wrote.
Patrick J Passmore lives on the north coast of Ireland. He has worked with St Brigid Media on a range of projects as a consultant and writer.
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