Saint Ailbe

Alfred Webb

A Compendium of Irish Biography

1878

Ailbe, Saint, patron and first bishop of Emly, County of Tipperary, a convert and friend of St. Patrick in the 5th century. O'Curry mentions a poem by him. He was born in Munster, and is said to have been consecrated at Rome; after converting his native province, he was anxious to proceed on a mission to other parts of Ireland, but was forced by King Aengus to abandon his intention, and remain with him. " The reputation of this holy and learned man was so great, that he was styled 'Another Patrick,' and was reckoned among the principal fathers of the Irish Church." He died in 541, and was buried in Emly Cathedral. His festival is 12th September.

Sources

119. Ecclesiastical History of Ireland: Rev. John Lanigan. 4 vols. Dublin, 1822.

234. Martyrology of Donegal: Edited by J. H. Todd, D.D., and William Reeves, D.D. (I.A.S.) Dublin, 1864.

260. O'Curry, Eugene: Manuscript Materials of Ancient Irish History. Dublin, 1861.

339. Ware, Sir James, Works: Walter Harris. 2 vols. Dublin, 1764.

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