Caillín

Saint Caillin (fl. c.570) was an Irish medieval saint and monastic founder. His Feast day is celebrated on 13 November. The patron saint of Fenagh, County Leitrim, Caillin was born in the 6th century and founded a monastic settlement at Fenagh. His history was given in the Old Book of Fenagh (no longer extant; material included in the Book of Fenagh). The Annals of the Four Masters mentioning him living in 464 is based on the late 16th century Book of Fenagh, which is a piece of literature considered unreliable without other historical records. Caillín's siblings lived in the second half of the 6th century, so it is likely Caillín lived at the same time. This date is also supported by his position in the Irish genealogies and by the Life of Saint Mogue (born c.560), who was taught by Caillín.

Life

Caillin was born in Conmaicne Dun Mor (now north County Galway). Caillin's mother's name was Dediva (also called Editua, Dedi, Deidi, Deighe, Deidiu, or Deaga), daughter of Tren, son of Dubhthach moccu Lughair, who was Chief Ollam of Ireland and royal poet of King Lóegaire mac Néill. Dediva's other children were Saint Senan of Laraghabrine, son of Fintan, Saint Diarmaid the Just, son of Lugna, St.Mainchín of Corann, son of Collan of Corann, Saint Felim of Kilmore son of Carill, Saint Daigh of Inniskeen son of Carill, Saint Femia daughter of Carill and Senchán Torpéist, another Chief Ollam of Ireland. Caillin was the third eldest of Dediva's children.

Caillin had another brother named Nisi Mac Niata.

Saint Fintan and Rome

Caillin studied under St. Fintan. To complete his studies, he went to Rome, and was given 300 ounces of solid red gold by St. Fintan gave him 30o. At the end of a long period of study in Rome, he returned, bringing with him relics of the apostles and a cloth made by the Virgin Mary and used when she fed the infant Jesus. According to the Book of Fernagh, Caillin returned to Ireland twelve years after the arrival of Patrick, who later consecrated him bishop.

Fenagh abbey

He founded a monastic site at Fenagh, County Leitrim, which was then the territory of the Conmhaicne Magh Rein, part of the overkingdom of Breifne. He became the patron saint of Fenagh and the Conmaicne of Magh Rein.

In stories, it is said an angel was sent to Caillin to show him the site of the Abbey at Fenagh. When Caillin commenced the erection of the monastery, Fergal mac Fergus, King of Breifne, sent his son, Aedh Dubh, with his warriors to drive Caillin away. Caillin then converted Aedh Dubh and his men. Fergus next sent his druids to destroy him, but Caillin turned the Druids into stones

Pedigree

His pedigree is given as follows: Caillin, mac Niata mac Duban mac Fraech mac Cumscrach mac Echt mac Ere mac Ercdal mac Echt mac Dubh mac Moghruadh mac Nert mac Fornert mac Echt mac Beidhbhe mac Doilbhre mac Lugaid Conmac mac Oirbsen Mor mac Ethedon mac Seghda mac Art mac Allta mac Oghamun, mac Fidhchar mac Doilbhre mac Eon mac Cetguine Calusach mac Conmac mac Mochta mac Fergus mac Róich mac Mesoman mac Rossa mac Mogh Taeth mac Rudraige mac Sithrigi.

Mac Giolla Chaillín/Kilgallin

The family name Mac Giolla Chaillín means (son of) devotee of St. Caillin. The surname is also commonly Anglicized as Kilcullen, Kilgallen, Kilgallon and Clyne, and is found mainly in County Mayo and County Sligo. Bearers of the name include T.J. Kilgallon and Matthew Kilgallon.