Ruadán of Lorrha

Ruadán mac Fergusa Birn, also known Rowan, Ruadon, Roadan, Ruadhán, Rodon and Rodan, (died 15 April 584) was an Irish Christian abbot who founded the monastery of Lorrha (Lothra, County Tipperary, Ireland), near Terryglass. He was known for his prophecies. After his death, he was venerated as a saint and as one of the "Twelve Apostles of Ireland". His feast day is 15 April.

Life

Ruadan was born in Tara in Leinster, Ireland, and was educated at Clonard, County Westmeath by Finnian. He is known as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He is said to have replaced Brendan the Navigator at Lorrha, who then crossed the Shannon and set up his monastery at Clonfert, County Galway. Ruadan founded a monastic settlement there, where he directed 150 monks. A ditch or large mound would have been built around the settlement to keep animals in and intruders out, the outlines of which are still visible today. Life for the monks would have been tough but simple, rising early from their beds which would have consisted of rushes or straw placed on the bare ground. They then would pray and fast between their domestic chores. The settlement would have been self-sufficient in those days providing everything from food, and clothing, to shelter. Villages and towns often popped up around monastic settlements as trade and refuge attracted the local people, the origin of Lorrha village can be attributed to this.

Ruadan is said to have died at the monastery of Lorrha on 15 April 584. His feast is kept on the anniversary of his death.

Ruadhán's prophecy

His embassy in 556 to King Diarmait mac Cerbaill at Tara, is worked into a legend known as the "Curse of Tara", but the high king continued to reside at Tara till his death in 564. The legend as to Tara's halls having been deserted after 564 is of comparatively late origin. Adomnan held a synod at Tara in 697.

Diarmuid Mac Cerbhaill had violated the sanctity of the church by taking a hostage from its protection. The downfall of Tara from a once-thriving royal residence is credited to Ruadhan.

The bell of St. Ruadhán was found in a well named after Ruadhán, and is now in the British Museum.

Visio Tnugdali

The Visio Tnugdali written refers to Ruadhán as follows: