Senán mac Geirrcinn

Senán mac Geircinn (fl. 6th century) was an Irish Christian minister. He was a resident of Munster and is important in Irish tradition, as founder of Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island, Iniscathy) and patron of the Corco Baiscinn and the Uí Fhidgeinte. He is listed among the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.

Life He was born in 488 in a place once known as Moylougha, about four miles east of present-day Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland. According to the prose life, his mother entered labour while walking through the woods; when she grasped a tree branch for support, it is said to have blossomed to foretell the virtues of the saint. The translation of "Senan" from old Gaelic means "little old wise man." It is thought that Senan may have got his name from an earlier river god whose name gave rise to the river Shannon. and St Conainne.

While still only a child, Senan began to practice and preach self-denial, once even reproving his mother for gathering blackberries. God, he reminded her, made time for abstinence as well as for eating. The boy promised his life to God after the miracle at the estuary, where a path opened for him and the cattle he was driving at high tide.

He studied under a monk, named Cassidus from whom he received the habit and tonsure of a monk. From him, he learned sacred scriptures and the practices of the religious life. Cassidus sent him on to St Natalis at Kilnamanagh, whereupon completion of his studies he was ordained a priest. It is very unlikely, though not impossible, that Conainne and Cainnear were actually the same person. A similar story has been associated with another obscure female saint named Ibie or Imy of Killimer.

Senan is said to have died on 8 March 544. He is buried on Scattery Island, probably in Temple Senan.

Senan and the "Cathach" Legend has it that he slew a huge sea creature that inhabited the island and terrorised the locals.

He is sometimes confused with Saint Senan of Laraghbrine

Legacy Parishes are named for him in Enniscorthy, Kilrush, Shanagolden and in Shannon. St Senan’s Church is located in Inniscarra.

St. Senan's Primary School is located on Vinegar Hill, Enniscorthy. St. Senan's National School is located in Shannon.

His patron day on 8 March was an important day of pilgrimage to Inis Cathaig.

The surname 'Gilsenan' in present-day is thought to have been the name for the followers of Saint Senan.