SAINT COLMAN
Son of Duagh and Rhinach
Founder of KILMACDUAGH MONASTERY, near Gort, County Galway


A King of Connaught, father to King Guaire the Generous (of Dunguaire Castle), had heard the prophecy of a child who would outstrip the Kings. Colman was that child, so the King sent two henchmen to kill Colman's mother, Rhinach, while Colman was still in her womb. A stone was tied around Rhinach's neck and she was thrown into Kiltart River, near Gort. Legend has it that the rock floated and carried Rhinach and her baby to safety. After his birth, Colman was hidden away for many years and prepared for his monastic life and the priesthood.

Rhinach's stone reputedly rests on the inside windowsill of the ruined church in Kiltartan near Coole Park, the rope marks still evident!

One day, many years later, King Guaire discovered his cousin Colman living in the wilds of the Burren. To make amends for what his father had done, Guaire gave land to Colman build his monastery. Colman accepted the gift and set about to choose the perfect spot. It wasn't until one day as he was riding that his girdle (belt accidentally fell to the ground that Colman made his choice.

Centuries later, the girdle was still in the hands of the O'Shaughnessy's and O'Heyne's, as was Colman's crozier, which is not on display in the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street in Dublin City. Unfortunately, the girdle's whereabouts are unknown today as it disappeared during the Battle of the Boyne where the O'Shaughnessy's had taken it into battle with them. This girdle was studded with precious gems and was said to hold unexplained powers. It was said that no matter how slim, the girdle would not go around an unchaste waist.