September 9, 546

This day marks the feast day of St. Kieran, or St. Ciaran, the Irish saint who was famous for establishing the monastery of Clonmacnois. Reportedly born in Connacht, Ireland, Kieran went on to study under St. Enda at Inishmore. Enda advised Kieran to build a monastery in the middle of Ireland, so with eight other monks, Kieran travelled to the banks of the river Shannon in Offaly, built Clonmacnois and became Abbot. Clonmacnois became known as the center of Irish learning. St. Kieran was one of the twelve apostles of Ireland. He reportedly died on this day in 546.