Fiction In 2005, The Sunday Business Post cited up-and-coming author John Boyne as one of 40 Irish people under 40 who were likely to be "the movers and shakers who will define the country's culture, politics, style and economics in 2005 and beyond." Boyne is not only doing great in Ireland but in America as well, where four of his books have First came The Boy in the … [Read more...] about Review of Books
June 3, 618
This day marks the feast day of St. Kevin, who died on June 3, 618. Officially known in Irish as Saint Comegen, 'gentle one', of Glendalough, his name was anglicized to Saint Kevin. He was mentored by St. Petroc and established a church, which would later become a monastery and pilgrimage destination, at Glendalough in Co. Wicklow. Legend says that he lived until the age of … [Read more...] about June 3, 618
June 9, 597
On this day St. Columcille, or St. Colomba, died. His feast day of June 9 is recognized by the Catholic Church. Born in Co. Donegal to a royal family, Columcille gave up his claims in favor of becoming a monk at Glasnevin. He became one of the "Twelve Apostles of Ireland" who studied under St. Finnian. After a dispute with St. Finnian over copying the Battle Book of the … [Read more...] about June 9, 597
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 … [Read more...] about September 9, 546
December 7, 0521
St. Columcille was born on this day in Gartan, Co. Donegal. Columcille, who would also become known as Columba, Colum, Columbus and Columkill, was born to a royal family but given in fosterage to a priest at a young age. After studying under St. Finnian, he spent 15 years preaching and traveling through out Ireland. By 25, he had already founded about 27 monasteries, including … [Read more...] about December 7, 0521