Saint Berach

Saint Berach of Termonbarry, (died 595). Berach was a disciple of Saint Kevin and a celebrated Irish saint, whose memory is still celebrated in County Roscommon. Berach was of the tribe of Cinel Dobtha, or O'Hanley of Doohey Hanley, to which also belong the MacCoilidh family. Most of his life was spent in the Diocese of Elphin where he built the church at Cluain Coirpthe, now known as Termonbarry or Kilbarry. Berach's sister, Saint Midabaria, was abbess of a nunnery at Bumlin (Strokestown), of which she is venerated as patroness. Her ancient conventual church and graveyard are still extant. Under the title of "Berach of Cluain Coirpthe" St. Berach is honored in several martyrologies, and his holy life attracted pilgrims to Kilbarry from...