Abbot of Clonenagh, born Gorey barony, Wicklow, Ireland, 524; died c597 He was a pupil of Saint Columba of Terryglass. In 550 he retired to the solitude of Slieve Bloom Mountains, Leix County, where he attracted numerous followers (among them Saint Comgall of Bangor), for whom he composed an austere rule. He is often called the "Father of Irish monks" and the "Benedict of Erin." Feast, February 18,.