Virgin, popularly known as Mary of the Gael, born Faughart, County Louth, Ireland, 451; died Kildare, Ireland, 525. Having received the veil from Saint Macaille, she was professed by Saint Mel of Ardagh from whom she received abbatial powers, 468. Her famous convent of Gill-Dara (church of the oak) at Druin Criadh became a center of religion and learning which developed later into the cathedral city of Kildare. She established a second monastery there for men, under Bishop Saint Conleth, and also a school of art, needlework, and illumination. She became a friend of Saint Patrick. Patroness of Ireland, and of scholars. Represented in art on her knees, holding a vase, with a cow nearby. Relics in the grave of Saint Patrick and Saint Columba near Down-Patrick; head in the Jesuit Church at Lisbon. Feast, February 1,.