Cuirithir mac Doborchu

Who is Cuirithir mac Doborchu?

Cuirithir of Connacht, Irish poet, fl. 7th century.

According to the story Comracc Liadain i Cuirithir, which dates to the 9th century, Cuirithir mac Doborchu of Connacht was a poet, who met the woman poet Liadian of Corkaguiney while she was on a tour into the territory of the inhabitants of Connacht.

Cuirithir proposed to her at an ale-feast, asking "Why do we not make a union, o Liadain? Brilliant would be our son whom you would beget." Liadain replied "Let us not do so, so that my tour is not spoiled for me. If you might come for me again, to my house, I shall come with you." They slept together that night, and parted the following day.

However, before she and Cuirithir met again, Liadain became a nun. It is uncertain if this is a conflict between love and religion [or if] Liadain postpones the marriage to Cuirithir because of her professional interests as a travelling poetess.

The couple seek the spiritual aid of St. Cummine. However Cuirithir breaks the vow of chastity and is banished to another monastry by Cummine, being also forced to renounce his love of Liadain. He later crosses the sea while Liadain endures penance and prayer before dying of a broken heart.