Cuimín of Kilcummin

Who is Cuimín of Kilcummin?

Saint Cuimín is an Irish saint associated with the parish of Kilcummin in the barony of Tirawley, County Mayo. Kilcummin, a headland to the west of Killala Bay, preserves the remains of a religious site, with a church of early date and a graveyard.

Cuimín's background is touched upon in a genealogical text compiled by Dubhaltach Mac Fhir Bhisigh, who was a member of a learned family from the area around Killala Bay. It names the saint "Cumain Foda" and identifies him as a descendant of Conaing son of Fergus son of Amailgaid, thereby linking him to the leading dynasty in the area, the Uí Amolngada. Máire MacNeill suggests that he is probably distinct from another Connacht saint of the same name, Cumméne Fota, who was abbot of Clonfert in the 7th century, although "the coincidence of name and epithet is curious". Pádraig Ó Riain also treats him as a different saint. Dubhaltach also distinguished him from Cuimín mac Dioma, whose descendants are said to rest at Kilcummin.

While information about Cuimín's life and medieval cult is lacking, there is relatively plentiful evidence for his veneration in early modern and modern times. A holy well at Kilcummin was believed to have healing powers and served as a central place for the patron held in his honour on the last Sunday of July. The day was known as Domhnach Chrom Dubh or Garland Sunday.