Colman mac Duagh

Who was Colman mac Duagh?

Saint Colman mac Duagh was born at Cork, Kiltartan, County Galway, Ireland, c. 550, the son of the Irish chieftain Duac. He was educated at Saint Enda's monastery in Inishmore/Árainn, the largest of the Aran Islands. Thereafter he was a recluse, living in prayer and prolonged fastings, first on Inismore, then in a cave at the Burren in County Clare, an area bordering the southern border of county Galway and thus close to what is today the village of Kilmacduagh. With King Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin of Connacht he founded the monastery of Kilmacduagh, and governed it as abbot-bishop. His associates included Surney of Drumacoo. The "leaning tower of Kilmacduagh," 112 feet high, is almost twice as old as the famous tower in Pisa. The Irish round tower was restored in 1880. Such limestone constructed round towers were erected to serve as a refuge in times of attack.