Learn about the life and times of St. Colmán in Mayo Abbey presentation

Mayo Parish Heritage Committee are hosting a presentation entitled 'The Life and Times of St. Colmán' by local writer and historian Colmán Ó Raghallaigh in Mayo Abbey Community Centre (F12 X8P5) on Thursday, November 9, commencing at 8 p.m.

Although we possess a certain amount of historical information about St. Colmán, there is much about his life that remains an enigma.

Piecing together all of the existing evidence and revisiting previous scholarship, Colmán Ó Raghallaigh re-examines the actions and motives of the man himself and how he dealt with the many challenges and setbacks he faced throughout his life.

His early life and allegiance to Iona, his central role in the seventh century Synod of Whitby, his return to Inishbofin and subsequent connection to the Abbey of Mayo form the backdrop for a fascinating exploration of the life and times of one of the most important figures in the early Christian church in Ireland.

Fourteen centuries later, it is timely to look again at the influence of this remarkable man.

A former primary school teacher, Colmán Ó Raghallaigh taught for 35 years in his native Mayo. He holds Masters degrees in both Modern Irish and Old Irish, and has a particular interest in Irish history and mythology. He has also lectured in Celtic Studies in the University of Galway.

Colmán is an award-winning author of many books in Irish for children and young people, including a highly successful series of graphic novels. In 1996 he set up Cló Mhaigh Eo to publish high-quality books in Irish and has since published books by more than 20 Irish authors.

Admission to the presentation is free and all are welcome. For further information, contact heritage@mayoabbey.ie.