St Ruadhan

Monk. This sixth century Irish saint was the founder and abbot of Lothra in Co Tipperary. Coming from a royal Munster family, he studied under St Finian at Clonard. He is sometimes described as a bishop and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.

He is said to have replaced St Brendan (the navigator) at Lorrha, who preceded to cross the Shannon and set up his monastery at Clonfert Co Galway.

In the parish church of Lothra, there is an ancient oratory said to be his. A number of stories and legends were written about Ruadan long after his death. In one famous account, told in the Martyrology of Oengus, he is said to have won a cursing match with the pagan rulers of Tara. He was known for his prophesies. Ruadhan died in 584.

His bell (pictured) is preserved in the British Museum.