ST. NATHY OR DAVID, PRIEST PATRON OF THE DIOCESS OF ACHONRY, ANCIENTLY CALLED ACHAD, IN IRELAND

ST. FINIAN, bishop of Clonard, built this church in 530, and gave it to his disciple Nathy, called also Dathy, which in Irish signifies David, a man of great sanctity. He is surnamed Comrah and Cruimthir. The former, Harris thinks, bears the sense of consecrated or elected. Cruimthir signifies in old Irish a priest, the same as sagart in modern Irish. In St. Finian’s life he is only styled priest; but in St. Fechin’s, prelate or abbot. Harris thinks he was raised to the episcopal dignity; but Colgan, with all ancient annals, calls him only priest, though this church was made a bishop’s see soon after his time. In the Annals of Ireland the bishops of Achonry are often styled of Luigny or Leny, from the little province or barony in which Achonry is situated. The church is dedicated in memory of St. Nathy, and his festival is celebrated on the 9th of August. See Colgan in MSS. on this day, and Ware, p. 658.