VIII.—PATRICK IN CULLEN

But though the tribe took its name from this Arada Cliach, part of the territory belonged to the race of Eoghan Mor, who were established at Cashel. Hence we are told that when Patrick came to Cullen, the Eoghanacht of Eastern Cliach (Airthir Cliach), that is the portion of the territory bordering on the royal territory of Cashel, opposed him. Just then it came to pass that a dreadful mishap occurred, which Ailill’s wife came to announce on the hill where Patrick was biding, saying, “Swine in their savagery have devoured our son, O Ailill.” Upon this Ailill said to Patrick, “I will believe if you bring my son to life again.” Then Patrick ordered the bones of the half-eaten child to be gathered together, and he told Malach the Briton to restore the child to life. “I will not tempt the Lord,” said Malach—that is by attempting to perform a miracle so extraordinary. Then Patrick said, “Sad is that word of thine, O Malach; thy cloister will not be lofty on earth; thy house will be the (small) house of one man.” He was to have neither companions nor successors as the penalty of his distrust in God. ‘That cloister of his was in the north-eastern angle of the southern Deisi; it was called Cell Malaich, but five cows could hardly be fed on the land belonging to his church.’ Thereupon Patrick ordered Bishops Ibar and Ailbe to bring the boy to life, and he himself besought the Lord along with them. Then the boy was brought to life through Patrick’s prayer. It is added that the boy, when restored to life, preached to the hosts and to the multitudes in Patrick’s presence. Ailill and his wife also believed, as well they might; and the Hy Coonagh, too, believed and were baptised in that town. In the same place in which the boy was brought to life is the seat of the aforesaid four persons, Patrick and Ailbe and Ibar, and the little boy. It was on that occasion that Patrick said, “God heals by the physician’s hand.” We may add that the small cloister of Malach Brit is not Kilmallock but Kilmaloo, which is accurately described as in the north-eastern angle of the southern Deisi, now known as Decies within the Drum, near Ardmore in the county Waterford.