Olcán

Olcán (fl. 5th century) is the name of an early Irish saint of the Dál Riata, disciple of St Patrick and founder of Armoy (Irish Airther Maige) in northeast Antrim.^[1]

Olcán and the Dál Riata

Olcán's church in Armoy lay in territory controlled by the Dál Riata, while neighbouring territories were controlled by other ruling dynasties: the southern and western parts of what is now County Antrim and west County Down by the Cruithni, and west County Down by the Dál Fiatach.^[1]

In the 7th century, Tírechán relates that Patrick had granted a share of the prized relics of St Peter and Paul (and further saints) to Olcán, indicating how much Patrick and his community expected of Olcán and their alliance with the Dál Riata.^[1] However, the fortunes of the Dál Riata in Ireland were adversely affected, while their future rather lay in Scotland, notably in Argyll.^[1] As a consequence of losing such political support, Olcán's church were prone to dispossession. The Tripartite Life tells that the lands attached to Armoy were seized and regranted to the saints Mac Nisse of Connor and Senán "of Inis Cathaig" (probably for Senán of Láthrach Briúin).^[1]

He is said to have ordained by Patrick in Dunseverick Castle, County Antrim (in what is now Northern Ireland). He is strongly historically and devotionally linked to County Antrim.

Veneration

Olcan (or Olcán)'s feast-day is 20 February. The ruins of Cranfield Church, a 13th-century Irish church which lies on the shore of Lough Neagh at Churchtown Point, Cranfield, County Antrim, carries a tradition of belief Olcan blessed his well with healing properties.^[2] Olcan (or Olcán) was reputedly buried at Cranfield Church in earth brought from Rome.

The former St Olcan's High School, which was named in his honour, merged with St Malachy's High School, Antrim to form St. Benedict's High School, is in Randalstown, County Antrim.

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b c d e} Charles-Edwards, "Ulster, saints of (act. c.400–c.650)"
2. ^ BBC Northern Ireland profile

References

• Charles-Edwards, T.M. "Ulster, saints of (act. c.400–c.650)." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford University Press, Sept 2004; online edition, Jan 2007. Accessed: 14 Dec 2008.

External links

• BBC site page