Conainne
Encyclopedia
Conainne, also known as Dachonna, was an Irish missionary and saint.
Conainne was a female missionary who evangalised in the Soghain
area of County Galway
. She founded a church at Cell Conainne ('the church of Conainne'), modern-day Kilconnell
, it appears that the name of the more widely known St Connell was by error substituted for Connainne/Dachonna after the 16th-century.
She may be responsible for the foundation of Tigh Dachoinne ('the church of Dachonna'), now the townland of Tiaquin, Athenry
. It is thought that a children's burial ground may mark the site of the church. Furthermore, the burial ground itself is called Leacht an Óra (the stone monument of adoration')
The Martyrology of Oengus says she was of the Uí Maine, and lists her under the date 8 March, stating:
This would make her a stepsister of Saint Senan
.
In the life of Saint Attracta
it is told that "approached her brother, St Connell, seeking permission to erect a nunnery close to his own foundation. He prevailed upon St. Dachonna to request his sister not to build in the area. St Attracta complied with her brother's wishes but was very displeased and is said to have denounced his church."
The Irish terms of endearment, mo and do, were regularly added to the names of Irish saints and secular people, hence the origin of her pet name, Dachonna.
Conainne was a female missionary who evangalised in the Soghain
Soghain
The Soghain were a people of ancient Ireland. Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh identified them as part of a larger group called the Cruithin, and stated of them:...
area of County Galway
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
. She founded a church at Cell Conainne ('the church of Conainne'), modern-day Kilconnell
Kilconnell
Kilconnell is a small rural village in County Galway, Ireland.Its population in 2006 was 680. Its land is mainly used for dairy farming and the raising of cattle....
, it appears that the name of the more widely known St Connell was by error substituted for Connainne/Dachonna after the 16th-century.
She may be responsible for the foundation of Tigh Dachoinne ('the church of Dachonna'), now the townland of Tiaquin, Athenry
Athenry
Athenry is a town in County Galway, Ireland. It lies east of Galway city, and one of the attractions of the town is its medieval castle. The town is also well-known by virtue of the song "The Fields of Athenry".-History:...
. It is thought that a children's burial ground may mark the site of the church. Furthermore, the burial ground itself is called Leacht an Óra (the stone monument of adoration')
The Martyrology of Oengus says she was of the Uí Maine, and lists her under the date 8 March, stating:
This would make her a stepsister of Saint Senan
Saint Senan
Senán mac Geircinn is a prominent Munster saint in Irish tradition, founder of Inis Cathaig and patron of the Corco Baiscinn and the Uí Fhidgeinte....
.
In the life of Saint Attracta
Attracta
Saint Athracht , in Latin sources Attracta, is the patron saint of the parish of Locha Techet and Tourlestrane, Co. Sligo, Ireland. Her legend states that she fled from home and took her vows as a nun under Saint Patrick at Coolavin...
it is told that "approached her brother, St Connell, seeking permission to erect a nunnery close to his own foundation. He prevailed upon St. Dachonna to request his sister not to build in the area. St Attracta complied with her brother's wishes but was very displeased and is said to have denounced his church."
The Irish terms of endearment, mo and do, were regularly added to the names of Irish saints and secular people, hence the origin of her pet name, Dachonna.