It is reasonable to assume that Eoghan came north not just as a missionary to pagans, but also ‘as a pilgrim for the sake of Christ’ in exile.
Due to the division of Ireland into a grid of independent states or túatha, exile meant leaving one’s own and taking one’s chances in another túath.
He was followed by many disciples including his kinsman, St. Kevin of Glendalough, who completed his studies under this saint.
[6] So great was the fame of the sanctity and learning of St. Eoghan, at Mourne, that he was consecrated first Bishop of Ardstraw about the year 581.
It also mentions his close relations with Tighernach of Clones and Cairbre of Coleraine, which might indicate an alliance of monasteries threatened by the dominance of Armagh.