Sanctan was the son of Samuel Cennísel, a king in Northern Britain.
His mother was Deichter, daughter of Muiredach Muinderg, an early Dál Fiatach overking of Ulaid.
The Liber Hymnorum confirms that both Sanctan and Matóc came to Ireland from Britain.
[2] Sanctán spent most of his days n Ireland, and is included in the list of bishops in the Book of Leinster.
He was bishop of the unidentified Cell da les ("church of the two enclosures").