[3] Most of what is written about Cainnech's life is based on tradition, however he was considered a man of virtue, great eloquence and learning.

Lughadh ended up under the favour and protection of the chief of Cianachta, and became the tutor of the chieftain's son, Geal Breagach.

The church of Thompleamoul or Capella Sanctae Maulae seu Mellae, beside Kilkenny city, was dedicated to God under her invocation.

During the sixth century, some of the most significant names in the history of Irish Christianity studied at the Clonard monastery.

When plague scattered that community, he went to Cadoc's monastery of Llancarfan in Glamorganshire in Wales, where he was ordained a priest in 545.

In 550 he returned to Glengiven, where he converted his foster brother, Geal-Breagach, who afterwards assisted him in founding Drumachose, in nearby Limavady.

According to Adamnan, God provided Cainnech with a safe and calm crossing, even though the sea was perilous and stormy that day.

[10] He built monastic cells on the island of Ibdon, possibly South Uist,[11] and Eninis, an oratory called Lagan-Kenny on the shores of Loch Laggan (the remains of which are marked on the OS map), and a monastery in Fife on the banks of the Eden.

Colman gave him grants of land including Aghaboe ("the field of the Ox") which became his principal monastery.

[9] In 1346 Diarmaid Mac Giollaphádraig burned the town of Aghaboe, and completely destroyed Cainnech's shrine along with his relics.

Tradition asserts that in 597, Cainnech led a Christian force to Kilkenny to eliminate the last bastion of Druidic rule in Ireland.

Labouring for Christ, both in thy native land and in Scotland, thou art a tireless intercessor for the faithful.