Eochaid ua Flannacáin

Eochaid ua Flannacáin (935–1004) was an Irish cleric and poet.

Life

Eochaid was the author of more than twenty surviving quasi-historical, genealogical and topographical poems, many of which were incorporated into Lebor Gabala Erenn. He was a member of Clann Sinaich, an eccleiastical family of Armagh. At the time of his death he was superior (abbot or prior) of Clonfeacle and Lios Aoigheadh (unidentified). One of his sons, and several of his descendants, were abbots of Armagh.

Obit

The Annals of Ulster contain Eochaid's obit sub anno 1004, stating:

"Eochaid ua Flannacáin, superior of Les Oeiged and of Cluain Fiachna, a master of poetry and historical lore, died in the 69th year of his age."

Commemorative verse

The obit was accompanied by a stanza commemorating him:

The full form of beautiful Eochaid
An ascending poetic psalm of happy aspect
eochaiss that he does not approach from behind(?)
A key to the lock of Ireland's ignorance.
‘Eochaid of the undying knowledge’
Has long been an incontrovertible name for him;
For reproach in the matter of learning or wisdom
He has no cause to answer.

References

 Eochaid ua Flannacáin, le Nollaig Ó Muraíle, i  Encyclopaedia of Ireland, ed. Brian Lalor, Gill & Macmillan, Baile Átha Cliath, 2003.

External links
 http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T100001A/index.html

Category:Medieval Irish poets
Category:10th-century Irish people
Category:10th-century Irish poets
Category:People from County Armagh
Category:10th-century Irish writers
Category:Medieval European scribes
Category:Irish scribes
Category:Irish male poets
Category:935 births
Category:1004 deaths
Category:Irish-language writers
Category:Irish scholars and academics