St. Macartan

St. Macartan was one of the earliest and most trusted companions of St. Patrick in the evangelization of Ireland in the fifth century. Tradition relates that he accompanied the great apostle on many of his journeys and labors, and that Patrick, valuing his strength and steadfastness, called him his "strong man" and leaned upon him as a support in his old age and in the hardships of travel.

When the faith had taken root, Patrick consecrated Macartan as the first bishop of Clogher, in what is now the north of Ireland, and set him over that church, giving him, according to legend, a precious relic to enshrine. There Macartan governed his people faithfully, establishing the Christian community and building up the young diocese, until his death around the year 505. Honored as the founder and patron of the see of Clogher, he is commemorated on 24 March.