Eimhin /ˈɛvɪn/ was the abbot and bishop of Ros-mic-Truin (Ireland), probably in the sixth century.

Eimhin came from Munster, and was the son of Eoghan,[1] and brother of three other saints, Corbmac, Culain, and Diarmuid. Of the early part of his religious life little is known.[2]

The Abbey of Ros-mic-Truin was founded by St. Abban of Magheranoidhe,[3] who entrusted it to Eimhin, and from the number of religious and students belonging to the south of Ireland who dwelt there the place came to be called "Ros-glas of the Munstermen".[4] St Eimhin is said by some to have been the author of the life of St Patrick, called the Vita Tripartita originally published by the Franciscan John Colgan.[5]

Eimhin was famous for many and great miracles. The date of Eimhin's death has not been recorded; however, competent authorities assign it to the earlier half of the sixth century.[2]

Eimhin secured special status for the Monasterevin area placing it outside the common law, making it a sanctuary. After Eimhin's death, it is said, his consecrated bell was held in great veneration, and was used as a swearing relic down to the fourteenth century, oaths and promises made upon it being deemed inviolable.[2]

The feast-day of Saint Eimhin is observed in the Irish calendars on 22 December.[6]

The town of Monasterevin in County Kildare and the village of Effin in County Limerick are named after Eimhin. St. Evin's School is a Catholic Primary School in Monasterevin, County Kildare.[7]

References

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  1. ^ O'Curry, Eugene. Lectures on the manuscript materials of ancient Irish history, Burt Franklin, 1861, p. 351
  2. ^ a b c Cullen, John. "St. Eimhin." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 5. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1909. 19 Jan. 2013
  3. ^ "Augustinian Abbey, Grantstown | Augustinians". Archived from the original on 10 March 2016.
  4. ^ Joyce, Patrick Weston. The Origin and History of Irish Names of Places, Volume 2, Longmans, Green, 1902, p. 233
  5. ^ O'Curry, Eugene. Lectures on the manuscript materials of ancient Irish history, Burt Franklin, 1861, p. 348
  6. ^ The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature. (James Strong and John McClintock, eds.) Harper and Brothers; NY; 1880
  7. ^ St. Evin's School, Monasterevin