When Neachtain were the Head Culdees of Clonmacnoise

While researching I stumbled upon a very interesting situation; having to do with several individuals of the Neachtain surname, being the Head of the Culdees at Clonmacnoise during the late 11th century.

Citations in Annals of the Four Masters show that there existed 3 generations of Neachtain leading the Culdees of Clonmacnoise, back-to-back.

Some would say this is controversial in and of it-self, that a monastery like Clonmacnoise would allow it’s Culdees to be married and have kids.

1132 – Death of Uareirghe Ua Neachtain

Uareirghe Ua Neachtain, head of the Culdees of Cluain-mic-Nois, and its venerable senior, died

Annals of the kingdom of Ireland, Volume 2, Year 1132

1170 – Death of Maelmordha, son of Uareirghe Ua Neachtain

Maelmordha Mac Uaireirghe, a learned charitable senior, the prosperity and affluence of Cluain-mic-Nois, and head of its Culdees, died in the month of November

Annals of the kingdom of Ireland, Volume 2, Year 1170

1200 – Death of Uareirghe, son of Maelmordha, son of Uareirghe Ua Neachtain

Uaireirghe, son of Mulmora, the son of Uaireirghe O’Naghtan, one of the noble sages of Clonmacnoise, a man full of the love of God, and of every virtue, and head of the Culdees of Clonmacnoise, died on the tenth of March

Annals of the kingdom of Ireland, Volume 3, Year 1200