Rónán’s Silver-Gold Shrine
Archived: 30 October 2026
Abstract
In 801, Irish annals record the enshrinement of relics of Rónán son of Berach at Dromiskin in a gold-and-silver casket, demonstrating monastic wealth, patronage and saintly prestige. Bresal son of Ségéne died after thirty-one years as abbot of Iona, a major Columban centre linked to Ireland; no raid there is attested that year. Warfare between the Ulaid and Uí Echach Coba killed Echu son of Ailill and Cairell son of Cathal, although Cairell’s force won. Obits included abbots, nobles, Be Fáil and the anchorite Ninnid. Bresal of Cenél Loégairi was murdered by kinsmen. Rainy summer affected society reliant on farming.