Today is the Feast of St Ninnidh - but who was this Donegal-born saint?

January 18 is the Feast of St Ninnidh, a Donegal born saint who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity.

With the cemetery in Bundoran called after him, St Ninnidh is perhaps best known in south Donegal and along the Erne into Fermanagh.

According to the website of Magh Ene parish, St Ninnidh, or Ninaid, (pronounced ‘Ninny’) was a sixth Century priest who founded a monastery on the Island of Inishmacsaint near Devenish. 

He is regarded as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, group of Irish monastic saints of the sixth century who studied under St Finnian at his famous monastic school Clonard Abbey in County Meath. The others were Brendan of Birr, Brendan the Navigator, Canice, Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, Ciaran of Saighir, Columba, Colum of Tir da Glas, Laserian, Mobi of Glasnevin, Ruadhan of Lothra, and Sinell of Cleenish

After St Patrick’s time, the church was divided into territories and ruled by Abbots of monasteries. 

Ninnidh built his monastery on Inishmacsaint Isle circa 530AD and using the waterways of the time, cared for the faith needs of the people from the Erne back towards the sea.

He sent priests and monks to local communities and churches, including Donach Mor of Magh Ene, reputedly founded by St Patrick.  

What was at that time known as the Parish of Inishmacsaint would later be renamed Magh Ene, taking in part of Ballyshannon on the south bank of the Erne and including Bundoran. 

The Magh Ene parish website tells us that St Ninnidh was born in County Donegal, a grandson of Laoghaire the High King of Ireland. 

He was educated under St Finian at Clonard where his fellow students included Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, St Molaise of Devenish and St Aidan of Ferns.

In 530 AD, St  Ninnidh is said to have held a 40-day fast on Knockninny Hill, during the period of Lent.

St Ninnidh preached along the South shore of Lough Erne making the island of Inishmacsaint (Island of the Sorrel Plain) his headquarters around 532 AD.

He journeyed up and down the Southern portion of Lower Lough Erne in a hollowed-out boat, coming ashore and making his way inland to meet people and spread the gospel. 

The Rosary Chapel in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Bundoran has a beautiful stained glass window depicting St Ninnidh travelling the River Erne on his boat.