Cainnech of Aghaboe

Saint Cainnech of Aghaboe
Bust of Saint Cainnech in Kilkenny
Confessor
Born	c. 515 A.D. Glengiven, Cenél nEógain, Gaelic Ireland
Died	600 (aged 84–85) Aghaboe, Laois, Gaelic Ireland
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Anglican Communion
Canonized	pre-congregation
Feast	11 October 1 or 14 August
Patronage	the shipwrecked

Cainnech of Aghaboe (515/16–600), also known as Saint Canice in Ireland, Saint Kenneth in Scotland, Saint Kenny and in Latin Sanctus Canicus, was an Irish abbot, monastic founder, priest and missionary during the early medieval period. Cainnech is one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland^[1] and preached Christianity across Ireland and to the Picts in Scotland.^[2] He wrote a commentary on the Gospels, which for centuries was known as the Glas-Choinnigh or Kenneth's Lock or the Chain of Cainnech.^[3]

Most of what is written about Cainnech's life is based on tradition, however he was considered a man of virtue, great eloquence and learning. His feast day is commemorated on 11 October in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church according to their respective calendars (Gregorian or Church Julian) with additional feast days on 1st or 14 August in the Eastern Orthodox Church.