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CONCLUSION

While very few Irish saints were officially canonised, the term ‘saint’ was used
in a general way to describe a devout member of a religious community who
lived an honourable life, caring for people, for animals and the environment;
speaking out against injustice; showing compassion and generosity towards the
poor and the sick; and providing education for the young.

The legacy of these remarkable Irish pioneers shines a beacon of light in the
troubled world of today. It is a special jewel in the crown of Irish heritage,
and one which we can be proud of. Its value was recognized internationally
by Robert Schuman, then French foreign minister, and a tireless promoter
of understanding and co-operation between the peoples of Europe. He was
speaking on the occasion of a congress at Luxeuil in July 1950 to mark the
1400th anniversary of the birth of St Columbanus: Chant for St Kilian, Schottenstift, Vienna

‘St Columban, who left his country for voluntary exile, willed and achieved a
spiritual union between the principal European countries of his time. He is the
patron saint of all those who now seek to build a united Europe.’

And so, in addition to their historical and cultural interest, the aims and
principles of Columbanus and others like him are of significance today
because they represent important transnational values – not only for
Europe but for the whole world. We can be proud of this Irish heritage, but Chant from the office of St Patrick in TCD
we must also ensure that it is not lost or forgotten, so that it may inspire, St Laurence O_Toole tomb in Rouen
influence and give hope and light to future generations. This is my greatest
wish for the Amhra project. Support in this endeavour from members of the
O’Mahony Society would be greatly appreciated, particularly suggestions and
advice on possible sources of philanthropic donations. I can be contacted at
ann.i.buckley@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE:

Dr Ann Buckley is a Visiting
Research Fellow of Trinity College Leutkirch, Germany-Church of St Gall, Autobahnkapelle
Dublin. A musicologist specialising
in medieval history and cultural
studies, she studied at University
College Cork, the University of
Amsterdam, and the University of
Cambridge, from where she was
awarded a doctorate. She has held
academic posts at a number of
Irish universities, and was Visiting
Professor in medieval musicology
at the Sorbonne University (Paris IV) in 2001–03. Her recent publications
include: Music and Liturgy in Medieval Britain and Ireland, edited by Ann
Buckley & Lisa Colton (Cambridge University Press, 2022); pbk 2024;
Amazon/Kindle: http://surl.li/fymrje ; and Music, Liturgy and the Veneration
of Saints of the Medieval Irish Church in a European Context, ed. Ann Buckley
, Ritus et Artes, 8 (Brepols: Turnhout 2017).

Ann is a daughter of the late Imelda O’Mahony, formerly of Brade House,
Leap, Co. Cork, the eldest of nine children of Jerome P. O’Mahony and Angela Scenes from the Life of St Fiachra,
(Angel) Hurley. stained glass, Meaux Cathedral
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