Ailill the First


Saint Ailill the First b. c.460 – d.13 January 526, was the Bishop of Armagh, Ireland from 513 to 13 January 526.

Genealogy and birth

St. Ailill was a member of the Úi Bressail, a clan from the south side of Lough Neagh. He was born in Drum Cád in the Barony of Oneilland East, County Armagh, like his successor and kinsman Ailill the Second. He is sometimes confused with either or all of St. Ailill, Abbot of Moville; Ailill son of Trichem, St. Patrick's disciple & Ailill the Second of Armagh.

Bishop of Armagh

On the death of Saint Dubthach the First, the Bishop of Armagh, in 513, St. Ailill was appointed as the 8th Bishop in succession to Saint Patrick. Saint Ailill reigned as Bishop for 13 years.

Death

St. Ailill died 13 January 526. The Annals of Ireland give the following obits-
After his death St. Ailill was venerated as a saint and his feast was celebrated each 13 January, the day of his death. The Calendars of the Saints have the following entries-