Cormac of Armagh

Cormac (also called Corbmac; c. 430 – 17 February 497), Bishop of Armagh and Abbot of Armagh monastery, Ireland from 481 to 17 February 497.

Cormac was from the Clann Chernaig in Crioch-an-Earnaidhe ('Territory of the Oratory', the modern placename of Urney, either in Co. Louth or Co. Tyrone) He is often confused with either or both of St. Cormac, bishop of Trim, Co. Meath who died in 745 or Cormac Snithine, the son of Enda, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages.

On the death of Saint Iarlaithe mac Treno, the Bishop of Armagh, on 11 February 481, Cormac was appointed as the 5th Bishop in succession to Saint Patrick. Cormac reigned as bishop for 16 years. During his reign, he reconstituted Armagh into a monastic community and he became the first abbot of Armagh abbey. John Colgan states he worked many miracles.

Cormac died on 17 February 497. The Annals of Ireland give the following obits-

Chronicon Scotorum 494- "Bishop Cormac indernidhe, comharb of Patrick, pausavit"

Annals of the Four Masters 496- "Cormac, of Chrioch-in-Ernaidhe, successor of Patrick, resigned his spirit"

Annals of Inisfallen 497- "Repose of Cormac, bishop of Ard Macha"

Annals of Tigernach 497- "Bishop Cormac, of the Ernide, a successor of Patrick, rested"