Eimhin

Eimhin /ˈɛvɪn/ was the abbot and bishop of Ros-mic-Truin (Ireland), probably in the sixth century.

Eimhin came from Munster, and was the son of Eoghan,^[1] and brother of three other saints, Corbmac, Culain, and Diarmuid. Of the early part of his religious life little is known.^[2]

The Abbey of Ros-mic-Truin was founded by St. Abban of Magheranoidhe,^[3] who entrusted it to Eimhin, and from the number of religious and students belonging to the south of Ireland who dwelt there the place came to be called "Ros-glas of the Munstermen".^[4] St Eimhin is said by some to have been the author of the life of St Patrick, called the Vita Tripartita originally published by the Franciscan John Colgan.^[5]

Eimhin was famous for many and great miracles. The date of Eimhin's death has not been recorded; however, competent authorities assign it to the earlier half of the sixth century.^[2]

Eimhin secured special status for the Monasterevin area placing it outside the common law, making it a sanctuary. After Eimhin's death, it is said, his consecrated bell was held in great veneration, and was used as a swearing relic down to the fourteenth century, oaths and promises made upon it being deemed inviolable.^[2]

The feast-day of Saint Eimhin is observed in the Irish calendars on 22 December.^[6]

The town of Monasterevin in County Kildare and the village of Effin in County Limerick are named after Eimhin. St. Evin's School is a Catholic Primary School in Monasterevin, County Kildare.^[7]