Comgall

517-c.601. Irish monk. Son of Setna, a Pictish warrior, he was born at Magheramorne, County Amtrim, and was educated under Fintan at Clonehagh, Clairenach at Glasnevin, and Finnian at Clonard. Bishop Lugidius ordained him, possibly at Connor. In 558 he founded at Bangor, County Down, a monastery which became an outstanding seat of learning with at one period a reputed enrollment of 3,000 students. He and Columba* were close friends, and Columba had his support when he went to Inverness to seek permission from King Brude to settle at Iona.