Félire Oénguso, or, The Martyrology of Óengus (UCD-OFM Ms A7) is a register of saints and their feast days. It is one of the series of Irish language “A” manuscripts transferred to UCD Archives by the Irish Franciscans under the terms of the UCD-OFM Partnership Agreement. It is available to view online on the Irish Script On Screen website at the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies.
Óengus mac Óengobann was an Irish bishop who lived in the first quarter of the ninth century and is generally held to be the author of the Félire Óengusso (and possibly of the Martyrology of Tallaght, UCD-OFM Ms A3). The work survives in at least ten manuscripts, the earliest being the early 15th century Leabhar Breac (MS 23 P 16), held in the Royal Irish Academy. UCD-OFM Ms A7 dates from the 15th century and consists of 49 vellum folios.
For this, our last blog post of 2023, I thought we would post the entries for Christmas Day and each day following, until January 6, the last day of Christmas. The images are from UCD-OFM MS A7. The transcriptions are from the UCC CELT project. The translation is from Whitley Stokes. The Martyrology of Oengus the Culdee. Henry Bradshaw Society, 29. (London: Harrison, 1905).
December 25
In notlaic mór mírbuilCríst ó Mairi bán-glaingénair la díth n-dorchae,rí sorchae síl Ádaim.
At great marvellous Christmas Christ from white pure Mary was born with the ruin of darkness, (Christ) the luminous King of Adam’s race.
December 26
Atnecham diar n-dígdiMo Chommóc co n-áni,cáin-grian guires míli,ainm sorchae Stepháni.
Let us pray him to bless us, my Commóc with splendour : a fair sun that warms thousands, Stephen’s luminous name.
December 27
Slán-chotlud Iohannisi n-Efis, án bordgal,a bráthair as ardamla h-Iacoib ordan.
The sound sleep of John in Ephesus — splendid the bordgal (?)—with the ordination of James his brother, who is highest.
December 28
Airdirc an núall suthainsech cach cóemdai methil,cantae túas dia n-athair,in maccáin ó Bethil.
Famous is their eternal acclamation, beyond every loveable band, which the little children from Bethlehem sing above to their Father.
December 29
Bid émid a cobair,in cech úair donn-ecri,Uictor co slóg sochlaela h-Airerán n-ecnai.
Swift will be their aid: at every hour may it shelter us! Victor and a famous host, with the sage.
December 30
Écen charcra crochaisslúag már Mansuéti,la h-Ailbe co n-ógi,ar-ricfam a fhéli.
A dungeon’s compulsion crucified the great host of Mansuetus: with virginal Ailbe, we shall attain his feast.
December 31
Lochán ocus Éndae Siluester, sóer talland,dia féil—ní léim n-imfann—ascnam céim for caland.
Lochán and Endae. Silvester, noble desire! from their feast—no very feeble leap—let us strive to step to the calends (of January).
January 1
Re síl dálach dóinetóided in rí remáinluid fo recht, ard eráil,Críst i callaind enáir.
Before men’s multitudinous race let the pre-eminent King lead! Christ on January’s calends underwent the Law, high the requirement!
January 2
Esodir in t-epscop,abb ecailse ardae,Manchéne án Airce,Scothíne mind Margae.
Isidorus the bishop, abbot of a high church: splendid Manchéne of Airec, Scothíne, the diadem of Marge.
January 3
Már-martrae Rodoniscona chléir, cain ésce,Fintan co feib úasle,Findlug derb Dúin Blésce.
Rhodon’s great martyrdom, with his train, a fair moon: Fintan with a long life of nobleness; Findlug the sure, of Dún Blésce.
January 4
Bás caid Aquilinico m-buidin ba balcu,h-i fuil Chríst trea curpudo-cóemnachtar tlachtu.
The pure death of Aquilinus with a troop that was strongest: in Christ’s blood by means of their (martyrised) bodies they had washed (their) robes.
January 5
Togairm Semeoin srothaco Críst, cruth ron-gléä,ba cain-grían, greit núa,Ciar ingen Duib Réä.
The calling unto Christ of Simeon the sage—a form that may purify us: a fair sun, a fresh champion, was Cíar, daughter of Duib-re.
January 6
Ráith co ríg, rán togae,Iulián all n-glaine,ní dlig sár, slán subae,bathes már Maicc Maire.
Ran to his King, right noble choice! Julian, rock with purity: the great baptism of Mary’s Son—perfect gladness! deserves not outrage.
This post was researched and written by Kate Manning, Principal Archivist, UCD Archives
Marvellous! Especially to see the manuscript, the transcription and the translation all together.