Conaire (saint)

Saint Conaire (also Cannera, Cainder or Cainnear)[1][2][3] (feast day 28 January) was an Irish holy woman who died in 530 AD. Originally from Bantry Bay in modern County Cork, she was an anchorite who lived in a self-imposed solitude and spiritual exile from society.

Nearing the end of her life, she reputedly had a vision of all the monasteries in Ireland, and, extending from each upwards to the heavens, was a pillar of fire. The fire-pillar from Saint Senán mac Geircinn's monastery at Inis Cathaig, in the mouth of the River Shannon, was the highest and so Conaire set off in its direction, judging it to be the most holy. When she arrived at the monastery, Senán and his monks refused her admittance - as their chastity vows prohibited contact with women. According to some sources, Conaire argued that "Christ came to redeem women no less than to redeem men. No less did he suffer for the sake of women than for the sake of men. No less than men, women enter into the heavenly kingdom. Why, then, should you not allow women to live on this place?".[4] Senán is reputed to have partially relented and, although not allowed beyond the shore of the island, Conaire was given communion before dying and was buried on the coast of the island.[4] Her grave is marked by a simple flag.

She is the namesake of the ancient Irish bardic family Ó Maolconaire of Roscommon (descendant of the servant of Saint Conaire) who were priomhseanachie (antiquaries) to the kings in Gaelic Ireland, and ran schools of traditional poetry, history, and law throughout Ireland.[5][6]

Catholic churches dedicated to Saint Conaire include St. Conaires in Carrigerry, County Clare in Ireland,[7] and St. Canera's Church in Neosho, Missouri.[8] A national school in Shannon, County Clare is also dedicated to her and its pupils undertake an annual pilgrimage on her feast day 28 January.[9]