Saint Eugene

Died circa AD 550

Eugene is the Patron of the Diocese of Derry, but unlike St. Colm Cille his life is recorded in a vita that contains little of histrorical interest.

Known as Eugene from the Greek meaning "well-born" his proper name is Eoghan meaning "born under (the protection of) the yew tree.

Eoghan was born the son of Cainneach and Muindeacha and was educated at Withorn in Galloway founded by St. Ninian.

On his return to Ireland he founded a monastery at Cill na Managh (near Tallaght, Dublin) and trained "not a few bishops and very many priests.

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Saint Columba

AD 521 to 597

Columba, secondary Patron of Ireland and the Diocese of Derry, the greatest and earliest of our missionaries, was born at Gartan on 7 December 521.

In 563 Columba and twelve companions sailed from Derry via Moville to Iona to establish a base for the conversion of the heathen part of Scotland.

Columba's wish was to be "a pilgrim for Christ".

In the Diocese of Derry, Columba is remembered with particular affection in Derry City. There are modern church dedications to him in the parishes of Long Tower, Waterside, Ballinascreen, Moville, Iskaheen and Doneyloop. St. Columb's College, Derry and St. Colm's High School, Draperstown, bear his name as do thirteen primary schools throughout the diocese. St. Columb's Hall in Derry and St. Colm's Hall in Draperstown are dedicated to the saint.

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