Baring-Gould’s sources: Irish and Scottish Martyrologies. Authority: — Mention in the Life of S. Columba.] Odhran, abbot of Iona and Tyfamham in Meath, was son of Niall, of the race of Conall Gulban. He is called in the 1 Noweir, Tabeir, and Mesoud.

•S. Colmatt. Felire of JEngas “Odran the abbot, noble, swimming.” In O’Donnell’s Life of S. Columba [Irish abbot of Iona (d. 597), apostle of Scotland] is the striking story of his death. On arriving at Iona, Columba said that whoever willed to die first should not only go more quietly to Christ, but should confirm and ratify the right of the community to the island by taking bodily possession of it. Odhran, wearied of the miseries of the present world, consented, whereupon S. Columba not only assured him of eternal felicity, but said that none should pray at his own sepulchre and receive his petition till he had first asked the intercession of Odhran at his tomb.

There is a strange legend in the island, that, as he lay in his grave, before inhumation, he denied the future state, and was immediately covered up by the indignant abbot. Oronsay, i.e. Oran’s-ey, takes its name from him. He is also remembered at Killoran in Colonsay.