Saints and Druids
Adomnán of Iona, writing less than 150 years after Diarmait's death, describes him as "ordained by God's will as king of all Ireland." Given that the annals say that Diarmait celebrated the Feast of Tara, the pagan inauguration ceremony, Adomnán's words represent his view of kingship rather than the reality of Diarmait's life. Most traditions portray Diarmait as in conflict with saints and holy men, notably Columba. A later poet has Diarmait say "Woe to him that contends with the clergy of the churches".
A poem, Mairg thochras fri cléirchib cell ("Woe to him who contends with the clergy of the churches") in the Book of Leinster, is ascribed to Diarmait.
Read more about this topic: Diarmait Mac Cerbaill
Famous quotes containing the words saints and/or druids:
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Scholars and saints my eye, the land of ambush,
Purblind manifestoes, never-ending complaints,”
—Louis MacNeice (1907–1963)
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—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)