One of the little hills to the north is Latteragh which overlooks the small, sleepy village of Latteragh.
It was not always so quiet around here. This place was celebrated at a very early period for its monastery. It became an extensive seat of learning, and St. Odran of Leatrach-odhrain, presided over this establishment, in which were at that time not less than 3000 monks kicking about. In 1304, the neighbourhood was plundered by Tirlogh, son of Teig-Cao-luiske, King of Thomond, who spared only the churches and the dwellings of the clergy. From this period no further mention of the monastery occurs.
Odran ,a descendant of Conall Gulban, is usually identified with Odhron (also called Odhrán or Oran), who preceded Saint Columba in Iona. His death is recorded in 548 and his grave was greatly revered in Iona.
According to Irish tradition Odran served as abbot of Meath and founded Lattreagh. He is described variously as companion, brother or son of Columba, and died soon after his arrival on Iona. Columba saw devils and angels fight over Odran's soul before it ascended into heaven.
Another legend tells that the chapel that Saint Columba wanted to build on Iona was destroyed every night. Finally he was told by a voice that it could never be finished until a living man was buried below. So Odran was buried alive willingly and the chapel could be finished.
But one day he pushed his head through the wall and said that there was no hell as was supposed nor heaven that people talk about. Alarmed by this Columba let Odran's body be covered with earth more securely .
In a Hebridean version of this tale the sacrifice is promised that his soul will be safe in heaven. Some time after the burial Columba wants to see Odran once more and opens the pit under the chapel. When Odran sees the world he tries to come out again, but Columba has the pit covered with earth quickly to save Odran's soul from the world and its sin.
The oldest remaining church on Iona is dedicated to Saint Odhran and the surrounding cemetery is called Reilig Odhráin in his memory.
He was chosen by the Vikings as patron of the city of Waterford in 1096 and later became patron of the diocese.
Odran's feast day is October 27.
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