In ancient Irish times, arranged marriages were the norm, especially among nobility. But unlike many other societies, a woman was allowed to decline the arrangement if it wasn’t to her liking. That’s exactly what a beautiful young Deirbhile MacDaithi did in the early 6th century.
Unfortunately, the suitor – a prince – was persistent. By today’s standards we would called him an obsessive stalker, but restraining orders didn’t yet exist. And so poor Deirbhile and a small entourage fled County Meath and headed west to safety.
She went as far west as she could go in Ireland, which brought her to the end of the Mullet peninsula and a village called Fál Mór. There she settled down to follow the teachings of a holy man named Patrick who had visited Meath. She built a small church and lived a quiet life until one day, the young prince appeared in the village.
Being an Irish woman, it goes without saying that Deirbhile was strong willed. She was furious that after traveling to the ends of Ireland to avoid this man that he nevertheless pursued her. He implored her to return with him to Meath for he had never met a woman with more beautiful eyes.
Upon hearing this, in her anger Deirbhile gouged out her eyes and threw them on the ground at the feet of the prince, who freaked out and hauled ass back to County Meath never to return.
The prince was gone, but poor Deirbhile had a new problem – she was blind! Fortunately, where her eyes landed on the ground a well sprang forth. She washed the blood from her face with the fresh water and miraculously, her sight returned.
Today, you can go to Fál Mór and see the grave of St. Deirbhile alongside the church she built in 585 AD. A single window opening remains and if you can fit through they say you’ll never drown. A short walk north of the church is St. Deirbhile’s Well. Feel free to wash your eyes in its waters and perhaps you will leave your glasses behind.
The following sites have more information on St. Deirbhile (DER-vill-uh)