Carthage the Elder was a sixth-century Irish bishop and abbot who belonged to the Eóganacht Chaisil lineage. A disciple of Ciaran of Saighir, he served as a mentor and fosterer to the later Saint Carthage of Lismore. Following a seven-year penitential pilgrimage through Rome and Gaul, he returned to the religious community at Saighir. His leadership in the early Irish church included establishing monastic sites such as Druim Fertain and a monastery located on the upper island of Lough Sheelin.
Life and work
As a member of the Eóganacht Chaisil, he was likely the grandson of Óengus mac Nad Froích. After completing a lengthy period of penance abroad, he founded several monastic settlements. These included a site in Carberry known as Druim Fertain and another in County Meath. His religious influence extended through his role as a teacher to his namesake, Saint Carthage of Lismore.
Veneration
The saint is commemorated within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. His feast day is observed on 5 March. Historical records, including The Martyrology of Donegal, associate him with various locations such as Cill Charthaigh, which is identified as Kilcar, and the island in Lough Sheelin.