St. Kieran lived long ago in the sixth century, in the country of Erin, which is now know as Eire(Ireland).

He was attracted to learning at an early age. An apt pupil, he studied with his friend, Columba, under the great Irish scholar, Finnian. Among their many tasks, was the copying of the Gospels and other books from the Bible. In those days, there was no printing, nor books to be found in the homes of "ordinary people". The word of God, was passed on mainly through song and story and there were few who could read the written word.

The sacred books were transcribed by pen on parchment and the scholars slowly copied each word, as they spent their daylight hours by the window, laboriously forming every letter.

One day, the time came for Kieran to bid farewell to his teachers and friends and go off alone. He chose to live in a cell in a lovely spot surrounded by trees, with a fresh spring nearby. For some time he lived as a hermit, praying and learning from God alone. Soon news of his wisdom spread and disciples gathered around him to learn and to study.

A collection of huts, which became a monastery and later the town of Sier~Ciaron of Saighir was established. He became one of the first twelve Bishops of Ireland, consecrated by St. Patrick and honoured as the first Irish born saint.