The White Lake of Carra


How it got its name

From A Celtic Miscellany translated by Kenneth Hurlstone Jackson, Penguin Classics, reprinted 1982

...When Patrick, glorious in grace, was suffering on goodly Cruach (Croghpatrick Mountain) - an anxious, toilsome time for him, the protector of lay men and women -

God sent to comfort him a flock of spotless angelic birds; over the clear lake without fail they would sing in chorus their gentle proclamation.

And thus they called, auspiciously: 'Patrick, arise and come! Shield of the Gael, in pure glory, illustrious golden spark of fire.'

The whole host struck the lake with their smooth and shadowy wings, so that its chilly waters became like a silver sheen.

Hence comes the bright name The White Lake of Carra of the contests; I tell you this triumphant meaning as I have heard it in every church.

Irish; author unknown; eleventh century

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