Benignus of Armagh

Kilbennan stands as the birthplace of Benignus of Armagh, the young psalm-singer who followed Saint Patrick through Ireland and helped shape early Christian worship. Benignus was the son of Sesenen, an Irish chieftain in what is now County Meath, and his gentle nature gave him the name Benen, later written as Benignus. He became Patrick’s favourite disciple, assisted in missionary work, and later taught at the Cathedral School of Armagh before dying in 467.