Maurice MacKenraghty

Who they were

Maurice MacKenraghty, son of a Kilmallock silversmith, studied abroad and became chaplain to the Earl of Desmond. Captured in 1583, he lay in irons at Clonmel, instructing and hearing confessions at his prison grate.

Released for one night to say Mass, he was betrayed; he escaped, but gave himself up to save the man who had sheltered him. Offered pardon if he would conform, he held to the Catholic faith and the Pope's authority, and was executed at Clonmel on 30 April 1585.

The miracles

As a martyr he was raised to the altars without a miracle.

Why that counted as sanctity

A priest who surrendered himself to save a friend and died for the Faith.