Patrick  began his missionary work in the Lecale peninsular, preaching, converting pagans and baptising. He established himself securely in the area with the help of his friend Dichu, Patrick's first convert. Dichu was an influential chieftain in the region. Dichu granted Patrick a barn for a Christian establishment, where Ireland's first Christians worshipped. The rustic association has been preserved in the name, which has remained ever since Sabhall or Saul, borrowed from the Latin stabulum meaning cattle-stall or sheep-fold.
Patrick returned often to Saul to rest between journeys. He died in Saul on 17 March 461 and was buried there.     [ Armagh | Downpatrick | Slane | Ardagh | Slemish | Croagh Patrick | Lough Derg ] |
