St. Laurence O’Toole – Patron Saint of Clan O’Byrne.
Lorcain Ua Tuathail or St. Laurence O’Toole was born at Castledermot in 1128 and died in Eu, Normandy on the 14th of November 1180. He was canonized in 1225 by Pope Honorius III.
Laurence was one of four sons of an O’Byrne Princess and Muirchertach Ua Tuathail. At 32 he became Archbishop of Dublin and played a prominent role in the rebuilding of Christchurch Cathedral in the 12th Century.
St. Laurence O’Toole’s heart was preserved at Christchurch in Dublin from the 13th century until it was stolen on the 3rd of March 2012. Although the artifact has no intrinsic value, it was a national treasure of immense importance. The iron cage in which it was kept remains empty but on display in the hope that one day the heart will be returned.