Columba was born on 7th December 521 in Gartan, Co. Donegal of the Cenell Conaill clan descendants of the Irish high king Niall of the Nine Hostages.

One of twelve students of St Finnian who became known as the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He became a monk and eventually was ordained a priest.

Leaving his Clonard Abbey where he trained, he went on to found his first monastery in Derry. He went on to found many more monasteries and churches all over Ireland.

Upsetting his teacher St. Finnian by copying a manuscript and keeping it, resulting in the first known copyright dispute, which Columba lost with the high king stating 'To every cow her calf and to every book its copy.' 

More arguments resulted from this and in the end Columba's exile from Ireland. He along with 12 companions travelled to the isle of Iona in Scotland where he set up their monastery.

Beginning again from here he travelled and preached the gospel among the Pictish tribes of Scotland as well as creating a centre for literacy in the region.

Adomnán (St. Eunan) a relative of St. Columba wrote the Vita Columbae (Life of Columba) detailing the stories of Columba and his legacy that survives today.