The ancient name of this parish was Kilmodhain, or Kilmacdhumha, so called from being the "kil" or cell of St. Modhain, or Modiud the Simple, whose feast is celebrated on 12 February, according to the "Lives of the Saints". St. Modan lived about the year 591, when he was made a bishop of Carnfurbuidhe. He had erected the Priory of Moydow, no ruins of which now exist. It is said that one Brclaus, a disciple and presbyter of St. Patrick, was a presbyter here for some time after its erection. O'Donovan says this was one of the oldest priories in Ireland.