Mael Ísu Ua Brolcháin

A member of a high-class ecclesiastical family in what is now County Donegal, "genealogical sources give his father as Máel Brigte and his three brothers as Áed, Diarmait, and Muirecan." Besides holding a number of benefices and wielding considerable political influence, he was the author of the poem To an Elderly Virgin. He died as a member of the religious community of Armagh in 1086, recorded as being the chief sage of Ireland. Members of his lineage served as Bishop of Derry. ==Works==

His most prominent work is a Latin and Irish hymn, Deus Meus Adiuva Me. The piece has been translated by scholars including Gerard Murphy and continues to be performed in its modern Irish form. Lyrics: Deus meus adiuva me Tabhair dom do shearch, a Mhic ghil Dé Tabhair dom do shearch, a Mhic ghil Dé Deus meus adiuva me. Domine da quod peto a te, Tabhair dom go dian a ghrian ghlan ghlé, Tabhair dom go dian a ghrian ghlan ghlé, Domine da quod peto a te. Domine, Domine, exaudi me, M’anam bheith lán de d’ghrá, a Dhé, M’anam bheith lán de d’ghrá, a Dhé, Domine, Domine exaudi me. For translation see Deus Meus, Adiuva Me and live version sung with harp ==References==