Eochu macDiarmaid (also called Eochu; c. 540 – January 598), was the Bishop of Armagh, Ireland from 588 to 598.
Eochu was born c. 540 AD in Domnach Rigdruing (The Church of the King's tribe). His father was Diarmait.[1]
On the death of Carláen, the Bishop of Armagh, on 24 March 588, Eochu was appointed as the 13th coarb in succession to Saint Patrick. Eochu reigned as Bishop for 10 years. He probably attended the Synod of Drumceat in 590 in his capacity as bishop of Armagh.[2]
Eochu is referred to as a witness to a contract guaranteeing the rights of the Airgialla clan, as follows- "Who binds the witnesses of the contract, it is not a cause of subjection, Bishop Echu, Bishop Aed mac Bric, Senach son of Máel".[3][4]
Eochu died in January 598. The Annals of Ireland give the following obits-
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Primate of All Ireland · Catholic Church in Ireland · Archdiocese of Armagh | |
5th–8th centuries |
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Abbots 8th–12th centuries |
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Bishops 8th–12th centuries |
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Archbishops 12th–16th centuries |
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Archbishops 16th–21st centuries |
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Italics indicate a person who was elected but not consecrated. |