Dallan Furgail

Eochaid is not a name you hear every day. However, that is the given name of the ancient follower of the Lord Jesus. In the late 6th and early 7th century, poetry and education were gaining huge importance in Ireland. Eochaid was better known as Dallan Furgail, a nickname derived from his place of birth and the fact that he was a blind man.  Born into a noble family, Furgail “was early [recognized] as the royal poet and greatest scholar in Ireland” (A Dictionary of Christian Biography, Literature, 1877). He distinguished himself in spite of one huge hurdle - he was blind. Not only did he survive, he excelled in the study of poetry, literature, and theology. Reflect on this - a blind man penned the poem/prayer that would ultimately become Be Thou My Vision. Eochaid, a blind man, penned the poem/prayer that would ultimately become Be Thou My Vision. It was set to tune in honor of St. Patrick.

Hymn History: Be Thou My Vision

November 2, 2022
“But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.” - Psalm 141:8 Eochaid: The Blind Author Eochaid is not...