Traces it to the 6th c. and argues that the shortage of examples is due to its oral character and to the refusal on the part of the scriptoria to record it, against G. Murphy (in Best2 1317). Includes fragments collected from K. Meyer 1919 (Best2 1326).
Focuses on the Fothairt saints Damnat, Brigit and Fintan, and argues that the characteristics of a particular saint’s cult were dependent on kindred, politics and territory. In appendix contains a translation of Bethu Phátraic lines 2195-2218 (as ed. by K. Mulchrone, 1939 [Best2 1993]).
New edition of the poem (supersedes L. McKenna 1919 [Best2 1759], 65-68), based on Book of O’Conor Don 50r-51r (33 qq.); now attributed to Tadhg Óg Ó hUiginn. With a selection of variant readings from other MSS, translation, commentary and textual notes. Also includes a discussion of the motif of the blood-spotted hand, shown to differ in its structure from that in Gesta Romanorum but analogous to that used by Shakespeare for his Lady Macbeth. Provides an appendix with the translation of the Gesta Romanorum version of De amore inordinato.
Identifies Irish sources in Bede’s scientific production and suggests that the non-acknowledgment of their origin results from the didactic purpose of the work.
Suggests that OIr. lúirech thredúalach is calqued on the rare Latin collocation lōrı̄ca trilı̄x (Aeneid 3×), hence the abundant examples in Middle Irish literature.
Studies the historical origins of the periphrastic perfect in its two constructions, the type tá sé tar éis é a dhéanamh (‘after’ perfect) and the tá sé déanta aige (verbal adjective + ag, for which a derivation from a possessive stative formation is sought), and surveys their reflexes in Ulster, Connacht and Munster Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Manx, as well as in Hiberno-English.
Provides 27 new identifications. Cf. D. McManus, in Ériu 48 (1998), pp. 83-101; 51 (2000), pp. 193-194; 55 (2005), p. 145; and P. de Brún, in Ériu 49 (1998), pp. 175-176.
Pierre-Yves Lambert, in ÉtC 37 (2011), pp. 244-247.