There are those lucky enough to have had an ancestor called Mac an tSaoir; a person whose father had earned the title of "Saor."
To earn this title, this ordinary man had to study his art or discipline for many years. Once he felt he had reached a high enough standard, he brought his work for examination by an Olamh Saor, at one of the centres of education in Ireland under Brehon Law. If his work was not good enough, it was destroyed in front of him. If it passed muster, his character was then examined against the required standard. He had to be of good character, having no debts and not having spilled blood.
Those who passed all these tests were awarded the title of Saor and became freemen, under law. This was a bit like getting a degree, except the holders had to be re-examined for workmanship and character to retain their award. They were also required to take in and care for apprentices, teaching and caring for their charges with kindness, discipline, and no cruelty.
These qualifications could be given in medicine, poetry, metalwork, woodwork and stonework. Carving was one of the main disciplines with the Saors required to work in Elmwood and stone. They had to be able to write, with Ogham writing being common at that time. The original Goban Saor was one such person, who became a renowned castle builder.
From this picture we can see that those who gained the title were craftsmen of high skill and dedication to their art. Anybody could become a Saor; as long as they had the skill, application, and love for their chosen craft. In turn, their children became Mac an tSaoir and Mhic an tSaoir.
This love of tradition, skill, and the character demanded of Saors by
Brehon Law, form the founding ethos of the Clann Mac an tSaoir Committee
in Ballyholland. At some time we had an ancestor who loved their skill
like a gift and reached for the sky in their craft and character. We
welcome those who share this heritage, and those who share this ethos.
of Erin |