An Irish abbess known for her wisdom, Samthann is thought to have become a nun in Donegal, after a nobleman to whom she was betrothed acceded to her wish to marry only God. She founded Clonbroney Abbey in Longford, where she chose to live a simple life. She would not accept large estates for the abbey, and its herd was limited to six cows. According to a biography, she advised a monk who inquired about the appropriate attitude for prayer that one could pray in every position: sitting, standing, kneeling or laying. Her name was included in the litany and canon of the Stowe Missal, and a number of miracles were attributed to her intercession.