The foundation of this abbey is due to the widow of Mulruany na Feasaige O'Carroll, who had been prince of Ely O'Carroll, but who died before the year 1489 or 1490, when the abbey was founded; the stone with the Latin inscription to his memory was placed there by his widow. Bibiana was a member of the O'Dempsey family of Clanmalire. The territory of this family lay chiefly on both sides of the river Barrow, in the King's and Queen's Counties; it contained part of the present baronies of Geashill and Phillipstown in Ding's Co, with part of Portnehinch in Queen’s, Cork and part of Offaley in Co Kildare, including Monasterevan and the adjoining districts. The O'Dempseys had also part of the barony of Bally-cowen in King's Co.282