The "Lives" confuse the time of the saint's historical floruit by attributing to him a life-span of over 300 years. He is brought into contact with such illustrious saints as Finnian of Clonard, Brendan of Clonfert (d. 577), Columba (d. 597), Gregory the Great, Munnu and Moling. One of the saint's foundations is said to have been repeatedly pillaged by Cormac mac Diarmata ("fl". 2nd half of the 6th century), king of Leinster from the Uí Bairrche, who is portrayed in much Leinster hagiography as a rival to the Uí Chennselaig. Abbán is also made a contemporary of even earlier figures like Saint Íbar, who is claimed to be his maternal uncle, and St Patrick. Nothing is known of Abbán's early life. The "Lives" tell that he was expected to succeed his father in Leinster, but that his devotion to God and the saintly miracles which he wrought while still in fosterage soon made clear that he was destined for a career in the church. The boy was sent to his maternal uncle, Bishop Íbar, with whom he travelled to Rome. In Italy, Abbán's saintly powers proved to be of much use in warding off any danger presented by men, monsters and supernatural phenomena. Throughout the text, Abbán can be seen demonstrating his powers, exercising special authority over rivers and seas. Abbán had six brothers who all appear in the Martyrology of Donegal as bishops: St. Damán Uí Chormaic of Tígh Damhain (Tidowan), in the barony of Marybouragh, Co. Laois; St. Miacca Uí Cormaic of Cluain Fodhla in Fiodhmar (borders Uí Duach/Bally Fíodhmor, Ossory); St. Senach Uí Chormaic of Cillmór; St. Lithghean Uí Chormaic of Cluain Mór Lethghian in Uí Failge (Barony Ophaly, Co. Kildare); St. Dubhán Uí Chormaic; St. Toimdeach Uí Chormaic of Rosglas, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare. Dár Cairthaind and St. Ethne are listed as his sisters in the 'Accent of the Saints', while St. Gobnait of Baile Bhuirne, Cork and St. Craobh Dearg are mentioned as his sisters in other accounts.