 The abbey was governed by an abbess, who was the 'heir of Brigit' ("comarbae Brigte"), and by abbots, bishops and abbot-bishops, who were subordinate to the abbess.Although the bishopric was founded with the abbey in the fifth-century, it wasn't until 1111 AD that the diocese of Kildare was established at the Synod of Rathbreasail.The diocese covered roughly the northern part of County Kildare and the eastern part of County Offaly.