 Berach, and his sister Midabaria, were born at Gort na Luachra in Cluain Conmhaícne, now in County Leitrim.His father of the tribe of Cinel Dobtha, otherwise O'Hanley of Doohey Hanley, and his mother belonged to the Conmaicne tribe.After his seventh birthday, Berchan was brought to Daigh mac Cairill at Inishkeen, now in county Monaghan, to study.