'Saint Finbarr' (c.
550–c.
620) Bishop of
Cork in the
6th century and
patron saint for the city and
diocese of Cork.
Possibly born near
Bandon, and originally named ''Lochan'', he is said to have studied in
County Kilkenny where he was renamed ''Fionnbharr'' (''Fairhead'' in
Irish) for the colour of his hair.
Finbarr is widely believed to have lived at an island
hermitage at
Gougane Barra, before founding a monastic settlement and centre of learning at an ''Corcach Mór''. This settlement was to eventually grow to become the
city of Cork.
Varying accounts of Finbarr's life suggest he travelled to Rome, and preached at
Barra in
Scotland.
Finbarr died at
Cloyne in Cork and was buried in Gill Abbey - a site occupied by the present day
Church of Ireland Saint Finbarre's Cathedral.
There are several variations on the spelling of Finbarr's name. It will often be spelt as "Finbarre", or as a modern derivation "Finbar". (popular as a masculine name in Cork).
Finbar is an Irish name.
Catholics and Protestants both recognise St. Finbarr. His feast day is
25 September.
See also
★
Cork
★
Saint Finbarre's Cathedral
★
University College Cork
★
Gougane Barra
External links
★
A short biography of St. Finbarr
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Image of the present day cathedral
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History of Saint Finbarre's cathedral and about Finbarr
★
Finbarr brief overview