SAINT FINBARR
Bishop
(6th century)
St. Finbarr lived in the sixth century, was a native of Connaught, and instituted a monastery or school at Lough Eire. So many disciples flocked to his monastery that they changed a marshland into a city. This was the origin of the city of Cork, which was built chiefly upon stakes, in marshy little islands formed by the river Lea.
St. Finbarr was baptized Lochan, but his surname Finbarr, or Barr the White, was given him later in life. He was bishop of Cork for seventeen years. When his course drew to an end, he was at peace. He passed away in the midst of his friends at Cloyne, fifteen miles from Cork. His relics are venerated in the Cathedral of his own name.
Restored in the 19th century, Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral is an architectural triumph. His hermitage is located in Gougane Barra, west of Cork, on the edge of a lake.