SAINT FINBARR OF CORK
Saint Finbarr /Fionnbharr of Cork By Edward Matulanya Saint Finbarr of Cork (also known as Fionnbharr, Finnbarr, or Barra) was a 6th-century Irish bishop and the patron saint of Cork, Ireland. His feast day is celebrated on 25 September. Early Life and Education of Saint Finbarr /Fionnbharr of Cork Saint Finbarr was born around 550 CE, likely near Bandon in County Cork, Ireland. He was the son of Amergin, a skilled metalworker. Finbarr received his education at Kilmacahil Monastery in Kilkenny, where he earned the name "Fionnbharr," meaning "fair-haired," due to his distinctive light hair. Monastic Life and Founding of the School of Cork After completing his studies, Finbarr became a hermit on a small island at Gougane Barra, a scenic lake in County Cork. Seeking a more solitary life, he later founded a monastery and school at Lough Eirc, which eventually developed into the city of Cork. The name "Cork" is derived from the Irish word corcach, meaning ...