Description
(Composer’s Note) In 2023, the City of Cork commemorated the 1400th anniversary of the death of its patron saint. Fin Barre (from the Irish Fionnbarra or “Fair-headed one”, often spelled “Finbarr”) was born in what is now County Cork in c.550. Following studies and pilgrimages overseas, he returned to Cork and built several churches in the region. The city’s Anglican Cathedral is named for Saint Fin Barre, and is built on the site of a church and monastery founded by him in 606. This monastery was also a significant centre for learning, and the present-day University College Cork pays tribute to its heritage with the motto; “Where Finbarr taught, let Munster learn”. Finbarr remains a popular given name in the city, where the legacy of this saint and scholar is still keenly felt. (Note by Matthew Breen)
The dedicatee, Matthew Breen, has been Assistant Director of Music at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, since March 2023.
