John Finlay
Irish dean
About John Finlay
Lived 1842 – 1921 (aged 78).
John Finlay (27 June 1842 – 12 June 1921) was Dean of Leighlin from 1895 until 1912.
Finlay was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and ordained in 1867. He began his ecclesiastical career as a curate in Clonenagh. He was the incumbent at Lorum from 1873 to 1890 when he moved to Carlow. Upon his retirement he moved to Brackley House near Bawnboy, Co. Cavan.
He was murdered by the IRA on 12 June 1921 for apparently objecting to his home being burned, to deny it being used to shelter security forces. Eleven members of the IRAs Cavan Brigade were arrested in connection with Finlays murder.
There is a memorial to him at St Peter, Templeport.
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Important facts
People in John Finlay's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Finlay?
Irish dean
When was John Finlay born?
John Finlay was born on 27 June 1842.
When did John Finlay die?
John Finlay died on 11 June 1921.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Finlay (Dean of Leighlin)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Finlay. https://biography.guide/john-finlay-1842/
MLA: "John Finlay." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-finlay-1842/.
Chicago: "John Finlay." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-finlay-1842/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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