Finnian of Clonard
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Finnian of Clonard – also Finian, Fionán or Fionnán in Irish; or Finianus and Finanus in its Latinised form (470–549) – was one of the early Irish monastic saints, who founded Clonard Abbey in modern-day County Meath. The Twelve Apostles of Ireland studied under him. Finnian of Clonard is considered one of the fathers of Irish monasticism.
Finnian and his pupils in a stained glass window at the Church of St. Finian in Clonard
Kingdom of Leinster
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The Kingdom of Leinster was a kingdom of Gaelic Ireland which existed in the east of the island from the Irish Iron Age until the 17th century Early Modern Ireland. According to traditional Irish history found in the Annals of the Four Masters, the kingdom was founded as the territory of the Laighin, a Heremonian tribe of Irish Gaels. Some of the early kings of Leinster were also High Kings of Ireland and Kings of Tara, such as Úgaine Mór, Labraid Loingsech and Cathair Mór.
The Dying Gaul. According to Irish tradition, the name Leinster derives from the spears carried by the Gaul mercenaries brought back by the exile Labhraidh Loingseach to secure his kingdom.
St. Brigid of Kildare, carried by two angels, painted by John Duncan. She was invoked as protectoress of Leinster and control of Kildare was essential for the Kings of Leinster.
Art Óg Mac Murchadha Caomhánach, King of Leinster in the late 14th century revived the fortunes of the kingdom and clashed with Richard II Plantagenet, King of England.
Glendalough Monastery founded by Kevin of Glendalough, a prince of royal Leinster blood. Located in a valley in the Wicklow Mountains, the monastery was founded in the 6th century.