Finnian of Clonard was a prominent Irish monk and abbot, born around 480 AD. He is best known for founding the monastery at Clonard, which became a significant center of learning and spirituality in early medieval Ireland. Finnian played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in the region and is often associated with the establishment of monastic schools. He is also recognized as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, a group of early missionaries who helped to convert the Irish to Christianity. Finnian's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his teachings and the monastic community he established continued to shape Irish religious life for centuries.