FINNIAN, SAINT, OF CLONARD: The chief of the "second order of Irish saints"; b. in Leinster; d. at Clonard (in the southwest corner of County Meath, about 30 miles from Dublin) Dec. 12, c. 550. He is said to have visited Tours, to have spent several years in study at Menevia (St. David's) in Wales, and to have become acquainted there with David, Gildas, and Cadoc. He founded many monasteries and churches in his native land, of which Clonard (founded about 520) became the most famous of all the great Irish schools of the sixth century. Scholars came there from all parts of Ireland and their number is said to have reached three thousand. Finnian acquired the title of "tutor of Erin's saints" and certain of his disciples, chosen by him and including Brendan, Ciaran of Saigir, Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, and others with himself were known as the "twelve apostles of Ireland."