John Finlay (27 June 1842 – 12 June 1921) was Dean of Leighlin from 1895 until [1] 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.[2] Upon his retirement he moved to Brackley House near Bawnboy, Co. Cavan.[3]
He was murdered[4] by the IRA[5] on 12 June 1921[6] for apparently objecting to his home being burned, to deny it being used to shelter security forces.[7] Eleven members of the IRAs Cavan Brigade were arrested in connection with Finlays murder.[8]
There is a memorial to him at St Peter, Templeport.[9]