Saint Finnian of Clonard (470–549), Irish founder of the monastery of Clonard
His early life is not recorded, but he was attracted to the School of Clonard by the fame of Saint Finnián and his disciples.
When Saint Finnian was in extremis, suffering from the plague, Columba administered Holy Viaticum.
The penultimate and longest chapter, 'Lord Osmund's Lenten Party' (over 250 pages), is a satirical account of a fancy-dress party held by three members of the 'Finnian Shaw' family, who are clearly modelled on the Sitwell family, Osbert, Edith and Sacheverell.