St Ibar founded a monastery on Beggerin Island (’beg erin’ means ‘little Ireland’). This was once a tidal island in Wexford Harbour in the 5C but is now silted up. It was ideally placed to be in the forefront of events in the 5C. Indeed the area was once named by the 2C Greek geographer Ptolemy as ‘Menapia’. This indicates that it was settled by a people who lived in Belgium. He is said to have been made a bishop. Undoubtedly he is one of the ‘seminal’ figures of the early church in Ireland. He may be buried on the island. The island is now private property.
Saint Ibar or Ivor Bishop
Reposed 500 Remembered April 23
