5th century. Perhaps a missionary to Ireland before Patrick, but more
probably one of his disciples, Ibar preached in Leinster and Meath.
There are indications that he was ordained a bishop at Rome, then
preached with Saints Declan, Ailbeus, and Kieran. Usher (Antiq., c. 16),
however, tells us that Patrick consecrated him bishop. He also founded a
monastic school on the island of Beg-Eire (Beggery), where he trained
many including his nephew Prince Saint Abban, who succeeded Ibar as
abbot of Magarnoide in Kenselach.
His relics were kept with singular veneration in his monastery at
Beg-Eire, which attracted the attention of the English agents of the
Reformation. In an attempt to stamp out his cultus and the many legends
surrounding his wooden image in his little chapel, they tried to burn
the image. Each time it was restored to its proper place without damage
(
Benedictines,
Delaney,
Husenbeth,
Montague).
Another Life:
St. Ibar
A pre-Patrician Irish saint, who laboured in the present County Wexford
from 425 to 450, recognized the jurisdiction of St. Patrick, and was
confirmed in his episcopacy. Thus, though a missionary before the
arrival of the great national apostle, St. Ibar was a contemporary of
St. Patrick, and is regarded as the patron of Begerin, in Wexford
harbour. Although at first not disposed to yield to St. Patrick he
afterwards submitted and became his disciple.
Much obscurity attaches to his early training, but about the year 480 he
settled at Begerin, where he built an oratory and cell. In the "Life of
St. Abban" it is stated that St. Ibar's retreat was soon peopled with
numerous disciples from all parts of Ireland, and the "Litany of Aengus"
invokes the three thousand confessors who placed themselves under St.
Ibar's direction. His nephew, St. Abban, as a boy of twelve came to
Begerin in St. Ibar's old age and accompanied him to Rome. His name is
variously written Ibar, Iberius, and Ivor, and his death is chronicled
in the year 500 on 23 April, on which day his feast is observed.
Although Begerin was formerly an island in the north of Wexford harbour,
it has long since been one of the reclaimed Sloblands.
o
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07613b.htm
Troparion of St Ibar
Tone 8
Thou didst prepare the way for Saint Patrick by thy fearless preaching
in Ireland, O holy Father Ibar.
Pray for the present dwellers in Meath
and Leinster and for all in these Islands,
that the true Faith may spread in our own days, to the glory of God.