Cornelius Denvir (1791–1866) was an Irish Roman Catholic prelate, mathematician, natural philosopher and former Lord Bishop of Down and Connor.
He is noted for ministering in Belfast amidst growing sectarian tension, taking a moderate and non-confrontational stance, to the annoyance of his pro-Catholic followers.
According to one biographer, young Denvir also showed interest in the Catechism by attending local visits from the then Bishop of Down and Connor Patrick MacMullan who was resident in Downpatrick.
[2] After years of illness compounded by age, in 1860 Denvir was assigned Patrick Dorrian as a coadjutor to assist in his episcopal duties.
[2] Denvir died one year later on 10 July 1866, in his residence on Donegall St, after suffering from fainting fits a few days prior.
One notable feature about Denvir's scientific activity is that it led him to meet frequently with other ministers from different denominations, an irregularity at the time.
[4] While at Maynooth College Denvir taught both Nicholas Callan, the inventor and physicist, and Dominic Corrigan, the noted Irish physician.