Finlay was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and ordained in 1867.
He began his ecclesiastical career as a curate in Clonenagh.
[2] Upon his retirement he moved to Brackley House near Bawnboy, Co.
[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.