Edmund Finn

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Edmund 'Garryowen' Finn (13 January 1819 - 4 April 1898) was a Melbourne journalist and author who wrote many colorful descriptions of the life and people in early Melbourne.

Finn was born in Tipperary, Ireland, the son of William Finn and his wife Catherine, née Mason. He was educated for the priesthood at Galbally Abbey, near Limerick.

He arrived in Melbourne on 19 July 1841 and was employed as a tutor of the classics until 1845 when he joined the staff of the Port Phillip Herald under editor George Cavenagh. He worked on The Herald for thirteen years. In 1858 the chief secretary, John O'Shanassy, who had been at school with Finn, appointed him clerk of the papers of the Legislative Council, a post from which he retired on a pension in 1886 because of failing eyesight.

In 1878 he published Der Eggsberiences ov Hans Schwarts … with Humorous Interleaves. The Garryowen Sketches … 'by an old Colonist' were reprinted as a book in 1880. The Chronicles of Early Melbourne (1835 to 1852) by Garryowen, 2 vols, appeared in 1888.

Finn was twice married. A son, Edmund, published 'A Priest's Secret' (Melbourne, 1888) and other works.

[edit] Further reading

'Garyowen' (Edmund Finn) A selection from The chronicles of early Melbourne, 1835 to 1852.