John Frederick MacNeice was born at Omey, Co. Galway, to a Protestant family which claimed descent from the kin of the early Irish saint MacNissi. Opting for the Church of Ireland ministry he served notably as rector of Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus , known locally and colloquially as "Carrick", is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located on the north shore of Belfast Lough, from Belfast. The town had a population of 27,201 at the 2001 Census and takes its name from Fergus Mór mac Eirc, the 6th century king...

, Co. Antrim and afterwards as bishop of Cashel, Emly, Waterford and Lismore (1931–1934) and until his death as bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore

Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore

The Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore was the Ordinary of the Church of Ireland diocese of Down, Connor and Dromore; comprising all County Down and County Antrim, including the city of Belfast.-History:...

 (1934–1942). MacNeice is well known for his symbolic opposition to the partition of Ireland (accepted as a political reality): hence his refusal to allow the Union Flag to be laid on Carson

Carson

-People:*Carson , people with the surname Carson*Carson , people with the given name Carson-Place names:United States*Carson, California*Carson, Iowa*Carson, New Mexico*Carson, North Dakota*Carson, Virginia*Carson, Washington...

's grave at his funeral in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast

St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast

St Anne's Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is a cathedral of the Church of Ireland in Donegall Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland...

 in 1935. MacNeice was twice married. One of his sons by his first marriage was the poet, Louis MacNeice

Louis MacNeice

Frederick Louis MacNeice CBE was an Irish poet and playwright. He was part of the generation of "thirties poets" which included W. H. Auden, Stephen Spender and Cecil Day-Lewis; nicknamed "MacSpaunday" as a group — a name invented by Roy Campbell, in his Talking Bronco...

.