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A Happy Saint Brigid's day to you all. Long seen by many as being in second place in the hierarchy of Irish Saints the decision to celebrate her life with a public holiday south of the border will go some way towards increasing knowledge and interest in the Saint, and indeed giving some much needed gender balance. Monday coming 6 February is the first Public Holiday date.
Next year 2024 marks 1500 years from her reputed death in 524. The first of February also traditionally marks the first day of Spring although many prefer to wait a month or so before declaring Winters end.
Historically St Bríd is believed to have been born at Faughart in County Louth around 451 and her final resting place is reputed to be along with St Patrick and St Columba at Downpatrick. She founded the first Irish nunnery in Kildare and was Abbess there till she died.
Like Saint Patrick's Day there is a programme of events around the world celebrating Brigid. Events are being held in Australia, Brussels, Hungary, Germany, Egypt, Finland, Spain and many more destinations.
Closer to home Bluebell Lane Glamping in Mullaghbane is celebrating the Saint on Sunday 5 February with a Winter woodland walk with food, crafts and craic. To book or find out more go to www.eventbrite.ie
Ahead of the various events, the Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD said “This is a very special year as, for the first time, we mark St Brigid’s day and celebrate the achievements of Irish women with a public holiday. Ireland has marked this day internationally for a number of years now. This will be the sixth year that the Department of Foreign Affairs, through its global network of diplomatic missions has organised a global celebration of Lá Fhéile Bríde and of Irish women.
"It is a day on which to reflect on and take pride in in the achievements of Irish women.
"It is also a day on which to re-assert our commitment to and our determination to achieve absolute gender equality across the board, whether in politics, business, sport, or in any other walk of life.
"In sport, in particular, 2023 will be a very special year for Irish women as, for the first time ever, Ireland will participate in a FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, a truly magnificent achievement that is an inspiration for Irish women and girls, on St Brigid’s Day and every other day.”
Ireland.ie will be host to a St Brigid’s Day hub, which will showcase the programme of events taking place internationally. Check out the events at www.ireland.ie
