President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have led this year’s St Brigid’s Day (1 February) celebrations by lighting a candle to honour the national saint and create a symbol of hope for 2022.
Festivities
As part of the St Brigid’s Day celebrations organised by regional tourism body Into Kildare, the Hill of Allen will be illuminated with the flame of the patron saint, and Leinster House – as well as businesses and local-authority buildings in Co. Kildare, such as the Curragh Racecourse and Whitewater Shopping Centre – will also be illuminated. The illuminations will be viewable via Into Kildare’s Facebook/Meta page and website.
Additionally, Solas Bhríde hosted a candlelight pilgrimage to St Brigid’s Well on 31 January, Kilteel will host a ‘Coming of Light’ ceremony on 1 February – to mark the start of the spring season – and singer-songwriter Jack L will perform at the Hill of Allen, but there will be no access to the site, to ensure public safety.
Jack L’s Statement
Jack L stated, “When I heard about Light Up Kildare, I wanted to support it in some way, especially as it’s my home county. St Brigid’s Day is becoming increasingly important, especially outside Kildare, now that she will have her own public holiday. It shows that Brigid is as important as St Patrick for Ireland, plus it provided the perfect opportunity for me to learn and perform ‘The Curragh of Kildare’!”
Into Kildare CEO’s Statement
Into Kildare CEO Áine Mangan stated, “We are very excited this year to instil an air of hope and positivity to the people of Kildare and beyond, through Light Up Kildare again, to mark the resilience and camaraderie of the people of our country. We hope people will watch the illuminations virtually and join us by lighting their own candles as a symbol of optimism for the year ahead.”
The President’s Statement
President Higgins stated, “I am deeply conscious of the impact which the last two years have had on people throughout Ireland. As we begin to move past the most acute phase of the pandemic, I am pleased to be able to light a candle, and in doing so join with Into Kildare's illumination of the Hill of Allen, and those of so many people throughout our country, in their homes, with the flame of Brigid. As we move into the brighter days of spring, let us remember in particular the contribution of all the women in Ireland throughout the pandemic.”
The Taoiseach’s Statement
Taoiseach Martin stated, “As I join with you in lighting this candle, I want to wish the people of Kildare – and, indeed, families across the country – a happy and healthy Lá Fhéile Bríde.”
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