Kildare students give President a quick demo on St Brigid's Crosses
Photos: Kenneth O'Halloran
The legacy of Ireland’s female patron saint was celebrated at Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday when children from County Kildare when they made and presented St Brigid’s Crosses to President Higgins.
In preparation for St Brigid’s Day on Friday, Emma Bergin, Sophie Hannon and Oisín Lee made and presented St Brigid’s Crosses to President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins on St Brigid’s Eve.
All are pupils of St Brigid’s Primary School, Kildare Town.
They were accompanied by Principal of St Brigid's School, Donal Fleming; the Mayor of Kildare Cllr Seán Power; the Chief Executive of Kildare County Council Peter Carey; the Chairperson of Kildare Fáilte David Mongey; the CEO of Kildare Fáilte Aine Mangan and Sr Rita Minehan of the Solas Bhride Centre, Kildare Town.
The event marked the start of a week-long commemoration programme in Kildare Town.
“St Brigid has a long association with Kildare and is also the Patroness of our country,” said Mr Mongey.
“Her legacy challenges both men and women today to create a society where both are equally respected.
“Her message has endured and her life still speaks to us in the 21st century.
“She continues to be remembered as an extraordinary women of faith and occupies an important place in the hearts of the people of Ireland and far beyond.”
The commitment of St Brigid to justice and peace will be marked during Féile Bríde 2019 which takes place until Saturday, February 9 at a number of venues in Kildare Town.
According to Aine Mangan, the legacy of St Brigid is a key part of the promotion of County Kildare as a visitor destination.
“St Brigid’s Day are Féile Bríde will be a celebration of the spirit of County Kildare and life of our revered saint,” she said.
The Solas Bhríde Centre at Tully Road, Kildare Heritage Centre and Boyle’s Pub at the Market Square, Kildare Education Centre at Friary Road and the Town Library at Claregate Street will all host events celebrating St Brigid.
These will include a concert, ‘The Music of Spring’ featuring tenor Patrick Hyland and guests at the Solas Bhríde Centre on Sunday, February 3 at 8.00pm and a conference on justice and peace organised by Irish campaign group, Afri at Solas Bhride on Saturday, February 9 from 10.00am to 4.30pm.
More information on Féile Bríde is available at intokildare.ie