Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin led the celebrations for St Brigid’s Day this year by lighting a candle to honour the Kildare patron saint and create a symbol of hope for the year ahead.
Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins said he was pleased to join in the festivities and light his own candle.
He said: "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. And 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."
This year’s festivities will be the last before St Brigid’s Day becomes a recognised national public holiday on February 1st, with Kildare to become illuminated with bright light this evening as part of the #LightUpKildare initiative.
Organised by Into Kildare – the tourism body for the region - there will be a series of events happening in honour of St Brigid.
The historic Hill of Allen will become illuminated with the flame of St Brigid, shining a beacon of light to Cupidstown Hill in Kilteel, the highest point of Kildare, while Leinster House will also emit a bright glow.
Businesses and local authority buildings across Kildare such as The Curragh Racecourse and Whitewater Shopping Centre will also pay their own tributes to the saint by illuminating this evening.
Into Kildare CEO Áine Mangan said: "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 comradery of the people of our country."
Singer-songwriter Jack L will perform as part of the festivities, however, there will no access to the site on the evening to ensure public safety. Instead, members of the public can visit www.intokildare.ie from 6pm to enjoy the performance.
Speaking on the event, Jack L said: "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."
A series of events and activities have been organised by both Into Kildare and Solas Bhríde as part of Lá Fhéile Bríde – a week-long festival of events dedicated to St Brigid. For more info visit www.intokildare.ie.
