Solas Bhride launches the Brigid of Kildare Gathering Celebration
[slideshow_deploy id=’169′] Solas Bhride launches the Brigid of Kildare Gathering Celebration Solas Bhride launches the Brigid of Kildare Gathering Celebration (September 15th to 21st 2013) Speaking in Kildare town at a Launch in Owens Cottage, Tully on Lá Fhéile Bhríde, St. Brigid’s Day, Sister MarySpeaking in Kildare town at a Launch in Owens Cottage, Tully on Lá Fhéile Bhríde, St. Brigid’s Day, Sister Mary announced that a weeklong event will be hosted in the environs of Kildare town in September, based on the concept of “Gathering at the Hearth” – welcoming people to gather around the flame of Brigid, which was relit in Kildare town twenty years ago this month. The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a Government initiative. At a meeting in the County last year to promote the Gathering many groups present suggested that the heritage of St. Brigid should be celebrated at a Gathering event. Solas Bhride in conjunction with local community groups submitted a proposal to host a Brigid Gathering event in Kildare town in September. We were delighted that the proposal was accepted and generous Government funding was provided for same. The event hopes to attract between 600 and 800 visitors to Kildare to celebrate the story of Brigid, ranging from people around the world who have an affinity with St. Brigid through schools, churches, parishes, associations, place names … to visitors from other parts of Ireland and overseas. There will be a special céad míle fáilte to those who are named Brigid or who have variations of the name. So all the Brigids in the world will be invited back for the celebration! Already groups from Europe, the US, Canada and as far away as Australia have expressed interest in the attending the celebration. The celebration will run from Sunday, 15th September to Saturday, 21st of September. In the coming months Solas Bhride will be partnering with a wide variety of Community groups, schools and overseas interests in creating a wonderful programme of events. Speaking at the launch Sr. Mary said: “Some of the novel events may include, and I stress the word may: an attempt to make the Guinness Book of Records by having a very large number of people weaving St. Brigid’s crosses in the same place at the one time. So if you want to make it you better start practicing now with the rushes! Other events may include: Pilgrimage A feast of music We are only at the dreaming stage. Who knows what may emerge? We will be engaging in a process of meetings in the coming months to plan this event. We have the experience in Kildare town of churches, schools and local organisations coming together when welcoming the Dalai Lama. A great community spirit prevailed – ní neart go cur le chéile – and we will do it again for the Gathering Celebration.” “We are delighted with the enthusiasm expressed for the Brigid Gathering Celebration and we know it will be a tremendous success in bringing people to Kildare town and keeping the heritage of Brigid alive,” said Mario Corrigan, Chairperson of the Heritage Committee, Kildare town. He acknowledged the support of local businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Stud and the Heritage Centre as well as Kildare County Council, County Kildare Leader Partnership and other agencies for the event.
Feile Bride, St. Brigid Day Events
[slideshow_deploy id=’169′] Feile Bride, St. Brigid Day Events Between Kildare and the nearby town of Newbridge lies an extensive tract of flat unenclosed grassland called “The Curragh”. This beautiful stretch of land, with its soft springy grass, is known as Brigid’s Pastures. The flat pasture of nearly five thousand acres still retains the right of commonage for grazing sheep which originated with Brigid. It is a place to explore, containing large numbers of ancient earthworks. The Curragh is the headquarters of the Irish horse racing industry. The walk on St. Brigid’s Day will touch some of the aspects of The Curragh’s rich history as well as providing a glimpse into the living life on Brigid’s pastures. Venue: Assemble at the Market Square in Kildare Town Time: 12.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Cost: €10.00 (includes the ticket for the bus) Booking is recommended. Tickets available through the Heritage Centre, Kildare Town. Tel: 045 530672 or email: info@kildareheritage.cominfo@kildareheritage.com Suitable footwear essential! Launch of the Gathering Celebration for Kildare Venue: Owens Cottage, Tully (Irish National Stud) Time: 4.00 p.m.
Highlights from Solas Bhride Golf Classic
A bright sunny morning, a torrential downpour in the early afternoon and a calm, humid evening was the experience of the participants in the Solas Bhride Golf Classic.The weather did not dampen the goodwill and great sporting spirit that prevailed throughout the event. The first prize, sponsored by Newbridge Silverware, was won by Fitzpatrick’s Garage Ltd, Kildare town, team. In 2nd place was Kildare Chilling Company team, whose prize was sponsored by Kelleher Clothing Company and The Heritage Golf Club. 3rd Prize went to the Gleeson/O’Donnell team who succeeded in achieving another day out, compliments of the K Club 4th Prize: Eamonn Mulhall and Team 5th Prize: Christy Roche Team The Dunlea’s Garage, Kilcullen Team were the winners of the All Ladies Team prize, compliments of Whelan’s Pharmacy, Kildare town. Solas Bhride and Organising Committee greatly appreciate the support of Team Sponsors, Tee Sponsors and Prize Sponsors. Special thanks to the Curragh Club for their warm welcome and facilitation of the event and especially Joe Connelly who looked after administration on the day. Teams enjoying a day out at Golf clasic!
Feile Bride 2011
The theme of Feile Bride this year was “Kindling flames of Hope”. Ireland and indeed Europe’s continuing economic crisis has left many people jobless and fearful of the future. The Northern Hemisphere also experienced one of its harshest winters in years while in the Southern Hemisphere floods caused many people to leave their homes. Feile Bride is celebrated at the beginning of spring and the period of the rebirth of nature after the long winter. New life and fresh beginnings are now distinct possibilities. It can be a time when new ways of hope can be given a new awareness and new energy. The Feile Programme provided something for everyone and many people participated in the various events. Weaving Workshop, January 30th 2011 Margaret Walsh and Brenda Kindregan facilitated the opening workshop on the customs and traditions of Brigid and the participants had the opportunity to weave St. Brigid’s cross. Launch of Sli Bhride, February 1st 2011 The Sli na Slainte Routes ( Health walks) “Sli Bhride” (Brigid’s way) and “The Hundred Acres” were launched during Feile Bride. The Sli na Slainte routes are the initiative of the Irish Heart Foundation in association with Kildare Sports Partnership and Kildare County Council. When launching the Sli Phil spoke of the importance of the community of life around us. “Today as we walk we will be aware of the new life that is already bursting forth from the earth. Our attention will be drawn to the community of life that surrounds us as we walk, and perhaps is watching us as we pass by, asking only that we respect the habitat in which they live, so that all of us can enjoy this part of planet earth that is our home for a while.” Nuala Madigan of the Irish Peatland Foundation drew the walkers attention to the wonder of the biodiversity people encountered on their walk. “Awakening New Ways of Hope” In this workshop the Solas Bhride Team explored the Legends of the Harp. In her interpretation of the Legend Brenda Kindregan reflected on how the legend can speak to us today. “Like the chieftain in the story, we need to allow ourselves and one another to have a “change of heart.” Maybe we need to look with the love of compassion to enable and to bless. Maybe we need to recognise the music in all people no matter who they may be. The universe is calling us to break the silence and speak out and act on its behalf as a species among other species. Thomas Berry said “we no longer hear the voices of the rivers, the mountains, or the sea.. What is needed on our part is the capacity for listening to what the earth is telling us.” Maybe today this legend asks us to listen to the music of what happens.
Feile Bride 2010 Celebrations
“Weaving of St. Brigid’s Crosses Large numbers of people gathered at Aras Bhride to learn about the customs and traditions associated with St. Brigid. The highlight of the event was the opportunity provided for all participants to make a St. Brigid’s cross. The workshop facilitator Margaret Walsh was ably assisted by Brenda Kindregan and Joyce White. February 1st, La Fheile Bride – St. Brigid’s Day “A Walk on the Curragh Plain” Under the expert guidance of Dr.John Feehan U.C.D author of “The Curragh Of Kildare” over 60 people walked on the plains to explore areas of archaeological and geological interest with its significant sacred and historical sites. During the expedition however people witnessed at first hand the reckless damage done to this unique landscape by the careless and damaging methods used to control the gorse. Dr. Feehan said that it was incumbent on all of us to find ways to protect the Curragh for future generations. He encouraged the formation of a group who would come together to learn t about this unique landscape and to become involved in an environmental campaign to protect The Curragh. Afri Conference The Afri Féile Bríde Conference 2010 took place on 6 February in the Derby House Hotel, Kildare Brigidine Sisters Mary Minehan and Phil O’Shea handed over the Brigid Flame to Charles Inness and Richard Moore under St. Brigid’s Perpetual Flame in the Market Square, Kidlare town. The flame is a symbol of Hope, Peace and Reconciliation. Charles and Richard are living witnesses that peace and reconciliation are possible. Read more about their story and presentation “Transcending Conflict – Freedom in Forgiveness” on the Afri website www.afri.ie. Sunday, February 7th Large crowd gathered on Sunday, February 7th to celebrate mass at St. Brigid’s well.
Afri Conference: “Seeds of Change – Seeds of Hope”
Speakers at the Afri Conference included Denis Halliday, former UN Assistant General, and Freda Berrigan, niece of anti-war campaigner, Fr. Dan Berrigan, and a celebration of the work of Irish Seed Savers. Email: Afri@iol.ieAfri@iol.ie
