Central Bank of Ireland launches Saint Brigid collector coin to commemorate Ireland’s famous saint.
We celebrated a wonderful event at Solas Bhride on Wednesday 26th June. The Central Bank of Ireland chose Solas Bhride as the venue to launch a special collector coin in honour of St. Brigid.
Designed by Irish artist Mary Gregoriy, the coin features a young Brigid, her cape, and the St. Brigid’s Cross. The artist wanted to combine the myth with the woman throughout the design. Above her head is the guiding star of a St. Brigid’s Cross and on her sleeve, she wears an oak leaf – to symbolize Kildare and her monastery founded there.
In launching the special edition limited coin Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Sharon Donnery said: “We are very proud, in the year that marks 1,500 years since her passing, to issue this €15 St. Brigid collector coin to recognise one of our best-known saints.
“As we all know, tradition says that St. Brigid established a monastery in the town, ultimately giving Cill Dara its name, so it is only fitting we launch the coin commemorating her in this beautiful location in Kildare today.
“Many stories and myths surround St. Brigid, but much of what we are told highlights her core values – helping the poor, striving for peace and a more just world.
“A strong woman, dedicated to serving the people and to protecting nature, her life, her work, her legacy not only remains relevant today, but remains an inspiration.
“And as we honour St. Brigid, this commemorative coin also presents an opportunity to remember the role that she and Irish women have played in our history, our culture and society”.
St. Brigid is only the third woman who has featured on a collector coin, and it is fitting that in the year of the 1500th anniversary of her death she should be so honoured.
The coin, seen in the images may be purchased through the Central Bank on www.collectorcoins.ie
For information on all events and to book online contact Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road, Kildare town: www.solasbhride.ie email: info@solasbhride.ie or phone 045 522890.
For information on Afri Conference contact: admin@afri.ie or www.afri.ie
For information on Kildare Heritage Centre events contact: Kildare Heritage, email: info@kildareheritage.com or phone 045 530672
For information on Kildare Education Centre www.eckildare.ie or phone 045530200
For information on Kildare Town Library kildarelib@kildsrecoco.ie or phone 045520235
For further information on Brigid 1500 events www.brgid1500.ie
