Kildare Gathering Celebration
The Brigid of Kildare Gathering Celebration (September 15th to 21st 2013)
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.
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.”
The initiative was launched at Owens Cottage, Tully on Lá Fhéile Bhríde, St. Brigid’s Day. To read an article about the launch, including photographs click here!
