Limerick singer and theologian to feature in TV documentary celebrating St Brigid

A LIMERICK native will be featured in an upcoming TG4 documentary celebrating St Brigid through music and entertainment.

Dr Nóirín Ní Riain from Caherconlish plays a big part in telling the story of both goddess & saint on this first bank holiday weekend in her honour. 

Discussing her inclusion in the documentary, the theologian started: "We were really talking about the overlap between Brigid the pre-Christian goddess and the holy woman, and how that holy woman is actually a historical figure."

When Christianity came to Ireland over centuries, Nóirín believes that the church had an "if you can't beat them join them" attitude about welcoming a woman saint into the Christian world. "There was no getting rid of the popular goddess at that point, so February 1, which is Imbolc, is St Brigid's Day."

Retention planning denied on Limerick site to rehome 96 Ukrainians

Before playing a melody for Brigid on her day of filming, the sean-nós singer laughed: "We met at St Brigid's Well and I think the crew were a little bit suspicious of me", she chuckled. "I had a harmonium under my arm, and I think they were thinking, what is she going to come out with!"

Among other subjects, Nóirín will touch on traditions associated with St Brigid, like the 'Brat Bríde' or St Brigid's Ribbon during Sunday night's screening.

Mostly filmed in front of a live audience at St Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare Town, on the very grounds that Brigid is said to have established a church and monastery in 480 A.D, 'Ardóidh mé mo Sheol - Lá Le Bríde', will be broadcast on this Sunday,  February 5, at 9.30pm on TG4.

It will include an ensemble of talented cast members, sharing their odes to the popular saint.