Dr Niamh Wycherley on "The Real St Brigid" (Brigid 1500)

Dr Niamh Wycherley gives the first in a series of talks organised by the County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups running from August 2023 to January 2024 to mark Brigid 1500.  

Notes: Recorded in Kilcullen Heritage Centre, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, on Wednesday 16 August, 2023, during National Heritage Week. Posted by County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups. See their website: kildarelocalhistory.ie

Image: Screenshot of opening credits to “The Real Story Brigid.” Portrait of St Brigit in stained glass.

"St Brigit 1500—who was she?” History Ireland podcast

This post links to an excellent talk about the historical woman, Saint Brigit, and her ever-changing cult, given as part of the year of events in Ireland and abroad celebrating and investigating Brigit of Ireland, Brigid 1500. 

From the History Ireland webpage:

"Recorded on the 1 Feb  2024, at the National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street.

"Join History Ireland editor, Tommy Graham, to mark the 1500th anniversary of the passing of St Brigit, Ireland’s most notable female saint. But who was she?—a figure of history or of myth and legend?—a goddess and/or a feminist icon? With Edel Breathnach, Elva Johnston, Bairbre Ní Fhloinn and Niamh Wycherley.

"This Hedge School is supported by the National Library of Ireland."

Link to the webpage and podcast here. The podcast can also be found on Apple podcasts, and perhaps others.

Brigid's Worlds Conference 2024, Kildare, Ireland

 

"Registration now open on Eventbrite for Brigid's Worlds, a conference exploring the life & times of St Brigid & her Church of Kildare (5th to the 9th centuries)! Sept 13th & 14th. We've an incredible couple of days planned! In person only. Loads of hospitality, tour of Kildare town/Cathedral, extra treats. Excited to welcome you all to Maynooth University. €10 per day but free public lecture by Prof. Catherine McKenna (Harvard), Ogham exhibition & reception Fri night. Full provisional programme, speakers and titles available on the Eventbrite page. You have to register for each day separately. Enquiries to niamh.wycherley@mu.ie” 

Niamh Wycherley

 

Register here with Eventbrite.

Image: Brigid's cross surrounded by text including “Brigid’s Worlds" and "Brigid 1500.”

 

Last night I came home from my trip to Ireland, where I had important time with friends and Brigit, and presented devotional poetry, song, and meditation at the Brigid of Faughart Festival as part of Brigid 1500. It was for me a profound and nourishing trip. I didn’t go out into the yard last night and I was busy inside till I went out just now to cut my month old fingernails. And this is what I saw.

Brigit’s Surprise