Interesting stories of St Brigid at Kilcullen meeting

Photos courtesy of Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer.

Much of what is said today about St Brigid may be invention, people attending a talk by Mario Corrigan in Kilcullen heard, writes Brian Byrne. The historian and author from Kildare Town was giving the fourth in a series of monthly talks about St Brigid, organised by the County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups as part of the Brigid 1500 celebration year.

Mario's theme was Cogitosis's Life of St Brigid, written in the late 7th century by a cleric at Kildare. He told his audience in the Town Hall that it is one of three early lives of the saint that offer the 'most secure' details of Brigid's life.

He said that Cogitosis's book, along with Vita Prima written in the late 7th or 8th centuries, and Bethu Brigte composed in the 9th century, all look back to a common original, now lost, which may date to the mid-7th century.

All three agree on basic details of Brigid's life, that she was born to a wealthy father in the province of Leinster, that she developed a reputation for charity from her childhood, and that she became a nun and founded the church at Kildare where she is buried.

Mario also noted that among the most ancient accounts of St Brigid are two Old Irish hymns, the first by St Ultan of Ard braccan Brigit Be Bitmaith, and the second by St Broccán Clóen.

There was a great turnout to the event, with fascinating stories which stimulated interesting chats over tea afterwards.

Among those present were Cllrs Tracey O'Dwyer and Brendan Wyse.

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