St Brigid's legacy celebrated through modern women in ag

A patron of livestock, dairy production, chicken farmers, blacksmiths, ploughing, sheep farming, and many other activities well beyond the farm-gate, she was noted for her compassion, generosity, and miraculous powers.

Brigid's Cross

The life of a saintly woman of the land will be celebrated with a new public holiday this year and a national dialogue on equality in agriculture, along with traditional customs associated with her inspiring story.

According to tradition, Saint Brigid, who ranks with Patrick and Colmcille, as a patron of Ireland, was born at Faughart, near Dundalk, around 454 and died 70 years later after a life of prayer, healing, feeding the poor and spreading Christianity.