Colm O'Regan: St Bridget hoodwinked a king in a land deal, contravening all sorts of planning regulations

"Whereas St Patrick’s Day is so adversarial with the shamrock, snake, parades and throwing pagan shade, Brigid’s legends provide more interesting opportunities for commemoration."

Colm O'Regan. Photograph Moya Nolan

So how are you getting on with the new bank holiday? It will take some getting used to. Is it an alcoholiday after Dry January? Having completed Veganuary, are you slathering yourself in sausages?

From now on, this new bank holiday is the first Monday in February or if Brigid’s Day February 1st is a Friday, it will be the Bank Holiday. (An important detail for sesh-specialists)