Gobnaits reclaim their name at unique road bowling festival honouring Irish saint in Cork

Women named Gobnait gathered in Cork’s Múscraí Gaeltacht to celebrate heritage, reclaim identity and honour Ireland’s patron saint of bees

Organiser Eileen Gobnait Ní Lionáird in action during the all-Gobnait road bowling event in Ballyvourney as part of Féile Ghobnatan 2026. Picture: Chani Anderson

It's a rhetorical question that has divided opinion the world over.

While many will argue “what’s in a name?”, Father Ted star Frank Kelly’s infamous 1980s skit did little for the reputation of Gobnaits. 

Fortunately, namesakes of the actor’s brainchild — Gobnait Ó Lunacy — finally got the vindication they deserved at a special event in their honour at the weekend.

The Gobnait-only Road Bowling Competition formed part of Féile Ghobnatan 2026 in Cork's Múscraí Gaeltacht, held in honour of St Gobnait — the Irish patron saint of bees, beekeepers, and ironworkers. 

Gobnaits travelled from all over the country for the weekend-long festival, which also included events such as beekeeping workshops and a céilí.

Fianna Fáil councillor Gobnait Moynihan, who is one of few people left with the name in Cork, had the honour of opening the event.

Fianna Fáil councillor Gobnait Moynihan: 'The stories you hear about St Gobnait and the care she took of her community is so important.' Picture: Chani Anderson

Held in association with local Bólcumman Ghobnatan, the road bowling event aimed to commemorate the saint’s so-called "bolla" that was said to cure animals. 

It was organised in advance of St Gobnait's feast day on Wednesday, February 11. 

The feast day is marked by St Gobnait's parish church in Ballyvourney, Cork, with a showcase of an oak St Gobnait statue. Each year sees the statue measured by ribbon as part of a tradition dating back many centuries.

Múscraí development co-op language planning officer Eibhlín Ní Lionáird — whose middle name just happens to be Gobnait — described what makes the festival special.

“Personally, I did not like the name when I was young," she said.

"When I went to Dublin, one of my friends found out what my second name was and started slagging me all the time. It was all on account of Frank Kelly’s character, Gobnait Ó Lunacy. 

Jennifer Gobnait Ní Choinnide powers a bowl down Coolea Rd during the Gobnait-only road bowling event. Picture: Chani Anderson

"We are only now realising what a strong person St Gobnait was, and this has given credence to her name.

"With the road bowling, it was only Gobnaits who were able to feature in the competition." 

She said the aim was to find something specific to elevate the status of the name. 

"After all the years of slagging, Gobnaits now realise their name is something to be proud of. We need to take pride in our heritage and what is associated with the name," she added.

A name is very important, because it can make you or break you

Eibhlín described how St Gobnait’s story captured hearts across the world.

The youngest competitor and honorary Gobnait, Abbey May Ní Laoise, gets into full swing as she sends her bowl down the road. Picture: Chani Anderson

“There is a huge reverence for her here," she said.

"People still come and do the rounds. Any time of the day you come up to the graveyard, there are people praying. 

"I’ve often met people there who are not even Catholics. We even get Buddhists coming to visit her resting place. There is something very special about her story.” 

Fianna Fáil councillor Gobnait Moynihan said she was honoured to be part of the festival.

“I’m very proud of my name," she said.

"The stories you hear about St Gobnait and the care she took of her community are so important. This festival highlights her existence to the rest of the world. 

"Although there aren’t many Gobnaits left, it is popping up as a second name. This is a lovely tribute to the saint, as she was such a strong role model.”