Local Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has welcomed the announcement that St Brigid’s day will be marked with a new public holiday from 2023 after years of active campaigning on the issue. The closest Monday to the 1st of February will be a public holiday.
Senator O’Loughlin said, “As a Kildare person I am delighted to see that our patron Saint will be honoured with a public holiday. This year more than ever, St Brigid’s day represents a new dawn and new beginnings for the people of Ireland- a time full of hope and promise after what has been a difficult year, and an utterly devastating week.
“I have been raising this for a number of years both in the Dáil and the Seanad and directly with the Taoiseach. I have always supported the call for an additional bank holiday in tribute to the huge sacrifices made by the Irish people throughout the pandemic- especially those on the frontline.
“Brigid was a strong and determined individual, who was met with many challenges, but she persevered on her quest, and she cared for so many. A message that has a newfound relevance to us as we begin to emerge from yet another wave of covid. We need to take comfort from Brigid, who was in many ways Ireland's first Feminist - in the promise that better days are to come and a future that defies grief and obstacles.
Senator O’Loughlin concluded “Outside of it being important to use this opportunity to honour a woman and to honour our frontline workers, I think many people will appreciate a break in February. January is often called the longest month of the year, it is cold and dark, and this could give people a little break and a lift between Christmas and St. Patrick's day.”