Today we honor one of the three patron saints of Ireland, St. Brigid of Kildaire. Her feast day is held on the ancient Gaelic day of Imbolc – February 1st.  Among other things, she is the patron saint of scholars, poets, printing presses, midwives, and sailors. Here Claire Roche performs a haunting version of Praise to Brigid reminiscent of the days when Gaelic nobility held the harpers in the highest esteem.

Gabhaim molta Bríde

Gabhaim molta Bríghde, iníon í le hÉireann
Iníon le gach tír í, molaimís go léir í.
Lóchrann geal na Laighneach, soils’ ar feadh na tíre
Ceann ar óigheacht Éireann, ceann na mban ar míne.

Tig an Geimhreadh dian dubh, gearra lena géire
Ach ar lá le Bríghde, gar dúinn Earrach Éireann.
Iníon le gach tír í, molaimís go léir í.
Gabhaim molta Bríghde, iníon í le hÉireann

Praise to Brigid

I give praise to Brigid, daughter of Ireland
Daughter of all lands, let us praise her.
The bright torch of Leinster, shining across the country
The leader of Ireland’s youth, leader of gentle women.

The house of Winter is dark, cutting with its sharpness
But on Brigid’s Day, Spring in Ireland draws near to us.
I give praise to Brigid, daughter of Ireland
Daughter of all lands, let us praise her.