Loah marks just the third year of the new holiday in celebration of Ireland’s female patron saint Brigid of Kildare with a moving version of an old song.
‘Gabhaim Molta Bríghde’, translated meaning ‘Praise to Brigid’ was recorded with accompaniment by Cormac DeBarra on harp, and is “a reflection on the significance of the divine feminine in Irish history.”
The full bilingual lyrics are below.
“I learned this tune (words written by Tomás Ó Flannghaile) a few years ago for one of the first celebrations of St Brigid’s Day. Since then, with each passing year its mournful, beautiful melody has gripped my imagination. Once Cormac de Barra came on board for a performance at St Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare, his masterful harp arrangement added something so hallowed that I am very grateful to have recorded. It’s a tune I love returning to sing each year at this time as we emerge into spring, celebrating the legacy of the saint and the divine feminine. It’s also a real honour to sing as Gaeilge, with the warm encouragement of Cormac.”
LYRICS:
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.
Gabhaim molta Bríghde, iníon í le hÉireann
Iníon le gach tír í, molaimís go léir í.
Translation:
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.
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Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
