Donegal is leading efforts to establish a new Irish bank holiday dedicated to St. Colmcille (also known as St. Columba), completing the recognition of Ireland’s three patron saints with their own public holidays.
Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh recently secured approval from Donegal County Council for a motion urging the Irish Government to introduce this new public holiday. The proposal aims to honor St. Colmcille, who, unlike St. Patrick and St. Brigid, currently lacks a dedicated bank holiday in Ireland.
Speaking to IrishCentral, Councillor Kavanagh highlighted two main reasons behind the motion. “Firstly, Ireland currently has ten public holidays, while the European Union average is nearly 13,” he explained. “We are therefore behind many other countries in providing statutory holidays.” Secondly, he noted, “Ireland’s three patron saints are St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Colmcille. Both St. Patrick and St. Brigid have public holidays, but St. Colmcille does not — and this oversight should be addressed.”
Born in Gartan, County Donegal, St. Colmcille is also credited as the founder of Derry City and established monasteries throughout Ireland and Iona, Scotland. His influence extended beyond Ireland, spreading Christianity across parts of England and Europe.
“St. Colmcille is significant not only in an all-Ireland context but also across the UK and Europe,” Kavanagh noted. He further emphasized the saint’s broad religious significance: “He is recognized not only by the Catholic Church but also by the Anglican Church and others.”
The name St. Colmcille translates as “the dove of the church.” The saint was notable for advocating the protection of civilians during wartime — a progressive stance that resonates even today.
Regarding the timing of the proposed holiday, Kavanagh suggested it be observed on the first Monday in July, rather than on St. Colmcille’s feast day of June 9th. “This would provide a summer long weekend when children are off school, making it easier for families to visit sites associated with St. Colmcille, enjoy the outdoors, heritage, and history,” he said.
With the motion passed at the county level, the next step involves the Donegal County Council formally requesting the Irish Government to consider the proposal. Kavanagh expressed hope that the government will receive the initiative favorably.
