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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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The saint, who was born in Gartan, is the only Irish patron saint without a dedicated public holiday
Donegal County Council is set to ask the government to establish a new public holiday in honour of St Colmcille.
The saint, who was born in Gartan, is the only Irish patron saint without a dedicated public holiday, unlike St Patrick and St Brigid, who are both celebrated in spring. Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh has proposed that St Colmcille could be honoured in July.
Raising a motion on the matter at Monday's plenary council, Cllr Kavanagh said: "His feast day is in June but we already have a public holiday in June. We have no public holiday in July and I think the first Monday in July would be an ideal time. It could be a good boost to tourism in Donegal at the height of summer. We could use it to promote Slí Cholmcille, Gartan and all the places around the county that are associated with St Colmcille.
READ NEXT: Donegal parishioners travel to Iona in Scotland in the footsteps of St Colmcille
Cllr Kavanagh said that Ireland is behind on the average number of public holidays, compared to the EU average.
“The average for the EU is 12.8 days, we have 10 at the minute,” Cllr Kavanagh said. With the motion passed, Donegal County Council is now set to submit the request to the government.
Colmcille, also known as St Columba, is considered one of the most important figures in early Christianity. He played a crucial role in spreading Christianity not only throughout Ireland but also in Scotland, England, and parts of Europe. His 1500th anniversary was widely commemorated in 2021.
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