Legacy of Saint Columba to be explored in Derry with publication launch

Bishop Donal McKeown and Bishop Andrew Forster will jointly launch a new publication exploring the legacy of Saint Columba on Friday, January 16, at an evening event in Derry.

The book, Fri Selba Ségann: Aistí ar Ghnéithe D'oidhreacht Choluim Chille / Essays on Aspects of the Columban Tradition, brings together scholarly reflections on the enduring spiritual, cultural and literary influence of Columba and the wider Columban tradition.

Éigse Cholm Cille will be held at the Church of Ireland Diocesan Centre, 24 London Street, bringing together scholars, church leaders and musicians for an evening of talks and discussion.

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Saint Columba (Colmcille) was a pivotal Irish missionary born in Gartan in 521 AD, renowned for spreading Christianity, founding Iona Abbey. In Ireland, Colmcille is one of the three patron saints, along with Saint Patrick and Saint Bridget and is widely celebrated, especially in Donegal and Derry.

The event, titled Columban Landscapes and Irish Manuscripts, will open with refreshments from 6.30pm, followed by music and opening remarks at 7pm. Liam Campbell will speak on the Foyle River Basin and the Columban landscape, before the formal launch of Fri Selba Ségainn: Aistí ar Ghnáththaí d’Oidhreacht Cholm Cille / Essays on Aspects of the Columban Legacy by Bishop Andrew Forster and Bishop Donal McKeown. 

Later in the evening, Michael Clarke will present on the history of the Irish book, focusing on the handwritten tradition, while Pádraig Ó Macháin will give an overview of the Irish manuscript tradition. Closing remarks are scheduled shortly after 9pm.

The book launch forms part of Éigse Cholm Cille, an initiative established in 2002 to promote reading and writing in the Irish language and to celebrate the cultural heritage associated with Columba.

The launch is organised by Ulster University and will take place in the Church of Ireland Diocesan Centre. The event is free and open to all, and will bring together academics from several Irish universities, alongside members of the public with an interest in Irish history, faith, and Gaelic literature.