According to legend, St. Brigid of Kildare once complained to St. Patrick that it was unfair that a woman could not propose, therefore the two struck a deal marking February 29, leap day, as the date when a woman could propose to a man. The tradition has held in Ireland and much of the British Isles. The first documentation of this tradition was seen in 1288, when a law was … [Read more...] about February 29, 1288
Today In History
September 2, 1022
Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill, anglicized Malachy II, died on this day in 1022. He acted as King of Mide and as High King of Ireland. He is remembered for his victory at the 980 Battle of Tara, against Olaf Cuarán, King of Dublin, which resulted in his--and consequently, Ireland's--control of the Kingdom of Dublin. Máel Sechnaill belonged to the Clann Cholmáin sept of the Uí … [Read more...] about September 2, 1022
April 23, 1014
On this day in 1014, 88-year-old High King Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig (Brian Boru, in English) defeated the Vikings, the King of Leinster, and the Dublin Norse in the Battle of Clontarf, which took place just north of Dublin. Killed in action, the circumstances surrounding his death are uncertain. Many believe that Boru died in hand-to-hand combat, though some claim he was … [Read more...] about April 23, 1014
June 3, 618
This day marks the feast day of St. Kevin, who died on June 3, 618. Officially known in Irish as Saint Comegen, 'gentle one', of Glendalough, his name was anglicized to Saint Kevin. He was mentored by St. Petroc and established a church, which would later become a monastery and pilgrimage destination, at Glendalough in Co. Wicklow. Legend says that he lived until the age of … [Read more...] about June 3, 618
June 9, 597
On this day St. Columcille, or St. Colomba, died. His feast day of June 9 is recognized by the Catholic Church. Born in Co. Donegal to a royal family, Columcille gave up his claims in favor of becoming a monk at Glasnevin. He became one of the "Twelve Apostles of Ireland" who studied under St. Finnian. After a dispute with St. Finnian over copying the Battle Book of the … [Read more...] about June 9, 597