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from St Brigid’s Day 2022
Uilleann piper/flute player Louise Mulcahy’s new composition, Port Naomh Bríd/St Brigid’s Jig, celebrates St Brigid, her legacy and her important connection with nature and the environment.
Throughout my research at the Irish Traditional Music Archive, I discovered some charming legends and folklore connecting St. Brigid to nature. St. Brigid is synonymous with the spring season, a time of renewal, new life, growth and positivity. It is the time of year when we celebrate new beginnings and new life on earth. This jig seeks to encapsulate the feelings of hope and positivity whilst celebrating the beauty of nature and new life. The jig is performed on the uilleann pipes which have a range of sonic possibilities. The instrument allows for the deep connection with the sounds of nature and these possibilities are explored in the tune.
The uilleann pipes which Louise is playing were once owned by the master piper Liam O’Flynn and were entrusted to her by Na Píobairí Uilleann.
