Former Tipperary school student Susan to release music tribute to mark St Brigid's Day

Former St Anne's Secondary Scholl student Susan Quirke has joined forces with Kildare musician Enda Gallery to create an enchanting new track to mark St Brigid’s Day this year.

The pair recorded Ó a Bhríd - Ode to Brigid, a track described as an "Irish language meditative mantra" which they co-created together in recent weeks in Enda's studio in Kilfenora, county Clare.

The 11-minute track was commissioned by the Herstory Education Trust as part of their series of celebrations marking Brigid’s Day. Herstory, a movement showcasing and celebrating modern, historic and mythic women, previously spearheaded the successful campaign to make Brigid’s Day Ireland’s new public holiday.

Speaking on the release of the track, Herstory Founder Melanie Lynch said she’s bowled over by its depth and quality. “We wanted something special to mark the 1,500-year anniversary of Brigid’s passing and we’re thrilled that these two exceptional artists answered the call.

"I have always dreamed of collaborating with Susan Quirke. She’s an artist of remarkable integrity with a mellifluous voice. I also did Susan’s meditation course, and it honestly changed my life. So, I was thrilled when she partnered with Enda Gallery on this timely commission."

Oola native Susan, a former student of St Anne’s Secondary School, Tipperary Town, is a meditation teacher and recently returned home from touring Australia with renowned musician Xavier Rudd.

Commenting on the song she said: "Brigid for me represents the power of feminine healing, poetry, truth, and justice, part of an ancient Irish indigenous spirituality, one that celebrates the earth, and each other. With this track we wanted to honour the spirit of Brigid and the Celtic season of Imbolg, the coming of spring, and to honour the land of County Clare and its connection with Brigid. This is a gentle and simple song that brings the elements of Brigid’s symbolism such as fire, water, and the oak tree, into its mantra-like quality. It was a joy to create and record."

The track also marks Susan’s first new track since her debut album Into the Sea was released in 2021. Her album received critical acclaim from the likes of the BBC, RTÉ, and Hot Press.

Since then, Susan has been based between Ireland and Australia where she is focused on teaching meditation and leading "mass meditation experiences" involving thousands of people.

Susan has also worked with the Irish rugby team, elite athletes, musicians, community groups and people from all walks of life.

Ó a Bhríd - Ode to Brigid is available to download or stream for free from February 1 via Susan Quirke's Spotify, Bandcamp and YouTube channels, and through SusanQuirke.com, EndaGallery.com and Herstory.ie