Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I rise today and also wish everyone a happy St. Brigid's Day. We have had a number of events in County Kildare already to celebrate Brigid 1500. We had a brilliant night in the library in Athy two nights ago at the We Shall Overcome event. Last night, we had a great light show similar to what I am sure happened in County Louth last night. It was terrific to be there to witness Brigid in all her forms, and also the pause for peace, which we are having in this House today. I want to commend the Cathaoirleach on that because never was it more apt to have a pause for peace. Today is such an important day in that as we celebrate Brigid, we also call for that ceasefire that is so long overdue.

I want to mention a group of young ladies from a local Athy band, If, who took part in the We Shall Overcome concert. They gave us a rendition of "Johnny I Hardly Knew You", which obviously mentions the great town of Athy as well. I am marking Senators' cards in this House today to keep their eyes on If. There was a stellar line-up of female artists that night but three young girls from the town of Athy really showed what they were made of.

I want to mention the other events that will take place over the coming days in County Kildare. There is a stellar line-up of events as part of Brigid 1500 on the Curragh over the weekend but also at the Moat of Ardscull, another historic place. I want to mention that because at the Moat of Ardscull on Monday at 2 p.m. we will have the Village Voices community choir along with Kevin Morrin, Paul Linehan, Joseph Gorman, Colm Flynn and, of course, the St. Laurence's set dancers, to celebrate Brigid in all her glory. It is a very important event locally. It is an event we need to advertise and get people to. It is the second year of that event.

I wish everyone a very happy St. Brigid's Day, and I welcome the pause for peace and call for a ceasefire immediately.