Press Releases
Christmas in Kildare concert on RTÉ
RTÉ broadcast a major new television and radio programme called ‘Christmas in Kildare’, from St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare, on Christmas Eve on RTÉ One and RTÉ Lyric FM.
The programme is now also available to a worldwide audience on RTÉ Player.
RTÉ’s annual Christmas show is presented by Marty Whelan and Kildare native Celine Byrne. This year’s broadcast also marks the 1,500th anniversary of the death of St Brigid, Ireland’s female patron saint.
This special seasonal programme features the RTÉ Concert Orchestra conducted by Gavin Maloney, with musical guests including Bell X1’s Paul Noonan, Lisa Hannigan, Rhiannon Giddens, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha with Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Kingfishr, Dulciana, and star soprano Celine Byrne.
Commenting on the programme, the Dean of Kildare, the Very Rev Isobel Jackson, said, “I am so delighted that RTÉ have chosen our wonderful Cathedral of St Brigid for their ‘Christmas in Kildare’ broadcast. As we conclude our celebrations of Brigid 1500, we hold on to the immensely positive year with people engaging with the legacy of St Brigid and the significance of her pointing towards the Light of the World – how perfectly seasonal.”
Founded by St Brigid in 480AD, her original hilltop Church of the Oak (‘Cill Dara’ in Irish) gave rise to the name of the town, county and diocese of Kildare. Today the 801–year old stone cathedral lies at the heart of Kildare Town.
Diocesan Communications Officer, Meath & Kildare
089 426 4652
The Revd Earl Storey
[email protected]