Donegal County Council is set to ask the Government to establish a new public holiday in honour of Saint Colmcille - also known as St Columba - the only Irish patron saint without a public holiday.

Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh, whose motion calling for the public holiday was accepted at the council's latest meeting, said there are two elements to the proposal.

"Ireland is two days behind the European average of 12 public holidays per year.

"St Colmcille is Ireland’s third patron saint along with St Patrick and St Brigid, but he isn’t recognised with a public holiday. We’re looking to even that up," he said.

Today marks St Colmcille feast day. Cllr Kavanagh has suggested two options as there is already a bank holiday in June.

A statue of St Colmcille in Derry

"The June Bank Holiday could be renamed in honour of St Colmcille (Columba), but that wouldn’t solve the problem of Ireland having less public holidays than the rest of Europe.

"Alternatively, we could go for a new public holiday on the first Monday in July. We don’t have a public holiday in July in the Republic of Ireland," he said.

Cllr Kavanagh added: "St Colmcille’s story is a great story. I think it would be an excellent bank holiday. We’re hoping the Government will look at the proposal in a positive way."

He also said there would be all-Ireland, cross-border and international dimensions to any recognition, given St Colmcille’s story.

It is believed that St Colmcille was born in Gartán, Co Donegal, in 521AD and established over 50 Christian sites throughout Ireland.

In the English language, Colmcille translates as 'Dove of the Church’. He is regarded as one the three patrons saint of Ireland alongside St Patrick and St Brigid.

There are many sites in the north west and in the eastern region associated with St Colmcille including Gleann Cholm Cille, Toraigh, Kells and Swords.

The influential Irish monk is known the patron saint of Derry - as Gaeilge - Doire Cholmcille, meaning ‘oakwood of Colmcille’.

The Book of Kells is believed to have been crafted by monks in the Columban monastery on Iona

He was a significant historical figure in the spreading of Christianity in Britain. One of his most important monasteries was in Iona, off the coast of Scotland.

Much history was written and recorded in his monasteries.

One of Ireland’s most famous books, the Book of Kells, written in Latin is believed to have been crafted by monks in the Columban monastery on Iona.

Colmcille died in Iona on 9 June, 597.

His legacy, as well as devotion to the saint, has endured to modern times.

Many schools, churches and GAA clubs nationwide are named in his honour.

Ireland has ten public holidays per year, and St Brigid’s Day was the most recent addition to the list in 2023.

The legislation which provides for public holidays is the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (OWTA).

The OWTA Act is under the policy remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the power to introduce an additional public holiday is provided for within this legislation.

Source: RTE.ie.