KILDARE ARTS SCENE: Leixlip artist creates enchanting St Brigid track
Enda Gallery is a trailblazing musician
Leixlip Co. Kildare singer, songwriter and musician Enda Gallery has partnered with Limerick musician Susan Quirke to create an enchanting new track to mark St. Brigid’s milestone anniversary.
The pair of musicians joined forces in Enda’s studio in Kilfenora, County Clare to record ‘Ó a Bhríd — Ode to Brigid’, an 11 minute track described as an ‘Irish language meditative mantra’ which they co-created together in recent weeks.
The Herstory Education Trust commissioned the song 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 1500th 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 the incredibly talented Enda Gallery on this timely commission. Together, they embody Brigid’s qualities with a rare authenticity in amplifying ancient Irish wisdom for a modern audience.
“They captured something really stunning in their creation, a sound that transcends and will stand the test of time, and it’s great to have this song featured as part of the Herstory light show and other events marking Brigid’s Day”.
Kildare man Enda Gallery is a trailblazing musician whose musical output is going from strength to strength. His 2021 debut album, "The Journey to Zero" earned him RTÉ Radio 1’s Album of the Week, with the single "Don’t Let Me Win" gaining acclaim from Cerys Matthews on BBC 6 and "It’s Alright" featuring on the BBC Introducing mixtape and hit series "Normal People.” Fresh from three recent American tours and the release of ‘Take My Hand’ and ‘Click’ in 2023, Enda is now busy working on his widely anticipated second album.
Speaking about the new track Ó a Bhríd Enda says "in the spirit of St. Brigid’s Day, Susan and I joined creative forces to craft a musical invocation that channels this remarkable woman’s strength, grace and wisdom. Our collaboration reflects the sacred balance of the masculine and feminine and the power of unity in creating meaningful art.”
Enda’s collaborator, Susan Quirke, is a meditation teacher and recently returned from touring Australia with Xavier Rudd.
Speaking about 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, the Celtic season of Imbolg, and the coming of spring, and to honour the land of County Clare and its connection with Brigid.’
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.
The song Ó a Bhríd – Ode to Brigid is available to download or stream for free via SusanQuirke.com, EndaGallery.com and Herstory.ie, as well as YouTube.