Search for Ireland’s favourite saint to take place at Ploughing Championships

Attendees of the Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska Co. Laois are being encouraged to visit the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin’s stand and name their favourite saint.

The question is being asked by Bishop Denis Nulty who said they expect saints from all over the world will get a mention, including “saints they pray to daily or in times of trouble, the saint whose name they chose at Confirmation or perhaps the saint associated with their locality”.

Bishop Denis went on to say that that he thought it would be “fascinating to discover Ireland’s most loved saint. Ireland was once known as the isle of saints and scholars. Kildare and Leighlin has links to many saints such as Conleth, Abban, Fiacc, Laserian, Columbanus, Willibrord and of course Brigid”.

During previous Ploughing Championships, the diocese held competitions to find Ireland’s favourite poem, prayer, and hymn.

People can vote at stand 326 and the favourite will be decided on day three of the event, which runs from September 19-21.

There will also be packets of blessed salt available again. The salt can then be spread on gardens and farms – a traditional practice in many areas of the country.