Friends of Columbanus, Bangor

Columbanus Festival 2025 – Report

Place, Words, and Music was the theme of the annual Columbanus Festival, a cross-community festival which aims to keep the memory of Columbanus alive and bring people together from all community backgrounds to celebrate the life and work of Bangor’s remarkable monk. 

Professor Pádraig Ó Macháin delivering the keynote lecture on making of Irish manuscripts

The weekend programme, 21 – 23 November, included a Mayoral Reception to welcome Carlow visitors; calligraphy workshops by Jacqui Brachie; storytelling in local Primary Schools by Marianne McShane; a lecture by Professor Pádraig Ó Macháin from University College Cork about the making of Irish manuscripts; a Columban Way guided walk; a visit to Nendrum Monastic site on Mahee Island, Strangford Lough; and a wonderful concert in Bangor Abbey performed by the Bangor’s Ghost Collective, a group of talented local musicians, poets and storytellers.

Deborah Girvan presents an Woodcut by David Lennon of Tanaidhe, Abbot of Bangor Monastery who was slain by Vikings in 985AD
Jacqui Bracqui teaches calligraphy skills at the children’s workshop
Gillian McCollum, Mayor of Ards and North Down Council. Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin; and Ken Murnane Mayor of Carlow County Council
Marcus McAuley and Rachel McCarthy performing at Bangor Abbey
The Bell Walkers at Malachy’s Wall
The Bell Walkers learn about the Bear of Gall
Brigid Watson and Barbara Boyle, local Green Badge tour guides, who delivered the Columban Way Bell Walk
David Lennon singing “The White Dove” at the United Church Service at St Columbanus Church of Ireland, Ballyholme, Bangor.

The programme culminated in an ecumenical church service which was held in St Columbanus Church of Ireland, Bangor, to commemorate the life and legacy of Columbanus.  Representatives from the Catholic, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches took part in the programme by delivering readings and prayers dedicated to Columbanus and the local community. 

L-R
Rev Johnny Watson, St Columbanus CoI; Canon Ronnie Nesbitt, Bangor Abbey CoI; Rev Mairisine Stanfield, Bangor City Presbyterian Church; Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin; Canon Simon Doogan, St Columbanus CoI; Fr. Thomas O’Byrne, Administrator of Carlow Cathedral; and Deacon James McAllister, St Comgall’s Catholic Church

Deborah Girvan, Chairwoman of Friends of Columbanus Bangor and Festival Director, said, “In partnership with Carlow County Council, we secured funding from the Shared Island Initiative to help us run the Columbanus Festival.  We were delighted to welcome Cllr Ken Murnane, the Mayor of Carlow; Michael Brennan, Director of Services in Carlow County Council; and Damian Howard, Friends of Columbanus Myshall, Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin; and Fr. Thomas O’Byrne, Administrator of Carlow Cathedral who had travelled from County Carlow to attend the festival.

On behalf of Friends of Columbanus Bangor, I would like to thank the good people of Bangor and beyond for supporting the festival and attending our events.  I would also like to thank the Shared Island Initiative for giving us a grant to run the festival; the Court House Bangor for supporting the Bangor’s Ghost event; the churches who took part in the united Church Service; and Cllr Gillian McCollum for hosting a welcome reception for our Carlow guests.  But most of all, I would like to thank the members of my committee for giving up their time voluntarily to help run the festival and making it such a success.”

charlie