The Patron Saint of Ballyvourney

A bit of Irish lore woven into a mystical piece for string orchestra. This original work is based on the story of St. Ghobnait, also known as the patron saint of Ballyvourney. According to legends heard in County Galway, this peaceful sixth-century beekeeper was forced by a family feud to flee to the island of Inishere, following a vision to eventually settle in Ballyvourney, County Cork. St. Ghobnait was remembered for healing the sick with the honey she harvested. The faster section of the composition represents her flight, with calm years of rest on either side reflected in contrasting sections.