Despite the stormy weather currently battering Ireland it is possible to detect a growing optimism as the nation’s thoughts turn towards the historic month of February.

But while people may smile at strangers and help the elderly across the road, we at Broadsheet believe that the Irish have lost touch with the true meaning of February.

How many of you braved the wind and the rain this week to climb a mountain and pick reeds to make your St Brigid’s crosses? Very few, given the amount of cheap plastic Taiwanese crosses available in supermarkets. How many of you will slaughter your own pig and boil its heart for St Valentine’s day? None, thanks to Brussels.

Here at Broadsheet we are proud of our long tradition of hagiological independence, but the time has come for us to make a stand on this vital issue.

Unless the festivals of Saints Brigid and Valentine are both celebrated properly and returned to their rightful place at the heart of February then this month will be little more than a wet September.