Sharing the craft of St Brigid crosses

When Sheena Malone was growing up, St Brigid crosses were part of her life at this time of year, writes Brian Byrne. Now she shares them everywhere. 

"I grew up in the Bog of Allen, so there were reeds all around," says the Allenwood artist who led the St Brigid craft workshop at Kilcullen Library last week. "I've been making the crosses since I was in primary school." But during the pandemic lockdown, this particular craft from her school days grew more important. On walks in the bog, she collected loads of reeds and began making crosses and bridogs (little reed dolls) in significant numbers. "I asked people if they wanted them, free of charge, and then I ended up sending them all over the world to my Facebook friends." 

Realising that people responded positively to the pieces, she decided to run workshops teaching others how to make their own, and has been doing so for the past couple of years from Allenwood. The event at Kilcullen Library last week drew a full house, with interest from people of all ages, including many children. 

With art qualifications from UCD and Stockholm University, Sheena spends much of her time in Berlin, where she has worked on several arts-based projects and serves as a language editor for Konstfack, Sweden's largest university. Since 2021, she has also been the County Kildare Coordinator for the annual Culture Night programme. Her own art, which includes textile pieces dyed with medicinal plants gathered in and around the Bog of Allen, has been exhibited at various venues across Kildare, in Berlin, and at Electric Picnic. In 2024, her film The All-Ireland Turf Footing Finals won the Best Short Documentary category at Junefest, Newbridge. 

Last October, Sheena embarked on an artist-in-residency project with 4th- and 5th-class pupils at Scoil an Linbh Íosa in Prosperous, creating shadow theatre films based on local folklore and myths, including one about St Brigid's Cloak. These can be watched on YouTube at this link. 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

St Brigid's craft workshop

A reminder that a free St Brigid crafts workshop will take place at Kilcullen Community Library TONIGHT, Thursday, 29 January, at 6.30pm. Learn how to make St Brigid’s crosses and Bridóg dolls.

This workshop is suitable for all ages and open to everyone. Artist Sheena Malone will provide all the materials. Librarian Julie O'Donoghue says our new non-Irish neighbours are especially welcome.

For more information, please contact the library.

(Image: Brigid's Cross photo by Culnacreann, Bridóg doll made by Andrea Givan.)

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

It's time again for the Brats Bhríde

Mary and Julie have distributed Brats in previous years.

In readiness for Brigid's Eve, 31st January, Mary Orford and Julie O'Donoghue will, again, breathe life into an old tradition tomorrow, Thursday 29th, from 10am. They will distribute pieces of cloth to be used as "Brat Bhríde". 

The traditional Irish practice of leaving out a Brat on a tree or shrub on the night of the 31st January was said to bring the protection of Brigid to the house. 

Julie and Mary will be on Main Street outside Nolan's and Eurospar from 10am until our stock of material runs out. ("When they're gone, they're gone", as the ad says.)

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

St Brigid crosses in Berney's

Berney's Pharmacy are once again stocking St Brigid’s Crosses, handcrafted by Mrs Kathleen Houlihan from Nurney, and available for a contribution of €5. 

All money raised goes to Maintain Hope, supporting children in Kenya.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Brigid's cross workshop this evening

There's a free St Brigid's Cross workshop in Kilcullen Community Library this evening, from 6.30pm, writes Julie O'Donoghue.

The event will be facilitated by visual artist Sheena Malone, who is based in Allenwood and Berlin. 

All are welcome, especially our new neighbours who might want to explore the culture and lore around our wonderful St Brigid.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Brat Bhríde available on Friday

Mary and Julie distributed Brats in previous years.

Brat Bhríde pieces of cloth will be distributed on main street on Friday from 10am, to facilitate a long-standing St Brigid's tradition, writes Mary Orford.

The Brat Bhríde is a symbol of Brigid's Cloak. A legend says that  her cloak stretched all over the Curragh with one edge reaching the western edges of Kilcullen.

On the eve of Brigid's feast day, the brat is left outside all night, a sign of a petition to Brigid to bless the house. Taken into the house for the rest of the year, the piece of fabric blessed by Brigid is kept in a safe place until the following year.

Myself and Julie O'Donoghue will be outside Nolan's and Eurospar on Friday 31 January from 10am distributing cloths while stocks last.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

St Brigid crosses available

St Brigid crosses are available in Berney's Chemists for a donation of €5 each to Maintain Hope.

They have been made by Kathleen Houlihan from Nurney, who has been weaving the crosses since  she was a young girl.

Also, a St Brigid's Day Craft Workshop to be held in Kilcullen Town Hall on Saturday 1 February will run from 11am-2pm and will include weaving St Brigid crosses, art, and storytelling. The event runs from 11am-2pm and is free, but donations to Maintain Hope will be gratefully accepted.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Brat Bríde distribution tomorrow

Mary and Julie distributing last year.

Tomorrow, Friday 26 January, we will distribute pieces of cloth to be used as "Brat Bríde" on the eve of the feast day of St Brigid, write Mary Orford and Julie O'Donoghue. The traditional Irish practice of leaving out a Brat on a tree or shrub on the night of the 31st January was said to bring the protection of Brigid to the house. 

We will be on the Main Street outside Nolan's and Eurospar from 10am until our stock of material is gone. ("When they're gone, they're gone" as the ad says.) Alternatively, you can collect the Brat at the library on Saturday morning (27th) and Tuesday morning and afternoon (30th).

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Kilcullen committee to celebrate Brigid 1500

St Brigid's Well in The Valley, and Tracey O'Dwyer.

A call for Kilcullen to get involved in next year's inaugural St Brigid's Day and celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of the iconic Kildare saint has been made by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, writes Brian Byrne.

"St Brigid’s Day is to be celebrated across County Kildare on February 1st 2023 to commemorate the life and legacy of St Brigid," Cllr O'Dwyer says. "And given the many links that Kilcullen has to St Brigid, I am hoping with the assistance of many local community groups to identify ways and possible events for the locality to celebrate St Brigid’s day." 

The councillor believes St Brigid’s Day has the potential to become as significant as St Patrick’s Day and it would be great for Kilcullen to benefit from the many possibilities this holiday could present.

"We will be establishing a Brigid 1500 Committee to help pull it all together and a meeting will be arranged for May 2022 in the Town Hall Kilcullen, exact date of meeting to be confirmed at a later time. We will be linking in with local schools, local community groups and local business to ask how they would like to be involved."

Anyone or group who would like to be involved in any way or who have any ideas that could be considered should contact Tracey on 087 6533706 or through email traceyodwyerfg@gmail.com. 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy