What's New

Saint Brigid’s day ( Feb. 1st)- Lá fhéile Bríde 

Happy St. Brigid’s Day to everyone. St. Brigid’s Day, (Feb. 1st) holds a special place in the hearts of all those who live in Ireland.  An obvious symbol of this Feast Day is the making of St. Brigid’s Day crosses, an ancient Irish tradition.  The history of these crosses is deeply rooted in the life of one of our patron saints, Saint Brigid. 

St. Brigid is associated with various miraculous acts and gestures of immense kindness. St. Brigid wove a cross from rushes while explaining the Christian faith to a dying pagan chieftain. This act is said to have inspired the tradition of making St. Brigid’s crosses. symbolising Faith, Hope, and Protection. These can be seen in every home in Ireland. 

The skill of making St. Brigid’s Day crosses involves using rushes to make a distinctive square shape with arms extending from each corner. The process is both practical and symbolic, reflecting the agricultural traditions of Ireland and the Christian teachings associated with St. Brigid.  We have many talented weavers again this year in TY who are experts. We also have others who were very quick learners and can now make excellent, tightly woven crosses.  We had others who recalled fond memories of National School and making them with their teachers. Well done all, the expert weavers and the expert apprentices.  We are afraid to mention names for fear of leaving anyone out.  It was a busy two week lead up to St. Brigid’s day and the TY students were busy juggling a myriad of different projects. So, when not rehearsing for our upcoming musical “Illegally Blonde”, or doing John Paul II (Gaisce Awards) voluntary work or other activities there was a continuous stream of volunteers making the crosses. They have now donated these crosses back to the people of Ballaghaderreen, The Oakwood Nursing home and the Seminary in Maynooth.  

These crosses have been blessed and are in the Cathedral for anyone to take away for free and everyone is welcome to take one home. 

Well done to all our Transition Year students who gave so willingly of their time, even during lunches and breaks. We are so proud of you all.  Hopefully, your crosses will bring joy to all who take one home.  Unfortunately, the loss of our polytunnel due to storm Éowyn was a terrible loss for week two, but the TY students found alternative accommodation and continued production. Where there is a will, there is a way!