Boherquill parishioners gather to make St Brigid’s Crosses
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Fr Pierre takes it all in as Geraldine Keary explains the technique in making a St Brigid’s Cross.Image 2 of 7
Parishioners busy making crosses.Image 3 of 7
Fr Pierre with master cross-maker, Gerry Gilchrist.Image 4 of 7
Fr Pierre with Sylvia Farrell and John Kane.Image 5 of 7
Colm Smith gets a demonstration from Geraldine Keary.Image 6 of 7
Gretta Duffy and Geraldine Keary.Image 7 of 7
Fr Pierre gives it a go as the Savage family look on.The crafting of St Brigid’s Crosses to celebrate February 1 is as popular today as ever it was, and that was demonstrated in St Mary’s Church, Boherquill, on Monday night of last week, when Fr Pierre Pepper invited his flock to take rushes in hand in a demonstration of the age-old craft.
There was a great turnout of locals as Fr Pierre, who is parish priest of Streete and Rathowen, explained the connections between St Brigid and Longford, and especially the local parish of Ardagh, which are not widely known.
His light-hearted speech on the life of Brigid from birth to sainthood and her time spent in Ardagh captivated the audience, who were eager to get started making crosses.
Local woman Geraldine Keary demonstrated the art of crossing the rush, and with a few deft moves the formation of the cross was clear to see.
Asked how she learned the skill, Geraldine said: "I can’t remember who taught me, it’s so long ago!"
Gerry Gilchrist from Legan explained there are a number of different types of crosses – the traditional Pagan cross as we know it, along with the triskels and Bridógs and a Wexford cross.
Sylvia Farrell, originally from Poland and now living in Rathaspic, said Ireland has many wonderful traditions and learning the art of making this cross reminds her of basket making with her father as a child.
Another pioneer in his golden years, John Kane from Rathowen, said he saw a lot of crosses made in his time but what he loved best is that St Brigid’s Day marks the first of spring. He added that it was lovely to see children taking the knowledge in and making memories.
Fr Pierre said there are many traditions and customs associated with the feast day, now a marked with a bank holiday in honour of Ireland’s only female patron saint. He said it was a pleasure to share time in God’s house keeping the tradition alive in memory of Lá Fhéile Bríde, St Brigid’s Day.
By making these iconic crosses we are sharing this valuable time with family and friends, he said as he blessed the hand-made crosses, which people then took home to display.