St Brigid's cloak crafted by 100 Tipperary women to be paraded in county's largest town

The Sliabhnamban St Brigid’s cloak created three years ago by 100 Tipperary women will be paraded in Clonmel on the eve of St Brigid’s Day, this Saturday, January 31.

The cloak will be carried in procession from under the Main Guard’s arches at 5pm to Old St Mary’s Church where a food and craft exhibition with live music and a recital will take place from 5.30pm onwards.

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The cloak will also be showcased in Dublin Brigit’s Parade on Sunday, February 1.

Around 20 participants will help carry the cloak, chant and play drums along with stilt-walker Dee Tierney who wears the cloak and singer/songwriter Breege Phelan who composed the original song. 

The cloak will also visit Florence in Italy later in February

“We are delighted to be asked to bring the cloak to Dublin and to Florence; it is such a marvel to look at, each individual embroidered patch an original and delicate piece of craft. It is the culmination of the combined work of so many people and deserves to be seen widely” - says Theresia Guschlbauer who initiated the Sliabhna mban cloak project.

“We think Brigid as a symbol of regeneration, fertility and creativity is a much-needed magnanimous energy in these times, when so much turmoil is taking place and so many people are suffering throughout the world,” she added.

A team are crafting a banner and 20 satin stoles for the carriers and drummers to wear for the processions in workshops in the Circular Square in Irishtown.

There will also be a cross making workshop wtih Elke Wilson this Wednesday, January 28 from 7 to 9pm.

The procession is free to join. Tickets for the church event are €25 and it is recommended to book them on www.ie.powertik.com to avoid disappointment.

Tickets include traditional food and cheese tasting, a warm drink, cross making and a recital of music and spoken word.

The 2candoarts production event is kindly supported by Tipperary Age Friendly, Clonmel Applefest, Tipperary Museum of Hidden Histories and the Circular Square. 

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