Saint Brigid’s Cross by Brid Ewing
Newtowncunningham Co Donegal
Memories of our father cutting rushes in the moss.
For the whole family to make the Brigid’s cross.
Spreading them out, on the table laid.
The green, glossy rushes, in their beauty displayed.
He demonstrated the method with skill.
Weaving one stem over another, we soon learned the drill.
The flexible, soft and spongy reed, enabled our childish hands to work at speed.
This age-old tradition of the Christian creed.
In honour of our patron Saint, Naomh Bríd.
To create a cross of intricate beauty.
To protect the household, is its duty.
A sense of achievement when your cross is complete.
Just bind the ends with wool, to make it secure and neat.
As the months pass by, it loses its sheen.
But retains it’s symbolic beauty serene.
Winners of Brigid 2025 – Spirit of Kildare competition
Congratulations to the four lucky winners who secured tickets to concerts at the Brigid 2025, Spirit of Kildare Festival running until 3 February next all around the county.
Well done to Laoise Hennessy, Vicarstown, Co Cork; Nancy Aspel, Ballinamona, Co Wexford; Miriam Brady, Naas, Co Kildare and Frank Keoghan, Threecastles, Co Kilkenny.
Astronomical lineup at Science Festival
Curious about the science of the menopause, the history of Irish Celts or how to survive in space? NI Science Festival, returning from 12 to 23 February, has something for everyone in its plentiful programme of 300 events taking place all over the country.
One of Europe’s leading science festivals, there are talks on all the big topics of today, like sustainability and AI, as well as film screenings, nature walks and food experiences. See nisciencefestival.com
Peggy Keaveney.
Peggy Keaveney has retired from Elphin Livestock Mart in Co Roscommon after 23 years of dedicated service. Customers of Elphin Mart from all over the country met Peggy’s friendly face in the office, where she has worked since 2001.
Peggy will really miss the camaraderie of Elphin Mart, the many friends she made there, and stories shared at the counter, but she is excited to embrace her retirement. Peggy plans to enjoy traveling, her hobbies and spending more time with her family.
Day One of Brigid's Way: Pilgrims walk over the meadows at Lisnawilly estate, Dundalk, to St Brigid's stream. \ Karen Ward
Brigid’s Way, a nine-day pilgrimage route of Ireland’s only female patron saint, weaves through the landscapes of Co Louth, Co Meath and Co Kildare. It is the only pilgrimage in the country to an Irish female saint and goddess, but it is not waymarked. Brigid’s Way volunteers are asking the Government to fund and commission a feasibility study to create signage along the route, with an app and a map. This would bring the Brigid ‘camino’ in line with 12 pilgrimages, like Croagh Patrick, and put this iconic route on the map for those at home and abroad.
See more at my.uplift.ie/petitions /we-have-brigid-s-day-let-s-sign-brigid-s-way
Wellness at Burtown House
Edel Kelly.
At this time of year it’s easy for your skin to feel the effects of the cold, making it the ideal time to treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial. Edel Kelly, is a qualified beauty therapist, massage therapist and reflexologist who specialises in unique facials that incorporate scalp, head, neck, hand and foot massage. Situated in the stunning surrounds of Burtown House, an early Georgian villa located near Athy, Co Kildare, Edel describes it as “a cocoon-like space”.
In February you can avail of a bespoke back massage, using Skin Formulas orange and neroli oil which includes face, head, and foot massage. After your treatment enjoy a tea or coffee with a cake from Jo’s pantry at The Green Barn, all for e99. Treatment duration is 60 minutes.
See burtownhouse.ie
Would your business or organisation like to raise vital funds for Embrace FARM by wearing wellies on 31 January (or a day of your choice after that) and help raise vital funds for farm families impacted by serious injury and sudden death. Register your fundraiser on form.jotform.com/EmbraceFARM/wow-day-2025 or scan the QR code below.
Share photos and videos from your fundraiser by tagging @embracefarmsupport and use #WOWEmbraceFARM on Facebook and Instagram. Forward any of your proceeds through the WOW iDonate fundraising page, cheque, bank draft or transfer directly to Embrace FARM.
Saint Brigid’s Cross by Brid Ewing
Newtowncunningham Co Donegal
Memories of our father cutting rushes in the moss.
For the whole family to make the Brigid’s cross.
Spreading them out, on the table laid.
The green, glossy rushes, in their beauty displayed.
He demonstrated the method with skill.
Weaving one stem over another, we soon learned the drill.
The flexible, soft and spongy reed, enabled our childish hands to work at speed.
This age-old tradition of the Christian creed.
In honour of our patron Saint, Naomh Bríd.
To create a cross of intricate beauty.
To protect the household, is its duty.
A sense of achievement when your cross is complete.
Just bind the ends with wool, to make it secure and neat.
As the months pass by, it loses its sheen.
But retains it’s symbolic beauty serene.
Winners of Brigid 2025 – Spirit of Kildare competition
Congratulations to the four lucky winners who secured tickets to concerts at the Brigid 2025, Spirit of Kildare Festival running until 3 February next all around the county.
Well done to Laoise Hennessy, Vicarstown, Co Cork; Nancy Aspel, Ballinamona, Co Wexford; Miriam Brady, Naas, Co Kildare and Frank Keoghan, Threecastles, Co Kilkenny.
Astronomical lineup at Science Festival
Curious about the science of the menopause, the history of Irish Celts or how to survive in space? NI Science Festival, returning from 12 to 23 February, has something for everyone in its plentiful programme of 300 events taking place all over the country.
One of Europe’s leading science festivals, there are talks on all the big topics of today, like sustainability and AI, as well as film screenings, nature walks and food experiences. See nisciencefestival.com
Peggy Keaveney.
Peggy Keaveney has retired from Elphin Livestock Mart in Co Roscommon after 23 years of dedicated service. Customers of Elphin Mart from all over the country met Peggy’s friendly face in the office, where she has worked since 2001.
Peggy will really miss the camaraderie of Elphin Mart, the many friends she made there, and stories shared at the counter, but she is excited to embrace her retirement. Peggy plans to enjoy traveling, her hobbies and spending more time with her family.
Day One of Brigid's Way: Pilgrims walk over the meadows at Lisnawilly estate, Dundalk, to St Brigid's stream. \ Karen Ward
Brigid’s Way, a nine-day pilgrimage route of Ireland’s only female patron saint, weaves through the landscapes of Co Louth, Co Meath and Co Kildare. It is the only pilgrimage in the country to an Irish female saint and goddess, but it is not waymarked. Brigid’s Way volunteers are asking the Government to fund and commission a feasibility study to create signage along the route, with an app and a map. This would bring the Brigid ‘camino’ in line with 12 pilgrimages, like Croagh Patrick, and put this iconic route on the map for those at home and abroad.
See more at my.uplift.ie/petitions /we-have-brigid-s-day-let-s-sign-brigid-s-way
Wellness at Burtown House
Edel Kelly.
At this time of year it’s easy for your skin to feel the effects of the cold, making it the ideal time to treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial. Edel Kelly, is a qualified beauty therapist, massage therapist and reflexologist who specialises in unique facials that incorporate scalp, head, neck, hand and foot massage. Situated in the stunning surrounds of Burtown House, an early Georgian villa located near Athy, Co Kildare, Edel describes it as “a cocoon-like space”.
In February you can avail of a bespoke back massage, using Skin Formulas orange and neroli oil which includes face, head, and foot massage. After your treatment enjoy a tea or coffee with a cake from Jo’s pantry at The Green Barn, all for e99. Treatment duration is 60 minutes.
See burtownhouse.ie
Would your business or organisation like to raise vital funds for Embrace FARM by wearing wellies on 31 January (or a day of your choice after that) and help raise vital funds for farm families impacted by serious injury and sudden death. Register your fundraiser on form.jotform.com/EmbraceFARM/wow-day-2025 or scan the QR code below.
Share photos and videos from your fundraiser by tagging @embracefarmsupport and use #WOWEmbraceFARM on Facebook and Instagram. Forward any of your proceeds through the WOW iDonate fundraising page, cheque, bank draft or transfer directly to Embrace FARM.
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