Athlone FRC prepares for St Brigid's Day with handmade crosses and Brideog dolls

Athlone Family Resource Centre have prepared for St Brigid's Day with a class on the making of Brigid's crosses and Brideog dolls.

The day of celebration will take place on Sunday, February 1, and marks the beginning of spring, and in Christianity, it is the feast day of Saint Brigid, Ireland's patroness saint.

Athlone native volunteer Jackie Kennedy offered her expertise to show the members of Athlone FRC how to craft the perfect tradtional cross and doll.

In a post to social media, Athlone FRC's Aoife Doolan said: "Thank you to the talented and generous Jackie Kennedy, who braved the weather yesterday to bring us fresh rushes and guide us in the tradition of making Brigid's Crosses and Brideog's.

"Jackie shared her extensive knowledge on all aspects of Brigid and the symbolism of colour she uses on her pieces. Such a wholesome and cup-filling afternoon shared with these women in our community, who are so wonderfully supportive and eager to learn from eachother."

Mrs Kennedy, who also volunteers with the Order of Malta Ireland, previously raised over €300 for the charity’s annual Lourdes pilgrimage by selling handmade St Brigid's crosses.

This year, she has continued her efforts with both the St Brigid's crosses as well as the introduction of the Brideog dolls, a traditional Irish doll, made from rushes or straw.