23 Comments
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Whitney McKnight's avatar

I LOVE the image of the woman wearing the cloak. So powerful. x

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Jenni Bardi's avatar

What a wonderful collaboration and amazing piece of art. I really love your idea of the growing interest in Brigid spreading like the cloak 😊

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Thanks, Jenni! Her influence does seem to be growing, doesn't it? I see it in the writing on here, but also noticed this year that more places were celebrating on St Brigid's Day than last year, and more people showing interest, maybe because of the public holiday, or perhaps coinciding with it, who knows?💕

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Hi Sarah! I think the cloak might be going for a jaunt down to Kildare, but I might be mistaken about that. Ultimately, I believe it's long-term home will be at the Cavan County Museum, whether on display or in the archives I don't know. Haha... that image of the Cailleach and Brigid seems to have struck a bit of a chord with some readers! 😂

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Noelle Granger's avatar

I didn't know that legend, but it's a good one. And I love the cloaks - works of art.,

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Yes, it is one of her many miracles. Most of them are domestic, ie making masses of butter that never diminishes when it is eaten, or providing clothes/ sustenance/ money to the poor. But I like this one because it shows her cunning. However, it is also spun as a Christianity superiority tale, in that the king she bested was a pagan, who was so impressed that he converted. I'm not so keen on that aspect. 😂

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Noelle Granger's avatar

Great background!

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Morag Donald's avatar

Also I appreciate the shout out for my IWD workshops. 😉

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Ali Isaac's avatar

You are very welcome, Morag.

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Morag Donald's avatar

Thank you so much for your generous and insightful words about our project. When you work on something for so long it's really hard to be objective about it, so to see it through your eyes is just wonderful and a reminder of how powerful it is.

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Yes, it’s hard to be objective about something you are so personally and passionately involved in, but I suspect all the people who joined your workshops and created words or symbols for the cloak kept you going, and opened your eyes as to how meaningful it was for them also. Brigid in both her guises speaks to many people, I think. She was always beloved, and still is, so its not surprising to me that people are so fascinated by this project. Also, I love that female skills and crafts are being celebrated.

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Jane Dougherty's avatar

Those cloaks are gorgeous!

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Yeah, I would love to try it on and prance around a bit in it!

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Morag Donald's avatar

Keep an eye on the Cavan Arts Festival. There may be an opportunity to do just that!

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Jane Dougherty's avatar

It would be a great school project, wouldn’t it?

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Ali Isaac's avatar

I think there were some local schools involved.

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Robin Heart Shepperd's avatar

What an exciting project! Thanks for sharing the photo of the wonderful cloak. I was excited to read of how those power-house women, Morag and Bee, just kept holding onto their dream, and it manifested. I would have loved to attend that flower-making workshop!

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Robin, you would love the cloak, I think textile crafts is really your thing, and you would probably love that workshop. I’ll have to keep my eye on what’s happening, maybe there will be something on next time you’re here.

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Sarah Donoghue's avatar

What an entrancing read! And what a wonderful collaboration to manifest the beautiful cloak. Where will it reside after the exhibition I wonder? My favourite part of the tale is your description of where we're currently at in the wheel of the year..."the Cailleach hasn’t properly settled into her deep sleep and is stirring, while Brigid herself is still sitting groggy over her coffee." Magical.

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Bee Smith's avatar

Thank you so much for this generous review and spreading the word about this heartfelt and handmade project.

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Hi Bee, it deserves to be seen. I've been thinking about it ever since I was there. It was lovely to finally meet you. I'm looking forward to whatever you dream up next. Brigid's imbas burns brightly in you. ⚡️

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Bee Smith's avatar

Thank you. She and I have travelled together a long time. This came together in a magical way.

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Lovely! The result is certainly magical, too.

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