School: Crosserlough

Location:
Crosserlough, Co. Cavan
Teacher:
L. Reilly
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0993, Page 414

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0993, Page 414

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  3. XML “St Brigid's Cross”

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  1. A Saint Bridget's Cross is made from rushes, straw and two pieces of sticks.
    First the two pieces of sticks are tied together with a piece of cord and made into the shape of a cross. Then one piece of a straw is got and tied to the sticks where they are joined and it is woven in and out between the arms of the cross.
    When the straw is woven half ways a piece of a rush is got and woven in and out between the arms of the cross also.
    They are woven in this way until they reach near the end of the sticks and form the shape of a diamond.
    This cross is made on the 31st January on the eve of Saint Bridget's feast.
    When it is made it is hung in the stable or byre where animals are kept.
    It is said that the house in which this cross is kept will never be burned.
    There are only two people in this district that can make them and their names are Owen Mc Cabe and Pat Rielly.
    Owen Mc Cabe lives in the townland of Latnadrons in the parish of Crosserlough and in County Cavan.
    Pat Rielly lives in the townland of Crosserlough in the parish of Crosserlough and in County Cavan.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. events
      1. events (by time of year) (~11,476)
        1. Feast of St Brigid (~366)
    Language
    English