Solas Bhride is delighted with State recognition for the Weaving of a St Brigid’s Cross as part of Ireland’s Cultural Heritage

Minister Martin Announces State Recognition of Irish Set Dancing, St. Brigid’s Cross Weaving, Gaelic Football and Ladies’ Gaelic Football, the Irish Amateur Dramatic Tradition

Following recommendation from Ireland’s Expert Advisory Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage, these four cultural practices will join 38 other cultural practices already recognised on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

At an event at Croke Park during the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Final between Donegal and Galway on 14^th July, Minister Martin announced the recognition of the Weaving of a St. Brigid’s Cross to be included in the National Inventory. Geraldine Moore, having researched and sought recognition for St. Brigid’s Cross Weaving, represented Solas Bhride in Croke Park on the day, and presented a St. Brigid’s cross, woven by Margaret Walsh (Cairde Bhride), to Minister Martin.

In her address, Minister Martin said, “Our living heritage is an integral part of our culture. I am pleased to announce state recognition of four further practices through Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Each of these practices is integral to the culture and identity of the communities who practice them, and to our society more broadly. As part of my department’s ongoing obligations under the UNESCO 2003 Convention, we aim to acknowledge, safeguard and promote Ireland’s cultural heritage. The practices recognised today continue to thrive through the dedicated communities who sustain and pass on their skills through the generations”

Solas Bhride is delighted to have the weaving of a St. Brigid’s cross included as a symbol of intangible cultural heritage. “It is providential” said Geraldine Moore “that the recognition comes in the year when we commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid. Cross weaving practiced by young and old in Ireland and elsewhere invokes Irish myth, legend, folklore, spirituality and culture.”

For information on all events and to book online contact Solas Bhride Centre, Tully Road, Kildare town: www.solasbhride.ie email: info@solasbhride.ie or phone 045 522890.

For information on Afri Conference contact: admin@afri.ie or www.afri.ie

For information on Kildare Heritage Centre events contact: Kildare Heritage, email: info@kildareheritage.com or phone 045 530672

For information on Kildare Education Centre www.eckildare.ie or phone 045530200

For information on Kildare Town Library kildarelib@kildsrecoco.ie or phone 045520235

For further information on Brigid 1500 events www.brgid1500.ie