Tipperary made Sliabh na mBan Brigid’s cloak will be on display in Florence

 Clonmel residents and visitors were in for a treat when the Sliabh na mBan Brigid’s cloak took to the streets worn by professional stiltwalker Dee Tierney, accompanied by 14 singing women led by singer/songwriter Breege Phelan and a garda escort.

A large crowd of onlookers enjoyed the spectacle as it wound its way from the Main Guard to Old St Mary’s Church for a recital celebrating Brigid as a symbol of fertility, regeneration and creativity.

Made three years ago by 100 Tipperary women, the cloak was invited to the Dublin Brigit’s parade on Sunday, February 1 and this was the excuse for bringing it back to Clonmel.

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The cloak has also been invited to Italy later in February, to take part in two processions in Florence along with Thurles musicians Ed and Mark Dwan.

Because of these special occasions, the cloak has been extended with contributions from 50 Florentine women and 20 satin stoles were made for the carriers and drummers by Clonmel women.

The procession culminated in an event in Old St Mary’s Church where food & crafts were on offer with live music by harpist Pauline O’Shea and Uillean Pipe player Ciara Maxwell.

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The recital comprised a selection of music and spoken word performances with highlights by Breege Phelan, Ed Dwan, Catherine McVicker and April Kling.

A 2candoarts production, the event was produced by Theresia Guschlbauer and kindly supported by Age Friendly Tipperary, Clonmel Applefest, Tipperary Museum of Hidden Histories and the Circular Square. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the people and volunteers who contributed to the project and event.