Clonmel marks new bank holiday with cloak procession

A large crowd of well-wishers, supporters and friends came out on Sunday evening to take part in the first Sliabh na mBan Brigid’s Cloak procession under a beautiful rosy full moon sky.

This is the inaugural year for celebrating the new bank holiday which coincides with the beginning of Imbolc, the Celtic Spring.
The brainchild of local artist Theresia Guschlbauer, the project involved over 120 women making patches towards a large 10 meter-long vestment which was worn by stilt walker Dee Tierney and carried by 15 singing women accompanied by drummers and singer Breege Phelan leading the troupe with her soulful singing.

The procession started off at the Westgate, escorted by a Gardai car. Traffic was held up at O’Connell, Gladstone and Parnell street before the float accompanied by a retinue of 200 people made their way to the New Kickham Barracks Plaza.

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The waiting crowd were then treated to a rousing Spoken Word incantation to Brigid the Saint and Goddess by Clonmel writer and performer Catherine McVicker topped by a finale chorus of singing women led by Breege Phelan.
The cloak was then left on display for the audience to admire and photograph the intricately embroidered, crocheted and sewn patches made by the many participants over the past few months.

The artist would like to acknowledge all the work, creativity and love put in by the community participants as well as the exceptional contribution of Aveen Egan, Elke Wilson, and a core group of volunteer seamstresses who helped assemble the cloak. The project would not have been possible without them and the team of stewards and production crew who came on board to help make the event a resounding success.

This project was funded with a Creative Ireland grant as well as generous in-kind support from South Tipperary Arts Centre, Clonmel Applefest and Hearn’s Hotel. Special thanks to Clonmel Community Gardaí for their support and outstanding work.