St Johnston man's St Brigid's crosses raise over €3,500 for charity
For 56 years now, Joe Bovaird has been making St Brigid's crosses and this week Mary's Meals took receipt of €3,530 from this year's sales - ensuring that 160 schoolchildren will be fed for a full school year
The St Brigid's cross-making endeavours of St Johnston man Joe Bovaird has ensured that 160 schoolchildren will receive means for a full school year.
Joe is now in his 56th year making St Brigid's crosses and his creations have gone global.
This week, Joe presented Fr Eamonn Kelly with the proceeds from his 2024 sales with €3,530 to go to Mary's Meals.
Initially, Joe started making crosses and giving them to close family and neighbours. When it was suggested that Joe sell his work and donate the proceeds to charity he hasn't looked back.
His cross-making starts each January and he still makes the crosses, a popular feature in many homes, until mid-February.
Joe would like to thank all those who donated over the years to his campaign and those who continue to make contributions. The 2024 profits ensure that, care of Mary's Meals, some 160 schoolchildren will be fed for an entire school year.
Not even Covid-19 halted his annual charitable venture and his crosses hang in homes all over Ireland as well as in Scotland, Canada and the United States.