1^st February, St. Brigid’s Day is a very important feast day in the school calendar of Holy Family G.N.S. Askea. 5^th & 6^th classes were very busy throughout the week leading up to 1^st – making St. Brigid’s crosses- ‘Cros Bríde’. This is an age old tradition in Ireland, particularly in the diocese of Kildare & Leighlin and one which we have preserved over the years in Holy Family G.N.S.

The project is spearheaded in the school by Mrs. June Farrell, who collects all of the rushes needed to make the crosses. The classes thoroughly enjoy the process of making the crosses and are very proud of their work.

Ladies from ‘Go Léir’, women’s group came to the school during the week and spent a full morning making the crosses.

A number of girls from 5^th & 6^th classes attended all of the masses in Holy Family Church, Askea;  Bennekerry and Tinryland  on the weekend of 30^th /31^st  January. During the homily, the girls demonstrated the ‘weaving’ process. They sold St. Brigid’s crosses at all the masses, and the sum of €3,250 was raised. A cheque was presented to Ms. Anne Mc Mahon and Ms. Rosemary Slattery of County Carlow Hospice committee on Wednesday 3^rd February.

We extend our congratulations and thank you to the girls who made all of the St. Brigid’s crosses and who gave of their time at the weekend. We also wish to thank everyone who contributed so generously to this project- making it a true communal effort.

4^th classes in the school presented the story of St. Brigid in an assembly to the whole school on 1^st February. They told the story of Brigid through drama, song, dance, poetry, music, prayer and prose. A number of parents and grandparents joined us on this occasion.

It was fitting that the school’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week began with our celebration of St. Brigid’s Day- Lá le Bríde.