St Brigid's Commemorative Cloaks

 In 2023, wool heritage and climate advocacy took centre stage at the National Ploughing Championships. In partnership with Kildare County Council, Creative Ireland, and Wool in School, a community artwork made from Irish-grown wool was unveiled. Visitors were invited to try their hand at a range of craft techniques, contributing wool elements that were combined to create four wool cloaks—each representing one of the provinces of Ireland—in celebration of St. Brigid’s 1500th anniversary. 

Four stunning St Brigid’s Cloaks were crafted with an all encompassing approach to wool Heritage, Art and Climate Change and all Faiths. This project developed by Wool In School Director Lorna McCormack, curated and designed by Artist Michelle Hickey Legge. Wool in School focused on using locally sourced Irish grown wool and sustainable resources. All which aligned with our ethos and a number of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

These colourful and creatively designed commemorative cloaks were made with Irish Grown wool from the Galway Wool Co-Op, Donegal Yarns, Ériu and Ciarán's Yarns.

Over 950 men, women and children, including experienced knitters across Ireland and 250 school children from the town of Kildare contributed to these beautiful St. Brigid’s Cloaks celebrating St Brigid and humanity.