St. Brigid’s cross world record set by Kildare town

They proudly held their crosses high all along the aisles as the stewards totted up the final count last Saturday September 21.

The atmosphere was electric. “357 recognisable St. Brigid’s Crosses”, beamed Maeve Mahon, Diocesan Religious Education Co-ordinator. Applause ricocheted through St. Brigid’s Parish Church.

The building was in lock down from 3pm as hundreds of volunteers signed in due to strict Guinness book of record rules. No less than 12 rushes had to be used in each cross. None of the volunteers could assist anyone else. Although the attempt was successful, photographs, video and documentation have to be scrutinised by Guinness World Records.

The category was set up on foot of a request by Solas Bhride and Cairde Bhride. A delighted Sr. Rita thanked everyone involved. They came not just from Kildare but from Newbridge, Nurney, Kill, Rathangan and beyond.

Con Houlihan from Nurney has made thousands of crosses so he breezed through the challenge. “It was fabulous,” remarked Ellen Creighton from Kill. Rathangan’s volunteers had been practising under the tutelage of Sr. Rosari. Stewart Michael McWey was delighted to be part of the event. The procession was led by piper Davy Usher.