A Co Armagh woman has become an icon in her parish and beyond for her skill in creating St Brigid's crosses.
The traditional cross made of rushes or straw is a familiar sight in Irish homes on February 1, the day for St Brigid of Kildare, who is the patron saint of healers, poets and even blacksmiths.
Weaving the intricate cross is a skill passed down in schools and families, but 72-year-old Ann Hughes, from Derrynoose has perfected the art, and has this year created almost 300 for distribution in the community in the space of a week.
Her family say the grandmother-of-13 has likely weaved many thousands of the crosses since learning as a child and they have been sent to friends, family and even the sick in hospitals after being donated to the local parish.
Granddaughter Niamh said Ann braved the chilly weather in recent weeks to gather rushes for her crosses, and has even passed on her knowledge to local primary school children.
"She has been making the crosses for as long as I can remember, but during Covid she had to slow it down as it was harder to distribute them. Now she's really going again and has made almost 300 ahead of this St Brigid's Day.
Ann's daughter Amanda added: "She's just an unbelievable woman, and is proud to keep such a longstanding tradition going. As you can imagine, she is very dedicated to family and community, and attends every match, game and event her grandchildren take part in, and even at Christmas is busy making Christmas cakes to be sent out. She never stops, and is an inspiration."
Amanda added: "She's a dedicated mass-goer and St Brigid is very close to her heart."
