For sheep farmer Mike Coffey tonight is his All-Ireland.
Every year since he was a child growing up in Kilgobnet in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in Co Kerry, the 80-year-old has taken part in the local Biddy and tonight he leads it once again as its captain.
The origins of the annual Biddy – its members dressed in white and sporting flamboyant hats made out of oaten straw – is unknown, but is believed to be linked to centuries old customs celebrating the goddess/St Brigid, and the arrival of spring (Imbolc).
In recent years, Kilgobnet is one of the very few places left to have its own Biddy. Mr Coffey remembers when there were up to 15 Biddies active locally.
Today, there are two – themselves and a children’s Biddy made up of boys and girls from the local national school, with monies raised by the adults going towards the school, and by the children to local charities.
For sheep farmer Mike Coffey tonight is his All-Ireland
But Mr Coffey, who is also Kerry’s last remaining straw-hat maker, says the tradition of the Biddy – where musicians and dancers call to houses to entertain their owners – is undergoing a revival with many new Biddy groups taking part this weekend in a special Biddies parade in Killorglin as part of the town’s celebration of the national patron saint.
Each Biddy carries an effigy of Brigid
Each Biddy carries an effigy of Brigid.
“When you go into the house, I wouldn’t be looked at, or the musicians, she would be the first that would be examined, and if you hadn’t a good BrÃdóg you wouldn’t be representing St Brigid properly. This is the custom that is around here in our locality, very strict here,” Mr Coffey said.
Maura O’Connor is Principal of the national school. She remembers taking part in the Kilgobnet Biddy as a child.
“People really look forward to it. I suppose this time of year, January, can be a difficult month, a dark month, and you know we like to bring the light into the house for February and the start of spring.
“I suppose for us it is so important to see the children continuing the tradition and hopefully going on, they will come back as adults and join us in that Biddy.”
Over the four days leading up to St Brigid’s Day, the Kilgobnet Biddy with its 25 musicians, singers and dancers call to local houses
Over the four days leading up to St Brigid’s Day, the Kilgobnet Biddy with its 25 musicians, singers and dancers call to local houses dancing sets, singing popular songs, and even doing some brush dancing.
Among the homes to welcome the Biddy this week was that of John and Edwina McGillicuddy and their children.
“They come here every year, and we just love having them around. The kids love it and the tradition keeps going, thank God,” said Mr McGillicuddy.
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