Biddy Hat
In Kerry, as in many other parts of Ireland, the eve of St Brigid’s Day was just as important as the day itself. ‘Biddy Boys’ went from house to house with an effigy of the saint, a doll made from old rags or a butter churn dressed up. They would mask their faces with pieces of cloth, using straw or rush hats to keep the veils on.
This ‘Biddy Hat’ was collected by Major Markham Richard Leeson Marshall (1859-1939), of Callinafercy House, Milltown, Co Kerry. Extracts from his diaries show that the traditions of St Brigid’s Day continued even during the troubled times of the War of Independence and the Civil War. The hat, along with a St Brigid’s Cross, was donated to Kerry County Museum in 2020.
1 Feb 1920
“Glass risen to 30.2 but blowing hard & showers. Some “Biddy Boys” came in afternoon. Thought the custom had been given up for more exciting pursuits of Sinn Fein.”
1 Feb 1923
“Mail but no papers. Some Biddy Boys – should have come yesterday. Afraid of being arrested in evening, I suppose, & they did not loiter but bolted as soon as they got a tip.”