Offaly / Laois group marks pagan festival with goat milking

A HAPPY gathering, including Nellie the goat, came together recently for symbolic goat milking high on Spink Hill, in the Slieve Blooms.

The gathering, organised by Slieve Bloom Association (SBA), was held to mark the pagan festival of Imbolc; and is an annual event organised by the Offaly / Laois group.

They met in the former Dempsey's Pub Car Park in Cadamstown and then drove to the Bracket Stones on Spink Mountain for the ceremony. Coinciding with St Brigid's Day it was, said the Association, a “seasonal ritual rooted in landscape, folklore and community.”

Our Pagan ancestors held the festival in order to mark the official start of spring, signal the end of winter, the return of light, and the beginning of the lambing season. This pastoral, purification festival focussed on fertility, honoured the goddess Brigid, and ensured livestock and crops would thrive. Brigid was associated with fire, healing, poetry, and smithcraft. Imbolc was positioned halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, and represented hope and relief following the dark, cold winter months. The name is perhaps derived from i mbolg ("in the belly") or óimelc ("ewe's milk").

At the Bracket Stones the weather was beautiful and the views magnificent. Connoisseurs of the Slieve Blooms consider this spot as one of the finest viewing locations in these hills. Johnny Rigney, Chairperson of the Association, welcomed everyone and warmly thanked Martin O'Brien for the loan of his goat. Derek Fanning, President of the Association, said the SBA was an important group in this hill region and he praised the committee for their continuing enthusiasm and hard work. Nellie was then crowned. Michael Gleeson milked the goat and placed the milk in Dan Lynch's butter churner. 

After the ceremony everyone proceeded down to the Community Centre in Kinnitty where there were delicious sandwiches, tea and coffee.