Biddy fun and games on the streets

The Biddy Parade in full-swing in Killorglin

Kilgobnet Biddy Group on parade

All smiles from this Callinafercy Biddy Group member

Members of Callinafercy Biddy Group

The Biddy Parade in full-swing in Killorglin town, Co Kerry, celebrating Biddy’s Day on Saturday night. The tradition of the Biddies are very vibrant in Mid-Kerry. Dressing in Biddy Costumes, playing music and singing during the month of February.Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan

Eileen O’Sullivan and her daughter Orla, of the Kilgobnet Biddy Group

Brushing up: Aisling O’Sullivan, Kilgobnet Biddy Group, having fun

Glencar Biddy Group musicians hit the streets

Members of Kilgobnet Biddy Group, Cian O’Sullivan and Pat Cuffe

Members of Ceannouvoree Biddy Group celebrating 100 years

Maryanne Leane of the Kilgobnet Biddy Group

Callinafercy Biddy Group taking part in The Biddy Parade

There was great colour on the streets for the parade

Glencar Biddy Group members

MUSIC filled the air and a real carnival atmosphere prevailed on the streets of Killorglin for the spectacular Biddy’s Day Parade which saw colourful Biddy groups converge on the town by the Laune from throughout Mid Kerry.

A festival with roots spanning back through the generations, the Biddy is honoured each year with music, song and dance in the company of a Brídeóg to ensure evil spirits are kept away.

The fabulous festival incorporated straw hat making workshops, storytelling, drama and rousing music sessions and it culminated in a spectacular torchlight parade through Killorglin on Saturday night.

Supreme Biddy hat maker Mike Coffey, who has passed on the traditional craft through the generations, was overseeing it all in his capacity as King of the Biddies and he will be succeeded by Johnny Cahillane of the Ceannoveree Biddy group.

Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details

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