Nollaig na mBan: Women’s Christmas marked in Thurles with a final festive visit to the magnificent Cathedral Crib.
The 12th and final day of Christmas, January 6th, is celebrated in Ireland as Nollaig na mBan, (Women’s Christmas), or Little Christmas, traditionally seen as a day of rest and recognition for women folk after the fine work undertaken during the festive season.
To mark this occasion, families and visitors are being encouraged to enjoy one last seasonal highlight in Thurles: the Christmas Crib in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, a display that has once again, drawn quiet admiration throughout the 2025/2026 Christmas season.
A parish spokesperson said Nollaig na mBan provides “a fitting moment to close out Christmas with reflection and gratitude, and to acknowledge the strength and generosity shown in homes and communities right across the season.”
A cherished custom and a little piece of folklore.
Alongside the visit, many will recognise a well-loved tradition associated with the Crib: legend has it that if you take a small piece of straw from a Crib at Christmas time and keep it in your purse or wallet, it will never be found empty in the year ahead. The custom is remembered in different parts of Ireland as a simple token of good fortune for the months to come.
Looking ahead: Supporting the Cathedral roof project.
The parish is well aware that, while the Crib is a seasonal centrepiece, attention is now again turning to a major practical need in the near future: the Cathedral roof is approaching the end of its lifespan and is expected to require full replacement within the coming years as part of the parish’s ongoing “Raise the Roof” efforts.
In that spirit, the parish is encouraging the wider community to continue supporting the Cathedral’s upkeep and future.
Hence, we echo the message of Hebrews 10:24: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Leave a Reply