Big welcome for Bibeanna in the Áras

AS an early Christmas present, women of ‘Na Bibeanna’ met with President Michael D. Higgins last Thursday, arriving in style as their taxi from Heuston Station whisked them past security and delivered them to the steps of Áras and Uachtaráin.

An early start saw the women on the 9am train to Heuston station where they were met by TG4 during a lunch at the station, before their taxi journey to meet the President.

Brenda Ní Shuilleabháin, the producer of the Bibeanna TV series and organiser of the trip, said: “It was a wonderful occasion. We had about 15 minutes of private time with the Uachtarán who spoke perfect Irish. He connected well with the women, and they loved him.”

Following the meeting, the women enjoyed afternoon tea in a reception room where the walls were adorned with portraits of all the past Presidents of Ireland. They were familiar faces to the women, some of whom were born only shortly after the formation of the Irish State. They met with the president again and finished the afternoon dancing in the Áras.

“I cannot say enough for the staff in the Áras. It is, of course, our house in a sense and today we were made to feel that. I mentioned it to a young guard who works there and she said: ‘That’s the President. That is exactly what he wants’,” said Brenda.

The TV series ‘Na Bibeanna’ was the brainchild of Brenda who believed passionately that the women who grew up in a subsistence economy, far removed from today’s West Kerry of four wheel drive jeeps and big houses, had stories that should be heard.

The term ‘na Bibeanna’ itself says a lot about the series. Coined by Máire Ní Cheilleachair (RIP), it describes the house coat or bib that was often worn by women in West Kerry while undertaking their daily tasks. The fabulous series and accompanying book were produced by Brenda/Dovinia Teo with Cathal Watters (who is now Director of Photography on the ‘Peaky Blinders’ TV series) filling the same role during the filming in kitchens and sitting rooms around West Kerry.

The women’s individual stories describe aspects of their lives and attitudes and their stoicism in the face of tragedy and life events is palpable. The book and series captured a time and place that is rapidly disappearing. Nine women remain from the 25 who featured in the Bibeanna TV series.

Na Bibeanna meeting President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday. From left Brenda Ní Shuilleabháin, Mairín Bn Uí Lúing, Hain William Bn Uí Mhurchú, Bríd Bn Uí Mhaoileoin and Síle Bn Uí Mhaolchatha.