Madigan Muses: St. Brigid and Her Influence on the Members of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians
- John O'Brien
- February 1, 2024
- Edited 6 months ago
Table of Contents
By Marilyn Madigan
St. Brigid is the Patron Saint of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. It is believed that St. Brigid was born around 453 A.D in Faughart, County Louth, and died in 524. This year, Ireland will be commemorating Brigid 1500: Celebrating a Woman, a Life and a Legacy. Please visit www.brigid1500.ie for more information on activities in Ireland. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians have been honoring St. Brigid for the past 130 years at divisions across the country. In 1927, the organization gifted to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. the St. Brigid Chapel and Altar, which was dedicated by Bishop Shahan on September 24. St. Brigid is a model of feminine strength and leadership, challenging traditional gender roles of her era. Following her example of establishing a double monastery for women and men in Kildare, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians are in the developing stages of an initiative to help Priests, Brothers and Sisters who are in ministry.
This initiative is to Commemorate the 1500 Anniversary of her death. The program will be named Brigid’s Hearth representing hospitality, warmth and the flame to light our way to help others.
St. Brigid is remembered as a leader with an inspiring legacy. She was a woman that advocated for the poor, a peacemaker and a role model for women today.
HONORING YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN UNDER 40
Honoring Young Men and Women Under 40 I think it is fitting that the Irish Echo recognizes Young Men and Women Under 40 during the same month as St. Brigid. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians is honored that nine of our members are being recognized this year. Bridget Linton
I would like to highlight one of our members who happens to live in Northern Ohio, is active in the community and also has the name of Bridget. I have been honored to know Bridget Linton most of her live. Bridget is a member of a very dedicated Hibernian family.
In her bio for the Irish Echo, Bridget states, “My mother, Kathleen Linton, is the one who has shaped me into who I am today and who has helped instill my passion for my Irish heritage. My mother was the youngest National President for the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in America.
My grandfather also served as the Ohio State President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. “Following in my family’s footsteps, I couldn’t wait to join. I became a junior member at a young age and am now a proud member of the LAOH in Akron, Ohio.”
Bridget, like St. Brigid, is a model of feminine strength and leadership, challenging traditional gender roles in her professional career. She has worked with Fox Sports Ohio, ESPN, Cleveland Indians (sorry cannot use the new name) and currently on the sidelines for the Cleveland Browns.
In addition to her work with the NFL and the Browns, Bridget continues to host many major productions and events throughout the country. She enjoys and is fantastic with a microphone at sporting events, award ceremonies, pageants, corporate events, and charity galas. She has been recognized for her work as one of the 2019 Radio Inc. Top 30 Under 30 and one of the Top 10 Clevelanders to Watch in 2023.
Her community involvement is remarkable. Quoting from Bridget, she “is dedicated to making a positive impact on my community, embodying the spirit of giving back and inspiring other to join in the journey of making the world a better place.”
Bridget is a passionate advocated for helping children with cancer. Watching her nephew Luke battle leukemia, she knew she wanted to help other children. With her involvement with the Children’s Cancer Family Foundation, many families received financial assistance.
Bridget is a Board Member and a emcee for Make-A-Wish fundraiser events in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. In the spirit of St. Brigid, Bridget Linton is a role model of how to give back to your community.
Irish Dance
Proud of her Irish heritage, demonstrated by her love of Irish dance, Bridget danced with the Tim O’Hare School since the age of four. She competed all over North America and qualified for the World Championships.
“My love for Irish dance has given me the poise, discipline, confidence, and competitive spirit that has followed me throughout my life. It is not just the competitive side of Irish dance that brings me joy. I love to perform and embrace my Irish heritage through dance wherever there is a stage!”
We are glad you have shared your talent of dance with us Bridget. Ohio is proud that you represented our state as the 2011 Ohio Rose of Tralee.
Describing that experience, Bridget stated, “I will cherish that year forever. It was a whirlwind of incredible opportunities to embrace my Irish heritage. One of the things that fascinates me about the Rose of Tralee is the friendships that are formed. It is remarkable how an unbreakable bond can form in a short amount of time together in Ireland that withstands the test of time and distance.
“It is the wonderful phenomenon that is the foundation of the link between Irish communities across the world. Being a member of the Rose family is an honor to the highest degree. I continue to encourage young women of Irish decent to join in this sisterhood and celebrate their Irish heritage.”
Thank you, Bridget for being a proud representative of our Irish community, whether through your involvement with the LAOH, Ohio Rose of Tralee, or Cleveland Irish Network, working with Honorary Consul of Ireland Mark Owens. Congratulations as one of the Irish Echo 40 under 40 Honorees.
Vote for Bridget Linton:
https://www.irishecho.com/vote-for-your-2024-people-s-choice-irish-echo-40-under-40-honorees
Find this column and other Madigan Muses Columns here!
Marilyn Madigan
*Marilyn Madigan is the National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a Deputy Director of the United Irish Societies of Cleveland. She received a Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing from St. John College and retired from nursing at University Hospitals of Cleveland
