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The patchwork quilt was a project initiated in 2018 as part of the Tercentenary Commemoration of the birth of Nano Nagle at Ballygriffin, Killavullen near Mallow in Co. Cork, Ireland. It was felt that:

-Needlework would be a fitting way to commemorate Nano because needle craft was one of the skills that she gave to girls in her early schools in Cork City.

-The creation of a quilt as a wall hanging would involve Presentation Communities and Friends of Nano from all over the world and enable them to connect with the birthplace of Nano during the Tercentenary Year, especially if they could not visit in person.

-It would deepen the connection between the Presentation Sisters globally and to Nano’s birthplace and strengthen the links which already exist. 

-The quilt would stimulate an interest in Nano and her values among today’s generation.

The hanging, comprised of 49 squares, with each square depicting and representing a community and a people who were touched by the religious women who carried Nano’s message across the world. A unique feature of the hanging is that women from many countries with a strong connection to the message of Nano Nagle sat and worked on beautiful fabrics using the skills of their native culture. The network of patches represents the network of Presentation Sisters throughout the world and depicts their ethos of being ‘in communion’. 

The quilt project was led by the Board of Management of Nano Nagle Birthplace. It was implemented by local woman and board member - Gertrude Magner, assisted by Killavullen Patchwork Group members – Hilary O’Kelly and Julia Sheehan. We are indebted to Tom Fox who photographed the 49 individual patches before they were stitched together.