Hannah McCann wins 2025 First Graphic Novel Award for "St Brigid & Me" Extract

 

Hannah McCann has won the 2025 First Graphic Novel Award with an extract from her graphic novel-in-progress, St Brigid & Me.

Emma Hayley, founder of SelfMadeHero, who will publish the completed book in 2027, says of St Brigid & Me: ‘Covering the important topic of abortion, the author blends memories of their own involvement in prochoice rallies while showing the nuances of a sensitive subject. As folklore, myth and tradition combine, the author’s personal story and fascination with St Brigid lends a universal appeal to the narrative.’ 

Hannah McCann is an artist from Tyrone, now living in Yorkshire, who loves to draw and make art. Currently, Hannah works full-time in reprographics within education, and is a member of Leeds Comics Collective, fitting in drawing projects on the side. 

Hannah was revealed as the 2025 winner on 19th January 2026 at Waterstones Piccadilly.

Image: Frames from Brigit & Me showing the making of a St. Brigit’s cross along with text about learning about St. Brigit’s connection to abortion and finishing, "this really intrigued and surprised me and started me on this long journey, learning more about this saint, my home, my politics, and how they connect."

The Brigid Alliance - they make choice possible

 

In this time of fear and action, when Roe v. Wade faces overturn by the Supreme Court in the United States, the work of The Brigid Alliance of New York is more important than ever.

I recall as a young woman being advised (by a nurse in a general hospital) to go from Canada to the States, as it was easier to get an abortion there. It may soon be, for a short but awful time, the other way around.

In Cogitosus's Vitae Brigitae, "Life of Saint Brigid," the following passage appears:

Of the Pregnant Woman Blessed and Spared the Birth-Pangs

 

1. With a strength of faith most powerful and ineffable, she blessed a woman who, after a vow of virginity, had lapsed through weakness into youthful concupiscence, as a result of which her womb had begun to swell with pregnancy. Inconsequence, what had been conceived in the womb disappeared and she restored her to health and to penitence without childbirth or pain.

This passage is often interpretted to mean that Brigit performed an abortion. It is also interpretted, and I am inclined to this understanding, much as I like the former, to mean what it says: that she removed the "sin" of the woman's sexual act and reversed the consequences of it. No abortion occurs because the foetus now never was.

Either way, it is a wonderful illustration of Saint Brigit's caring and compassion. Whether the young woman has sinned or not, she should not have to suffer a pregnancy and birth that she doesn't want.

The Brigid Alliance cannot possibly take on this moment alone, but here is what they do. There are likely many ways you can support them, if this mission speaks to you as one the Brigit you know would support. Contact them here if you want to know more.

From their site:

 

The Brigid Alliance arranges and funds confidential, personalized travel support to those seeking abortion care in increasingly hostile environments. In partnership with a network of funds and providers, we are closing the gap between the right to an abortion and the ability to access one.

Image: Stylised red-haired woman (head only) from The Brigid Alliance website.

Travel Support for Abortion, USA: The Brigid Alliance

Erynn Rowan Laurie brought this alliance to my attention this week. In the midst of bad news around anti-choice legislation in the USA, the 
Brigid Alliance brings much needed assistance.

We make choice possible.

from their website: https://brigidalliance.org

Access to abortion is under attack in the United States.
The Brigid Alliance is dedicated to improving access to abortion by alleviating the logistical and financial constraints placed upon those who must travel for care.

The Brigid Alliance provides:

·         Transportation assistance: bus, plane, and train tickets or funds to cover gas,   tolls, and parking;

·         Housing assistance: hotel accommodations or referrals to local practical support   organizations;

·         Additional expenses: reimbursement for taxis, meals, and/or childcare;

·         Referrals to local practical support organizations for: clinic escort services,   emotional support, overnight hosting, and other support.


             Visit their site for more information.

Brigit's Cross: Repeal the 8th!

A not horribly accurate but wonderful short film urging a yes vote in this week's abortion referendum in Ireland.


Saint Brigid – Short Film #RepealThe8th from David Keeling on Vimeo.

From David Keeling.