School: Naomh Éamoinn, Dúnmaonmhuighe (roll number 10703)
- Location:
- Coolkellure, Co. Cork
- Teacher: Sorcha Ní Ghabhann
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0304, Page 399
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- Festival Customs
On St. Stephen's Day, boys and girls go in groups from house to house from early morning till nightfall singing the wren songs. They are sometimes dressed in discarded finery such as old silk frocks and other garments. faces are disguised with masks sometimes or "false faces" are worn. "The Wren Boys" carry bushes decorated with gaily coloured rags and to the accompaniment of melodeons and mouth organs they sing their songs, sometimes in Irish and at other times English is used.
Money is gathered. They sing "All silver and no brass". If the householder can afford silver they usually get it, if no, they get coppers. At the end of the day the money is divided between the members of each group.
Only necessary work is done on St. Patrick's Day and all wear a sprig of shamrock.
Pancakes are eaten on "Shrove Tuesday" and it is considered lucky(continues on next page)
- Informant
- Mrs J. Kingston
- Gender
- Female
- Age
- 65
- Address
- Carrigskullihy, Co. Cork
