School: Scoil Dhalláin Forgaill (roll number 16963)

Location:
Kilclooney Beg, Co. Donegal
Teacher:
S. Ó Baoighill
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1048, Page 238

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1048, Page 238

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  3. XML “His Ancestors' Skulls”

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  1. About a century ago a number of card-players was assembled together in a house in Narin. The game had ceased with the approach of bedtime, and a half-hour's storytelling was indulged in before dispersing. One man referred to Inniskeel Island and its martyred saints, while another wondered if anyone could read the strange inscription on one of its many head-stones.
    Eventually they spoke of the human skulls that were being unearthed upon the island by the activities of the rabbit population there, and of the steps which should be taken to prevent any further destruction. One man laid a bet with another that he would go to the island at midnight and bring back a skull to the house, and leave it back again before the tide came in. The second man "bet" that he would not, and so the wagers were laid down.
    A few minutes before midnight just as the sea was ebbing he left for the island, but in the darkness of the night he was passed on the way by his opponent who wished to
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Brigid Moore
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Loughfad, Co. Donegal
    Informant
    James Moore
    Relation
    Parent
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    56
    Address
    Loughfad, Co. Donegal