School: Leitir Mhic an Bhaird (Robertson) (roll number 15283)

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1. The Mollies' Men

   

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   There was a band of Mollies' Men in this district. Nearly every townland was represented.
   A man named Séamuisín Coll was leader. There was then another band in the Doochary district. Ballinacarrick Bridge was the Boundary between these two sets of Mollies' Men. A man named Paddy Bonner was the leader of the Doochary Mollies' Men. The two bands were always quarrelling. Paddy Bonner didn't like Séamuisín Coll.
   One day Paddy challenged Séamuisín to meet him with his men in Doochany. Matthew Morrow's grandfather lived the County Cess. He used to carry a wee blackthorn stick with a whank tied at one end to twist around his wrist. When the old man died his son hung up the wee blackthorn in the kitchen corner. As day was clearing one morning Séamuisín Coll arrives in to Matthew's father (the old man's son) for a drink. They had a Public House. While he was drinking he asked for the wee blackthorn. Matthew's father enquired where he was going etc. and then he tried to persuade him to turn but all was in vain. He got the sick and went on. Both parties met on Doochany street. Paddy wanted to come to friendly terms with Séamuisín & his men. He wanted them all to have a drink. Séamuisín wanted fight. The fight began.

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. agents (~1)
      1. people
         1. secret societies (~18)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Nábla Nic Amhlaidhé

   Gender

   Female

   Occupation

   Múinteoir

   Informant

   Matthew Morrow

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   Over 60

   Address

   Mín an Ghabhann, Co. Donegal