School: Eaglais

Location:
Burren, Co. Mayo
Teacher:
S. Ó Mongaigh
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0089, Page 075

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0089, Page 075

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  1. XML School: Eaglais
  2. XML Page 075
  3. XML “The Strange Lights”

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  1. Once upon a time a light used to be seen on the Caragan mountains every night. The people also used to hear wailing and crying. They were very much afraid. But there was one man who made up his mind to go and see what it was. As he drew near to the light he asked what it was there for. The voice of a man answered him and said "I have been wandering through the mountains for years at night. God sent me back into the world on account of a debt. I once worked for a rich man in Westport. I stole from him a bullock and killed him and gave him to my brother at the foot of Croagh Patrick. If you go to my brother and tell him to pay for the bullock you won't see me any more. If he does not believe you go to the bottom of the house. Under a cow's stake there you will find the bullock's horns." This man set out next morning and went to the brother at the foot of Croagh Patrick. They found the bullock's horns. The brother then paid for the bullock. The light and the wailing was never seen or heard again.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. agents (~1)
      1. supernatural and legendary beings (~14,864)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Nóra Níc Ghiollárnáth
    Gender
    Female
    Informant
    Tom Forde
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    48
    Address
    Burren, Co. Mayo