School: Árd Raithín (roll number 6260)

Location:
Ardrahan, Co. Galway
Teacher:
Tomás S. Ó Meadhra
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0036, Page 0251

Archival Reference

The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0036, Page 0251

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    Once upon a time there was a woman called Biddy Early.

    Once upon a time there was a woman called Biddy Early. She had power to cure people from sickness and diseases. She had power also to put an enchantment on anyone who would injure her in way. People who would go to Biddy would bring her a hen. But anyway to make a long story short a woman who was going to Biddy went to get a hen. The first hen she caught was a fine fat one, and she said, "the devil a one of her will this one" and she got another hen. The hen she got this time was one whose bones were out through her. Then she put on her fine plaid shawl and gave the road a welt. When she came to Biddy's house, Biddy said "why didn't you bring the first hen you caught." I know well why you didn't bring her, you thought she was too fat. Well you can go about your business now and leg it home as quick as you came. As long as you begridged to give me the fat hen I'll begridge to give you a cure. As the old saying says "she got it back in her own dish.
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. agents (~1)
      1. supernatural and legendary beings (~14,864)
        1. Biddy Early (~186)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Máire Ní Mhathúna
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Tullira, Co. Galway
    Informant
    Mrs Gillane
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Ballylara, Co. Galway