School: Port Omna (B) (roll number 2174)

Location:
Portumna, Co. Galway
Teacher:
Seán Ó Broin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0057, Page 0213

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0057, Page 0213

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  1. In the country the people have a great deal of old customs in honour of the different saints. On St. Brigid's night the people get a piece of brown ribbon and make it into the shape of a cross. Then they leave it out on a line that night, and they say that St. Brigid comes and touches it. One piece of this ribbon is kept in the kitchen, while the other part is kept in the outhouses, as St. Brigid is the Patron Saint of Stock. This ribbon is often known to have cured diseases which were incurable.
    Another custom is that the old people when they are thatching, weave a cross inside the roof over the door in honour of St. Brigid.
    About six miles from Portumna, there is a place called Killimore. The people here on St. Brigid's night get a doll and dress her in white. Then they go from door to door saying: -
    "This is St. Brigid dressed in white
    Give her something for the night
    She is deaf, she is dumb
    Give her money if you have some."
    Then with the money which they get they hold a feast that night, and put the doll in the middle of the table.
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Thomas Couser
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Portumna, Co. Galway
    Informant
    Mrs L. Couser
    Gender
    Female
    Age
    45
    Address
    Portumna, Co. Galway