School: Druim Mór

Location:
Dromore, Co. Sligo
Teacher:
Seosamh Ó Catháin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0167, Page 0407

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0167, Page 0407

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  1. XML School: Druim Mór
  2. XML Page 0407
  3. XML “Willie Brennan the Highwayman”

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  1. (continued from previous page)
    Willie was he said that he brought back to his house and that he must remain in the house till the child was christened and that he must do sponsor. Willie agreed. At the christening the priest refused to have a highwayman do sponsor for the child. "Well" said Willie "if you don't take me you will take this" putting a sovereign on the plate. Great was the rejoicing in the Miller's house that day. When evening came Willie set off and was not seen for years in that part of the country. One night he knocked at the same house as he had been allowed to stay in years before. (The Miller's.) Willie saw by the appearance of the house that they had come down in the world. The woman did not recognise him. He asked the shelter of the house. She said "There was a time when I could accomodate a Gentleman like you but fairíor not now. However I will do my best for you." Willie thanked her for her kindness. Playing on the floor were several children. Willie looked for his own child (the child he did sponsor for) and when he came near him he slipped a sovereign into the child's hand. When the mother saw this she knew who the gentleman was and she immediately sent for the Miller. When he came they all rejoiced and talked for hours. In the course of conversation the miller told Willie how he had come down in the world. The local landlord had robbed him of £10 and now he was only "pulling the devil by the tail". Willie said that before morning he would pay him (landlord) a visit. The Miller told him that there was a "Big night" in the landlord's house that night. "All the better" said Willie,
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. agents (~1)
      1. people
        1. robbers (~423)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Seosamh Ó Catháin
    Gender
    Male
    Occupation
    Múinteoir
    Address
    Dromore West, Co. Sligo
    Informant
    John Fox
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Farranmacfarrell, Co. Sligo