School: Droichead na Dóinne (roll number 10261)
- Location:
- Blackwater Bridge, Co. Kerry
- Teacher: Tadhg Ó Scolaidhe
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0465, Page 175
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“Prior to February the 2nd every year the young men of this locality congregate at some house and decorate and disguise themselves...”
Prior to February the 2nd every year the young men of this locality congregate at some house and decorate & disguise themselves by means of clothes, straw head dress, moustaches &c. They take a turnip and dress it up to represent a baby - they call it The Biddy - and they themselves are called the "Biddy Boys"! One of their number is appointed the captain and they march under his orders.
They go from house to house in the district "collecting for "The Biddy". Any member of the Biddy Boys capable of so doing is called on to sing or dance as the case may be. Another recites. Four may dance or two or three. Some of the biddy boys dress as women & they dance a set with their partners n houses with smooth cement floors. Some bands of Biddy Boys are accompanied by a violinist who plays the music for the dance or a march along the roadway from house to house(continues on next page)