School: Naomh Eoin, Cill Choinnigh (roll number 1301)

Location:
Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
Teacher:
Bráthair Tomás Mac Binéid
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0856, Page 124

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0856, Page 124

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  1. XML School: Naomh Eoin, Cill Choinnigh
  2. XML Page 124
  3. XML “Priest-Hunting in Kilkenny”

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  1. 1. Stephen Dwyer
    2. Greenridge, Kilkenny.
    3. Age 40 years
    4. Journalist
    5. In Kilkenny City
    6. From his father Martin Dwyer who was born and reared in Johnswell and who died in 1918.
    11/11/37
    Priest Hunting in Kilkenny.
    Even in the darkest days of persecution the Irish peasantry observed annual social out-door events. Amongst these the May festival was the most popular. About two miles outside the city of Kilkenny
    this festival was been observed as usual on the first Sunday of May during the Cromwellian occupation of the city and the boys and girls were dancing to the music of the fiddle and pipe. Amogst the company was a charming cooleen named Kate O'Conor, the daughter of a local farmer. Her beauty and the gracefulness of her figure won the admiration of everybody and there were many who vied with each other to win her heart. There was one young fellow, however, who made himself objectionable to her by the persistent manner in which he paid her his unwelcome attention. She strongly resented his constant interference, and the manner in which he endeavoured to win her affections. At the time to which this story has reference, this young fellow was insisting on having Kate for a partner at the dance. She refused and he uttered threats to her. In the company, also was a young man named Ford whose father held a position as an official of the Kilkenny Corporation. This Ford also was fascinated with Kate O'Conor's beauty and for a long time had been devising some plan by which he could get an introduction to her. Here was an excellent opportunity. Would it not
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Language
    English
    Informant
    Stephen Dwyer
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    40
    Occupation
    Journalist
    Address
    Greenridge, Co. Kilkenny