School: Cullahill (C.), Rathdowwney (roll number 13137)
- Location:
- Cullahill, Co. Laois
- Teacher: Mrs Baird
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0830, Page 341
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- (continued from previous page)light to 'The Holy Family', who are supposed to be abroad that night.
The following day or St. Stephen's Day is very much enjoyed by the peasants of this district. Men and boys go round from house to house dancing and singing. The song they sing is as follows: -
"The wren, the wren, the King of all birds,
On St Stephen's Day, he was caught in the furze,
Although he was small, his family was great,
Get up laddie and give us a treat.
Up with the kettle, and down with the pan,
Give me a penny, or two, to bury the wren".
II
We chased her up, we chased her down,
We chased her into Rathdowney town,
We dipped her tail in a barrel of beer.
And we wish you all a Happy New Year".
It is delightful to watch the gay colour of the wren-boys' attire on that day. Some wear vizards on their faces, others blacken(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Eileen Kenny
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Raheenleagh, Co. Laois
- Informant
- Nora Rhatigan
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Cullahill, Co. Laois
