School: Altóir, Tuar Mór, An Sciobairín (roll number 12071)
- Location:
- Altar, Co. Cork
- Teacher: Henry Evanson
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0287, Page 375
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- Many years ago young folk here around were not allowed much freedom, especially girls. It was considered highly improper for a girl to be seen out alone after nightfall unless accompanied by her parents or brothers.
It was also considered incorrect for a girl to be seen walking, with a young man, even in broad daylight. So there was no chance of lovemaking whatever.
The father of a young girl meet a neighbour at a fair. They both went into a public-house, and after a few bottles of stout each, the girl's father would suggest that he thought the other man's son would be a good "match" for his daughter. They would then begin bargaining about how much "fortune" should be paid, and after a few hours arguing the "match" was generally made.
When they would return home, they would both mention to the parties concerned, that they should get married on a certain day, without consulting their wishes in the matter at all. In many cases indeed the young pair had never spoken to each other until they were really married. I am thankful(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Violet Hunt
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Lissacaha (North), Co. Cork
