School: Clochar na Trócaire, Cill na Mullach (roll number 11855)

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1. The Potatoes of Ballybeg (continued)

   

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   where the Friars occasionally went and came. Luck was on her side, too, for Father Anselm, the almoner, who had refused to accept a pension or go beyond seas to the Continent, was present hearing confessions. None of the household of Ballybeg knew anything of her errand. During the hot summer which ensued, Bluett carefully watched the growth of the potatoes. The stalks grew luxuriantly. In the district it was customary to "try" the potato fields on Lateerin Sunday. St. Lateerin was the patron saint of Duhallow. Bluett raised no objection to Rogan when the latter suggested to "try" the potatoes in the Abbey graveyard.
   "It were ill working on the Lord's day, Seamus, but this case is exceptional. If, as you contend, the Lord watches over the potatoes, He will not be angry with us for testing to extent of his bounty."
   The truth was that Isaac wanted badly (?) what nature, or God had sent him. Dame Elspeth wondered at the size of the new tubers. "Such big ones my eyes never beheld, Isaac. Think you, will they be good to the palate"?
   "Of course, Dame, of course! And they got no manure, too." This last made the Dame shudder. A paternoster accompanied the first one she dropped

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. activities
      1. economic activities
         1. agriculture (~2,659)
            1. potatoes (~2,701)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Sister M. Brigid

   Gender

   Female

   Informant

   Mr D. M. Lenihan

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   70

   Address

   Maryville, Co. Cork