School: Clochar na Trócaire, Malla (roll number 16159)
- Location:
- Mallow, Co. Cork
- Teacher: Na Siúracha
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0369, Page 635
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- XML School: Clochar na Trócaire, Malla
- XML Page 635
- XML “Matchmaking”
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- Match-making in Ireland in olden days was a traditional profession. In every parish there were a couple of men who were recognised match-makers. They had a good knowledge of every man and woman of marriageable age in the district and they were well acquainted with the means they would be likely to get from their parents or relatives.
Previous to Shrove they went around from house to house armed with a black-thorn stick making inquiries about the possibilities of a marriage between a certain boy and girl. When they got any encouragement that their suggestion was a good one they started out for the home of the girl and found out what dowry her parents would be able to give her. The next day a visit would be paid to the boys home and a match suggested.
Should the parents of each approve, the match maker was empowered to make all arrangements necessary. All this was(continues on next page)
- Informant
- Mr Healy
- Gender
- Male
- Address
- Mallow, Co. Cork
