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School: Cluain Uamha (C.) (roll number 12828)

Location:
Cloyne, Co. Cork
Teacher:
E. Geeleher
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0394, Page 171

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0394, Page 171

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  3. XML “Festival Customs - Saint Stephen's Day”

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  1. Festival Customs - Saint Stephen's Day

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    On St. Stephen's day a large crowd of men and boys gathered together to have a "wren". Two boys were picked out, one a male fool and the other a female fool. the latter was dressed in a long dress and big brogues. Another boy was a leader and he walked in front and carried a box for the money he was to get. When all were ready they went round from house to house and sang the "wren song".
    "The wren, the wren,
    the king of all birds,
    Saint Stephen's day he was caught in the furze.
    We hunted him up we hunted him down.
    And at last the wren boys knocked him down.
    Then he danced and sang another song.
    I have a little box here
    under my arm,
    A penny or tuppence will do
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit
    Topics
    1. events
      1. events (by time of year) (~11,476)
        1. Feast of St Stephen (~402)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    A. Doolin
    Informant
    James Doolin
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Ballymaloe More, Co. Cork