School: Borrisoleigh (roll number 590)
- Location:
- Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary
- Teacher: (name not given)
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0544, Page 230
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- XML School: Borrisoleigh
- XML Page 230
- XML “The Bearnan Cuillan”
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- Near Borrisoleigh is Coolawn, named after Saint Culan who built a church there and is said by some to have lived and ministered as bishop even before Patrick came to our shores. Others say he lived at the same time as our National Apostle, while there are those who are inclined to say he lived far later. Of two things there is no doubt - he really existed and a shrine, called the Bearnán Cuiláin, was found in the fork of a tree struck by lightning in the early part of the nineteenth century. Portion of this shrine (or bell, as some call it) was sent by a Mr. Cook to the British Musum and is still there. Before, hoever, it fell into the hands of this gentleman, a cross had been detached from it and on this, when acute disputes arose, the local peasantry are said to have been sworn. The red stones on the cross are said to have glowed when the truth was uttered, but should anyone swear to a falsehoold he met with a terrible punishment, his face became twisted and his mouth rached to his left ear.
Once a man stole some bread and on being put to the test on the relic took a false oath.(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Philip O' Dwyer
- Gender
- Male
- Address
- Gortnahalla, Co. Tipperary
