School: Aill
- Location:
- Ayle, Co. Tipperary
- Teacher: Tadhg Ó Donnabháin
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0578, Page 119
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- Something unusual in the penitent's appearance prompted the Confessor to inquire as to his profession or calling in life whereupon the penitent informed him that "he was an acrobat." "Very well" says the priest "When you go out let me see you do something which will convince me of your statement."
On going off the acrobat faced one of the pillars in the church raced up along it, then swung on to a horizontal beal, stick one leg under one arm, then the second leg under the other arm and swung around the beam for some time. The next to enter the Confessional was a very hairy fat old lady, who seemed much distressed. She was sighing and evidently much upset. At last the priest remarked "Well mu poor woman what's the matter with you? "Why don't you begin?" "Oh! for the love of God. Father sure, you won't do it on me." Do what? inquired the priest, Sure you won't put the same penalty on me as the last fellow, for I'd never be able to do it.
