School: Lisvernane, Glen of Aherlow (roll number 15677)
- Location:
- Lisvarrinane, Co. Tipperary
- Teacher: Patrick Lynch
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0581, Page 097
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- On the eve of the feast a number of boys go in searchof the wren and with "wattles" they kill the little bird. A holly bush is then secured and the dead wren is tied to the topmost branch or twig. The bush is then gaily decorated with many coloured ribbons
Early on Stephen's morning the same boys meet at an appointed place and the strongest boy is given the holly bush to take. They then go in procession from house to house singing the "Wren-song" at each stopping place. The words most frequently used around here are as follows.
"The wren, the wren the Kinf of all birds
St. Stephen's day she was caught in the furze,
Although she is little her family is great
Rise up Mrs and give us a treat (trate)
And if the treat be of the best
I hope in Heaven your soul may rest
But if the treat be of the small
It won't agree with those boys at all(continues on next page)
