School: Drumdigus (C.), Kilmurry McMahon (roll number 13479)

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1. Folklore - Fairs

   

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   "the airy hill of Kilmurry" On this spot many years ago, there were seven fairs held annually. The one held on the 24th May was the most famous fair in Munster except the Puck fair in Killorglin in Co Kerry. The fair on the 24th May was for the sale of cattle, horses, sheep, and was also noted for amusement. People came from distant parts of the country to this fair. Old men on horseback with women riding pillion; grown-up boys and girls on foot, all going to the fair. Dancing used to be in full swing for the day, and the musicians were three or four fiddlers. There used to be five or six tents for refreshments. There were several stands laden with sweets, cakes, and other eatables. The fair lasted all day and it was always sure to end with a faction fight.
   Of the seven fairs that were held there yearly they have all died out except the 24th May and that lasts only an hour or two in the morning. The decline of these fairs is due to the fact that the number of cattle for sale was small, and the buyers refused to come long distances for fear of being disappointed.
   It is rather amusing to be listening to some bargains made at fairs. The owner of the cattle will ask a certain price, the buyer will bid him less than that. Those at hand will intervene and there will be splitting, cutting, and dividing until the bargain is made

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. activities
      1. economic activities
         1. trade
            1. buying and selling (~3,622)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Anna Mc Namara

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Derrynalecka, Co. Clare

   Informant

   James Cleary

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   76

   Address

   Kilmurry McMahon, Co. Clare