School: Ballinvally (C.) (roll number 932)

Location:
Ballinvally, Co. Westmeath
Teacher:
S. Nic Shiomóin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0724, Page 070

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0724, Page 070

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  1. XML School: Ballinvally (C.)
  2. XML Page 070
  3. XML “Rush Candles”

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  1. The old people used to peel a rush and leave a little strip of peel on one side and fry grease in the grisset and dip the candle in the grease. There used to be a trough over the fire and the people would leave the candle in the trough until the grease would be hard on them. Then they were ready for lighting. The dough of the rush soaked the grease. Each candle lasted ten minutes. The people used to say "Help the candle" so that the candle would last longer. The rushes had to be thick to make a candle.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. activities
      1. economic activities
        1. trades and crafts (~4,680)
          1. candle-making (~728)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Mary Black
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Cummerstown, Co. Westmeath
    Informant
    Mr William Gibney
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Cummerstown, Co. Westmeath