School: Birr (Mercy Convent)
- Location:
- Birr or Parsonstown, Co. Offaly
- Teacher: Sr. Flannan
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0821, Page 127
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- XML “Stories Told by the Fireside”
- XML “Stories Told by the Fireside”
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- (continued from previous page)dwelling of the fairy people as it is a strong belief that any person interfering with them would have bad luck all through his life.
- John Kennedy, Fortal, Birr. Age 60 years, farmer tells the following story.Situated about three miles and a half from Birr is a wood known as "The Big Wood" in the vicinity of the district called Dromoyle.In the centre of this wood is a very large rock, upon which moss grows, is conspicuous, and it is said that in early ages, this was the dwelling place of the fairies. This wood is situated on the land owned by Thomas Wallace.Tradition says that the fairies were to be seen every night at about twelve o'clock hurling and enjoying themselves around the rock. They were generally attired in scarlet caps and green coats, and they usually carried a want in their hands. One night as some man was returning from rambling, the fairies were enjoying a hurling tournament, they invited him to come and join them. At first he felt nervous and afraid, but after some time he became courageous and joined them. He was(continues on next page)
- Informant
- John Kennedy
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 60
- Occupation
- Farmer
- Address
- Fortel, Co. Offaly
