School: Gowna
- Location:
- Scrabby, Co. Cavan
- Teacher: Hugh Murray
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0986, Page 016
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“Johnny Foley the dancing master was born in Scrabby, went to Belfast and learned the trade...”
Johnny Foley the dancing master was born in Scrabby, went to Belfast and learned the trade opproving - later the art of testing a good pavement that is brogue dancing - and by continually reaping the reward of work well done (whiskey reward) he came back to his native Scrabby at 55 with an everlasting thirst. He became a dancing master and went from district to district teaching what he knew. He got the use of a barn and the services of a piper in each district. His chief musician was Blind Tom Murtagh - the Piper. His classes were well attended.
He used military titles for his pupils - one was captain another Corporal etc.
This is a phrase used by an anxious clumsy learner.
Foley will I step, or Foley will I lepp
This is a list of his steps
The Roll down (single)
The double roll down
The double
The treble
The Winding step
The Heel and Toe
The Salmon's Leap
When drunk he could not walk a step, but if put on his feet he could without difficulty dance safely home.