School: Mullagh (B)

Location:
Mullagh, Co. Cavan
Teacher:
James Drury
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1003, Page 008

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1003, Page 008

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  3. XML “The Mabe or the Mabie”

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  1. 8
    "The Mabe" or "The Mabie".
    Some story tellers say The Mabe was a raiding Irish Chieftain friendly with the English Garrison in Kells - others say he was an English officer.
    One autumn morning The Mabe, accompanied by a small group of horsemen rode up to O'Reilly's Castle gate, blew his horn thrice and challenged Maolseaghlan to combat. It is said that at the same time a number of O'Reilly's fine horses were being rounded up and driven away by the raiders. O'Reilly who was engaged in shaving looked out of the window when he heard the summons but made no reply. Three times The Mabe derisively shouted "Maolseaghlin Breallac" and then rode leisurely away. After their departure O'Reilly called up half a dozen of his best swordsmen mounted them choice was steeds and led them in pursuit. They overtook The Mabe and his followers at a ford in the Blackwater, within a mile of Kells and while the followers stood on either bank, O'Reilly and The Mabe fought the issue out in the middle of the river.
    With a tremendous sweep of his sword O'Reilly cut the head off his adversary whose followers then retreated to Kells. There is a bridge now
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Language
    English
    Collector
    James Drury
    Gender
    Male
    Occupation
    Múinteoir
    Informant
    Mr Pat Farrelly
    Other names
    Mr Pat Farrelly
    Pat the Master (local name)
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    80
    Address
    Cloghballybeg, Co. Cavan