Recent changes

The local people call the "Leprecan, a fairy or "gankenna" and he is supposed to be about fifteen inches high. He wears a red jacket, and cap, and small shoes with turned up toes. Leprecans live in forts and under lone bushes, or in some lonely rocks or woods. About one hundred years ago a man called Michael Cooney Waterloo was out after sunset in lonely rocks in the townland. He suddenly heard a little tapping noise and he went over to it, and there was a little fairy man making boots. He tried to catch him, but soon the fairy saw him and vanished, leaving his shoemaking tools behind him. The lot Michael saw were a boat, a hammer, a pincers, a small shoe which he was making at the time he vanished. Fairies supposed to be great footballers as well as shoemakers.
A mermaid has a fishe's body and a woman's head, and she is a sweet singer. There are mermaids on Lough Sheelin, and always before a drownding would take place, there would be a mermaid seen by the people, There used be also strange horses seen coming out of Lough Sheelin, and they would graze on the fields around the lake. One day a man saw a mare in his field, and he went to hunt her out, and she ran

Long ago in Winter the people would have two meals, and in Summer they generally would have three. They would have porridge and buttermilk for the breakfast, and for the dinner they would have oaten or Indain dumplings, and potatoes and buttermilk for their supper which they would eat when finished with their work at night. At that time the "Champion" potatoes were good and a lot of people would eat potatoes and buttermilk for the three meals. Long ago the people often worked for two or three hours before eating in the morning, and then they would eat their breakfast which consisted of oaten porridge, and buttermilk, and plenty of oaten bread and butter, and then they would have their dinner at night. The people would all sit around the basket or "loset" when eating, which would be placed on the middle of the floor, and if there were twenty people at a meal they would all eat around this basket. In olden times "falling tables" or tables hung up on the wall were common, and those kind of tables are still in a few local houses. The kinds of bread generally used were (potatoes would) potato bread. oaten bread, and boxty.Potato bread was made in the following way. First the potatoes would be

There is no tailor in this district now, but Peter Smyth Moher still makes clothes for the people of the district. He works in his home and the implements he uses are machine, a timble, a scissors, a goose, an iron board, needles and thread a tape and some chalk for marking the cloth. Nowadays the tailors work in their own houses, but long ago they used travel from house to house making, and mending clothes.
The town tailors stock cloth, but the country tailors do not. Long ago people used spin and weave cloth, and it would be prepared in the following way. First the sheep would be well washed and the wool shorn off. Then it would be carded and spun on a spinning wheel, and then it would be knitted into socks, jumpers, scarfs and gloves. The types of cloth that the people wear now are serge and tweed, and sometimes men wear corduroy trousers for farm work. Long ago there was a saying that a tailor was only the 1/10 of a man. Most of the farmers wives still make shirts in the homes, and the materials they use are called cotton shirting, and flannenett. Long ago the people used scutch flax with a "hand scutcher",
Hand scutcher, made from wood.

collection, as they were very much afraid of them. All this property and money were left for the upkeep of the Protestant church at the Billis.
The burning of Ballinagh was caused by the Protestants or yoemen, and some of the property such as linen and cows was brought to the Billis, and Harry Mc Gommery brought a two year old child from it, and reared it in Drumfomina. Long ago the yoemen used go to every fair in Ballyjamesduff, and march around the town with a gun and sword keeping law and order, and they oftened tryed to provoke a row.

collection, as they were very much afraid of them. All this property and money were left for the upkeep of the Protestant church at the Billis.
The burning of Ballinagh was caused by the Protestants or yoemen and some of the property such as linen and cows was brought to the Billis, and Harry Mc Gommery brought a two year old child from it, and reared it in Drumfomina. Long ago the yoemen used go to every fair in Ballyjamesduff, and march around the town with a gun and sword keeping law and order, and they oftened tryed to provoke a row.

and she also gave ten pounds to each farmer on her estate, to help to build a house. She had a nursery and she supplied quick to all the people in her estate for making fences. She also left forty pounds yearly for the master, and twenty for the mistress of the Billis School for ever and the minister still get this money and it is left aside for repairing the school. When she died she left her estate to Sankie who was her nephew. It was Cromwell who divided the land on those Landlords and their ancestors. There were sappers sent around to survey and divide the land and the people who were able to help them and work the spade, got farms. A lot of farms were subdivided, and a man called Paddy Molloy owned Frank Nulty's farm, and James Lynche's farm in Drumfomina and he divided it and built another house on it, and gave it to his oldest son.
About one hundred years ago tithes were collected and the tithes for Drumfomina amounted to three pounds, and the amount for Assan was thirty five shillings. Very few people gave money and men were sent with carts to each house, and they would bring ten or twelve stooks of oats or sometimes potatoes or hay instead. The people never resented their

and she also gave ten pounds to each farmer on her estate, to help to build a house. She had a nursery and she supplied quick to all the people in her estate for making fences. She also left forty pounds yearly for the master, and twenty for the mistress of the Billis School for ever and the minister still get this money and it is left aside for repairing the school. When she died she left her estate to Sankie who was her nephew. It was Cromwell who divided the land on those Landlords and their ancestors. There were sappers sent around to survey and divide the land and the people who were able to help them and work the spade, got farms. A lot of farms were subdivided, and a man called Paddy Molloy owned Frank Nutty's farm, and James Lynche's farm in Drumfomina and he divided it and built another house on it, and gave it to his oldest son.
About one hundred years ago tithes were collected and the tithes for Drumfomina amounted to three pounds, and the amount for Assan was thirty five shillings. Very few people gave money and men were sent with carts to each house, and they would bring ten or twelve stooks of oats or sometimes potatoes or hay instead. The people never resented their

The Local landlord's name was John Copeland Jones, and he lived in Ahilla Belturbet. He owned the townlands of Drumfomina and Assan in this district, and twenty five more townlands in other places, and he was looked upon as being a good landlord. He was married to Henry, Humfrres, Guylands daughter, and they never got very rich. He was a great sportsman and he died in the asylum. This landlord had different agents for collecting the rent one man was Stokes, and another was Martain.
There were no evictions in this district since 1867 when Harry and Susan Mc Mahon were evicted for not paying the rent. Michael Smyth and his wife were also evicted and they went to live in a hosue in Carrickeeshil. Only for the land in Drumfomina was bad it would have been planted with protestants for the Billis Church.
An old invalid called Lady Dunlap owned seven townlands around the Billis and she was a good old lady, and she bought those seven townlands from Coote of Bellmount for £500. This woman got a lot of houses built in the Billis district, and some of them were the Billis school the teacher's house at the Billis, Boyds,

keeping on the shoes on horses, and asses, and a trough of cold water for cooling hot irons. The blacksmith shoes horses and asses and he makes those shoes in his spare time, and hangs them on pegs on the walls. The blacksmith works outside when he is shoeing wheels and turning irons. The blacksmith fixes ploughs, harrows, broken pots, and pans and he sometimes makes firecranes. The people who had forges long ago were Patrick Fitzpatrick Druminduff, Thomas Owns Lurganure Thomas Wilson Billis, and there were two forges at the New Inns during the time of the old coaches. Those blacksmiths used make iron gates, crooks, hinges, bockens, bits for a horse, and forks and graips. Long ago when the farmers would have their work done in the evenings, they used go to forges, and tell stories and they would hear all the latest news here.
Long ago there lived a man in Coolenabinn Co Wexford and his name was Neddy Mc Enroe and he was only six stone weight. He had seven sons and they used go into a forge every day and break a horse shoe with the strength of their hands, and their father was called "the corker and bruiser of Coolenabinn"

The men who have forges in the district are William Chambers Carrickeeshil, Patrick Mc Hugh Straugh, Archie Johnson Billis, and Sam Mc Elwaine Lisnamore. Most of these people's fathers and grandfathers were blacksmiths. William Chambers's forge is situated along the road between the Billis Church and Clanaphilip Chapel, and convenient to the Billis Cross Roads. Patrick Mc Hugh lives along the Straugh road almost two miles from the New Inns Cross. Archie Johnson lives beside the Billis Cross Roads, and Billis Creamery and a river flows convenient to the forge also. The forges are built with stones and mortar and either roofed with thatch or felt. There is a large door in the shape of a horse shoe on the end of the forge and there is also a small door on the side of it. In the forge there is a height of about two feet built of stone and the fire is on top of this. The bellows is fixed in one corner of the forge and it is worked by pulling a chain or by pressing down a piece of a stick or handle. The implements the blacksmith uses are a bellows, an anvil, a vice, a bit and brace a chisel, a punch, a rasp, a cutter, a sledge, a hammer, a pincers, a tongs, a sharp knife for pareing the horses hoofs, nails for

on a Sunday night, and he would have them along with other pairs of boots in the fair of Baileboro on monday. His father James Kernian
Lisnamore was also a famous shoemaker and he was the first man to make boots with pegs in them, and on this account he was called the
"Pegman". Joh Murtha Drumfomina was another shoemaker, and he learned the trade from his father who lived in Drumformina. William Brady Drumollard is still alive in Aughaloughan but he did not make any boots for the past twenty years.
There are very few shoemakers in the country now, and there are a few cobblers who fix boots for the people of the district. In the Winter time some people still wear clogs, and they are much better than boots for keeping the feet warm. The people who used make clogs were John Williamson Billis, and Michael Brady Carrickeeshil, and Bernard Stafford Tievenaman still makes clogs. The shoemakers used buy the boot material in Baileboro, Virginia, Cootehill and other towns.

Long ago the children used not wear boots till they would be about seventeen years of age and some people would not get a pair of boots till they would be getting married. Thomas Lynch Drumfomina never wore boots, and on this account he was called "Barefooted Tom". Mrs Lynch Drumollard, and Cathrine Mc Keon Lavey, and a woman called Biddy Shales who used gather rags never wore boots either. Mary Smyth Drumfomina and Ann Comey used go barefooted during the hot Summer months. In olden times most people used go barefooted to mass, there were often only fifteen people with boots on them in a large congeration. The children still go barefooted in the Summer time till they reach the age of fourteen years.
Some shoemakers names were Philip Kernian Drumollard, his father James Kernian Lisnamore, John King Billis, John Murtha Drumfomina, James Lynch Drumestagh, William Brady Drumollard, Peter Rudden Straugh, Pat Smyth Drumfomina, John Crommie Carrickeeshil, and James Kavanagh Drumfomina.
Philip Kernian Drumollard was the best shoemaker in the locality. He often started to make a pair of boots after twelve o'clock

In 1814 the people feared an invasion by Napoleon so they made the broad road to have a rightaway from Dublin to Enniskillen. A staff of engineers set it to the people living along it and it was made in four months, and the stones were drawn to it with hand barrows. Philip Brady Drumollard had the contract of three miles of it at the rate of 1£ a perch. At that time the people working on the roads used eat a large quantity of potatoes and buttermilk in the morning, and nothing else till they would come home that evening. When the road was made there used go a luggage coach drawn by eight horses, and as the land around the road was boggy when the coach used be going at night it would shake the delph on the dressers in the houses near the road, and that was all the way the people knew the time to go to bed. At Lavey and Virginia there were stables where the coach horses used be changed and at each stable there was a man paid for cleaning and brushing the horses.

said "You have coarse butter on it" and there never came a particle of butter on it afterwards.

churn, with a trencher, and put into a butter tub. Then it is washed and the water taken off it. Then the butter is spread on the bottom of the tub, and sufficient salt put on it. If there are any hairs in it they are taken out with an knife. There is more water put in the tub then and the butter is made into pound rools or prints.
An old saying is "A long churning makes bad butter, but be shure and have the churn scrubbed".
A woman called Ann Kavanagh who lived in Drumfomina used take the butter off her neighbours' cows. She only kept three cows, and she used have a firken of butter every week and also a big basket for the market of Ballyjamesduff on every Tuesday. She used always come to Luke Molloys Drumfomina when they would be churning and get the loan of something each time. At last they noticed that their butter was going, and they made up their minds to not lend her any more things out of the house. The next time they were churning she came back for some starch, but they refused her and the told her to bring a basin of "boxty" that was on the table, after been grated and that she could get the starch out of it. She took it and when going out she rubbed her finger on the churn dash, and

Nowadays most people in this district churn in a creamery can instead of the old fashioned churn. It is much easier to churn in a can than in a churn, as the dash in the can is not as heavy as the dash for the churn. In Summer the people churn three or four times each week, and in Winter they churn twice as in this season the milk is not as plentifull as in Summer. My mother and sister churn, and if anybody comes in during the churning, they churn for a while and this is called "taking a brash", and the people say that it would be unlucky if they did not do so. The churning is done by hand and it takes about an hour to do it. Long ago the churning used be done with horse, and hand machines, and some of those old machines are yet to be seen at some houses. In the beginning of the churning the dash is moved up and down, but before finishing it is given a rolling motion from side to side, and the churn is shaken in order to gather the butter properly on the milk. The people know, when the churning is done when the butter gets thick, and the dash gets clear. Hot water is poured in during the churning and this helps to heat the milk, and to get the churning done sooner. When the churning is finished the butter is lifted out of the

Nowadays most people in this district churn in a creamery can instead of the old fashioned churn. It is much easier to churn in a can than in a churn, as the dash in the can is not as heavy as the dash for the churn. In Summer the people churn three or four times each week, and in Winter they churn twice as in this season the milk is not as plentifull as in Summer. My mother and sister churn, and if anybody comes in during the churning, they churn for a while and this is called "taking a brash", and the people say that it would be unlucky if they did not do so. The churning is done by hand and it takes about an hour to do it. Long ago the churning used be done with horse, and hand machines, and some of those old machines are yet to be seen at some houses. At the beginning of the churning the dash is moved up and down, but before finishing it is given a rolling motion from side to side, and the churn is shaken in order to gather the butter properly on the milk. The people know when the churning is done when the butter gets thick, and the dash gets clear. Hot water is poured in during the churning and this helps to heat the milk, and to get the churning done sooner. When the churning is finished the butter is lifted out of the

pusy, pusy, and some cats have names like darkie, purry, pansy, bess, kitty, or prinny.
When people are setting eggs they sometimes put a horse shoe in the bottom of the box, and they believe that this keeps the eggs safe during a thunder, and lightning storm.

nowadays when people are tying in a heifer first they attach a hay rope to the stake and tie her with it. This is done because a heifer that is not used to be tied will often try to get away and if she does the rope will break and she will not be injured in any way,
On Palm Sunday there is some blessed palm put in the byre for good luck, and there is also one of St Brigid's crosses put in it on St Brigids' Day. The horse's house is called the stable, and this house is generally a large roomy one. There is a manger in it for the horse's fodder, and in the corner of the manger there is a box out of which the horse eats oats and other food. On the manger stick there is a small ring and a piece of a rein in it and at one end of the rein there is a block, and on the other end there is a strap which is tied around the horses neck at night.
Diagram
When calling the pigs I say "deoc, deoc, deoc," and when calling the sow I say "hurish, hurish, hurish." The people say "tuck, tuck, tuck" when calling the hens and when calling the chickens they say "birdy, birdy."
When calling the ducks we say "wheat, wheat, wheat, and when calling the cat we say "pusy,

nowadays when people are tying in a heifer first they attach a hay rope to the stake and tie her with it. This is done because a heifer that is not used to be tied will often try to get away and if she does the rope will break and she will not be injured in any way,
On Palm Sunday there is some blessed palm put in the byre for good luck, and there is also one of St Brigid's crosses put in it on St Brigids' Day. The horse's house is called the stable, and this house is generally a large roomy one. There is a manger in it for the horse's fodder, and in the corner of the manger there is a box out of which the horse eats oats and other food. On the manger stick there is a small ring and a piece of a rein in it and at one end of the rein there is a block, and on the other end there is a strap which is tied around the horses neck at night.
Diagram
When calling the pigs I say "deoc, deoc, deoc," and when calling the sow I say "hurish, hurish, hurish." The people say "tuck, tuck, tuck" when calling the hens and when calling the chickens they say "birdy, birdy."
When calling the ducks we say "wheat, wheat, wheat and when calling the cat we say "pusy,

My father keeps five cows, one horse, two sows, and eight calves. The cows names are Duff, Long horn, Jennings, the blue one and, the heifer. When driving out the cows I say "Hush go on ou'l that," and when calling them home I say "prúgie, prúgie, prugie", and when calling the calves I say "suck, suck, suck. If the cows do not stay quiet when being milked the people say, "thrush, thrush, thrush," and sometimes they sing for them.
Cowhouses are of different sizes, and there is generally an air - hole at the cows' heads to let in plenty of fresh air. The floor of the byre is paved with stones and at the end of the byre there is a place about four inches lower than the rest of the floor called the group. At the other end there is a manger and stakes to which the cows are tied. There is a large ring on each stake and a chain attached to it, and at night the cows are tied by the neck with those chains. When bringing a cow to a fair or any other place the people put what is called a halter on her. This is made from a rope or piece of a rein and put in on the cow's head, just like putting a head collar on a horse. Long ago all the cows used be tied with hay ropes, and
Diagram

My father keeps five cows, one horse, two sows, and eight calves. The cows names are Duff, Long horn, Jennings,the blue one and, the heifer. When driving out the cows I say "hush go on ou'l that," and when calling them home I say "prúgie, prúgie, prugie", and when calling the calves I say "suck, suck, suck. If the cows do not stay quiet when being milked the people say, "thrush, thrush, " and sometimes they sing for them.
Cowhouses are of different sizes, and there is generally an air - hole, at the cows' heads to let in plenty of fresh air. The floor of the byre is paved with stones and at the end of the byre there is a place about four inches lower than the rest of the floor called the group. At the other end there is a manger and stakes to which the cows are tied. There is a large ring on each stake and a chain attached to it, and at night the cows are tied by the neck with those chains. When bringing a cow to a fair or any other place the people put what is called a halter on her. This is made from a rope or piece of a rein and put in on the cow's head, just like putting a head collar on a horse. Long ago all the cows used be tied with hay ropes, and
Diagram

My father keeps five cows, one horse, two sows, and eight calves. The cows names are Duff, Long horn, Jennings,the blue one and, the heifer. When driving out the cows I say "hush go on ou'l that," and when calling them home I say "prúgie, prúgie, prugie", and when calling the calves I say "suck, suck, suck. If the cows do not stay quiet when being milked the people say, "thrush, thrush, " and sometimes they sing for them.
Cowhouses are of different sizes, and there is generally an air - hole, at the cows' heads to let in plenty of fresh air. The floor of the byre is paved with stones and at the end of the byre there is a place about four inches lower than the rest of the floor called the group. At the other end there is a manger and stakes to which the cows are tied. There is a large ring on each stake and a chain attached to it, and at night the cows are tied by the neck with those chains. When bringing a cow to a fair or any other place the people put what is called a halter on her. This is made from a rope or piece of a rein and put in on the cow's head, just like putting a head collar on a horse. Long ago all the cows used be tied with hay ropes, and

The following three prayers are said before going to sleep in bed at night:-
As I lie down on my be to sleep,
I give my soul to Almighty God to keep,
There are four corners on my bed,
There are four angles over head,
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,
God bless this bed that I lie on,
If any evil happens me,
Christ call and waken me,
Heart of Jesus, i adore thee,
Heart of Mary, I implore thee,
Heart of Joseph pure, and just,
in these three hearts is put all my thrust.The second one is:-
I lie on my right, i sleep on my left,
I disown the devil, And I take with God,
There are four corners on my bed,
There are four angles over head,
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,
God bless this bed that I lie on,
If I die before I wake, To God I give my soul to keep,
Anything that happens me, The Blessed Virgin call and waken me. Amen.

used boil chickenweed, and drink the juice of it. The old people used apply cut finger to cuts on their hands to cure them.
The people used make poultices from orange, and white lily root to cure cuts and swellings.
When people had pains in their sides they used put a poultice of roasted chickenweed, grouchill, and hemlock to it, and in a short time the pain would be gone.
Adam and Eve is a plant which grows in bad wet soil.
There was an old trick which the people used play with the yarrow on Hollow Eve night, and they would see the person who they would marry in their dreams.
The old people used give chickenweed, and she thistles to pigs, as they thought it very healthy.

The names of some herbs are dandelion, dockens, tormenting root, mint, fairy fingers, lady's mantle bluebells, buglos, slanless, fillérí, brookline, bog bean, the devil's bit, rose - noble, heart's ease, chickenweed, ribbon grass, cut finger, house lick, allow comrain, white lily root, orange lily root, lady's timble, yarrow, cow foot, crow foot, gillgowns, red shanks, lambquarter, píann, watercress, nettles, sorrel, hemlock, grouchil, Adam and Eve, stinken rodger, mararogles, and comfrey.
Bluebells boiled with sheep's shit, dragon's blood, bee's wax, burgandy pitch, white resin, veinous turpentine, and yarrow is a good cure for the evil.
To boil dandelion and drink the juice of it, is good for the liver.
Tormenting root boiled is a good cure for diarrhoea.
Long ago the people used boil fairy fingers, and dye clothes with the juice of them.
In olden times the people used chew slanless, and put it on cuts to heal them.
People used cure red water in cows by boiling rosenoble and giving the juice of it to the cows to drink.
When food was scarce in olden times people

The names of some herbs are dandelion, dockens, tormenting root, mint, fairy fingers, lady's mantle bluebells, buglos, slanless, fillérí, brookline, bog bean, the devil's bit, rose - noble, heart's ease, chickenweed, ribbon grass, cut finger, house lick, allow ccomrain, white lily root, orange lily root, lady's timble, yarrow, cow foot, crow foot, gillgowns, red shanks, lambquarter, píann, watercress, nettles, sorrel, hemlock, grouchil, Adam and Eve, stinken rodger, mararogles, and comfrey.
Bluebells boiled with sheep's shit, dragon's blood, bee's wax, burgandy pitch, white resin, veinous turpentine, and yarrow is a good cure for the evil.
To boil dandelion and drink the juice of it, is good for the liver.
Tormenting root boiled is a good cure for diarrhoea.
Long ago the people used boil fairy fingers, and dye clothes with the juice of them.
In olden times the people used chew slanless, and put it on cuts to heal them.
People used cure red water in cows by boiling rosenoble and giving the juice ofv it to the cows to drink.
When food was scarce in olden times people

What is in Puss is in Purry.
You are like the cow that gives the can of milk, and turns around and spills it.
When the old cock crows, the young one learns
If you give away an old pair of trousers, dont take the buttons off them.
Never regret spilled milk, but lick the pitcher.
Its easy lighting a half burned stick.
You have your neighbour when your friends are far away.
Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
Never trouble, trouble, till trouble troubles you.
Many feathers make a bed.
Conceit for a fool is as good as a physic.
Little dogs have big tails.
The best horse jumps the fence.
You are shy but willing like an ass eating thistles.
You had your day and Bony had no more.
Every dog has his day and some have two.
What the eye doesnt see the heart never feels.
It's better to be an old man's pet, than a young man's slave.
Beauty never boiled the pot, nor ugliness never thickned it.
A green Christmass leaves rank graveyards
You cannot judge the book by the cover.
You cannot put an old head on young shoulders.

Prevention is better than cure.
Never trust a horse's hoof, a dog's tooth, or a great man's word.
The darkest hour is that before the dawn.
The calm before the storm.
Those is glass houses, should not throw stones.
A burned child dreads the fire.
Better late than never.
Between two stools you'll come to the ground.
Perseverance is the master of success.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Smooth water runs deep, and the devil lies in the bottom.
The cure is as bad as the disease.
As long as the fox runs, he is caught in the end.
Them that hides finds.
An old rogue is a good tracker.
Any fool carries an umberella on a wet day, but the wise man carries it every day.
Its a long road hasnt a turn.
Spare the rod, spoil the child.
Children and chickens are always picking.
It isnt the day of the big wind you should be cutting the scollops.
Crooked bread makes straight bellies.
There was never an old stocking but got an old shoe to fit it.

The following are some of the cures that were used for various ailments.
Bite from dog:- Cured by killing dog taking out liver boiling it and giving it to eat to the person bitten
Whooping - cough. Cured by drinking the milk left by a ferret when fed. (ferret's leavings) It was also cured by boiling the flesh of a mouse and drinking the broth, or by putting the child nine time's under and over a donkey. This was also thought to be a preventitive for the disease.
Measles. The commonest cure was to boil sheep's droppings in milk. Strain the milk and give it to drink to the sick person.
Craos - Galar. A disease of young children was cured by putting a goose's beak into the mouth of the sufferer. The breath of the goose was supposed to cure the disease
Jaundice To cure jaundice the droppings of geese was boiled in milk, strained and given to the sufferer.
Burns. Any body who caught an eascú luacharach (lizard) and licked it on the belly nine times before the tail cracked off could cure a burn by licking it with his tongue. (This cure was effective only while the lizard lived.
The fox's tongue is still used to extract thorns or needles or any other foreign body stuck in the flesh

immediately gave chase to the hare. The hare made for a sally clump and just as it entered the clump the hound bit it on the hind thigh. The farmer was able to follow the track of the hare. It went towards a house and on entering he found a woman sitting on a stool by the fire with blood streaming down her leg and forming a pool on the floorWhile making butter nobody should be allowed to carry a lighting coal from the house, nor even leave with his pipe lighting.
If a stranger comes in he should give the barrel seven turns and then ask God's blessing on the butter.
Except when sold fresh butter should never be given away, neither will the people of this district give milk away without putting a small grain of salt into it.

immediately gave chase to the hare. The hare made for a sally clump and just as it entered the clump the hound bit it on the hind thigh. The farmer was able to follow the track of the hare. It went towards a house and on entering he found a woman sitting on a stool b y the fire with blood streaming down her leg and forming a pool on the floorWhile making butter nobody should be allowed to carry a lighting coal from the house, nor even leave with his pipe lighting.
If a stranger comes in he should give the barrel seven turns and then ask God's blessing on the butter.
Except when sold fresh butter should never be given away, neither will the people of this district give milk away without putting a small grain of salt into it.

I
Five times twenty take care to prefix
A circular letter without any tricks
One thousand inverted when placed in the rear
Will tell you what's wanting to man I declare. COW.II
Three - fourths of a cross, and a circle complete,
An upright where two semi - circles do meet,
An isoceles triangle, standing on feet,
Two semi - circles and a circle complete.
TOBACCO.Ceist do chuir tuathach ar cléireach 's chuaidh cun an easpuig é réidhteach, driothair a bhí ag driothair m'athar is níorbh uncal domh-sa an té sin. - M'athairWho was the first nobleman mentioned in the Bible?
Baron Figtree (barren fig - tree)What is it, that belong to you and is used by others more than yourself? - Your name.What is it that is often parted with but never given away?: - A comb.
Why is a man's nose never twelve inches long?
Because it wouldn't be a nose then but a foot.

I
Five times twenty take care to prefix
A circular letter without any tricks
One thousand inverted when placed in the rear
Will tell you what's wanting to man I declare. COW.II
Three - fourths of a cross, and a circle complete,
An upright where two semi - circles do meet,
An isoceles triangle, standing on feet,
Two semi - circles and a circle complete.
TOBACCO.Ceist do chuir tuathach ar cléireach 's chuaidh cun an easpuig é réidhteach, driothair a bhí ag driothair m'athair is níorbh uncal domh-sa an té sin. - M'athairWho was the first nobleman mentioned in the Bible?
Baron Figtree (barren fig - tree)What is it, that belong to you and is used by others more than yourself? - Your name.What is it that is often parted with but never given away?: - A comb.
Why is a man's nose never twelve inches long?
Because it wouldn't be a nose then but a foot.

I
Five times twenty take care to prefix
A circular letter without any tricks
One thousand inverted when placed in the rear
Will tell you what's wanting to man I declare. COW.II
Three - fourths of a cross, and a circle complete,
An upright where two semi - circles do meet,
An isoceles triangle, standing on feet,
Two semi - circles and a circle complete.
TOBACCO.Ceist do chuir tuathach ar cléireach 's chuaidh cun an easpuig é réidhteach, driothair a bhí ag driothair m'athair is níorbh uncal domh-sa an té sin. - M'athairWho was the first nobleman mentioned in the Bible?
Baron Figtree (barren fig - tree)What is it, that belong to you and is used by others more than yourself? - Your name.What is it that is often parted with but never given away?: - A comb.
Why isa man's nose never twelve inches long?
Because it wouldn't be a nose then but a foot.

Travellers or road beggars were very common around here about thirty or forty years ago and many of them became very friendly with the people and they were welcome to a nights lodging in many of the farmers cottages whenever they were in this locality. Many a story my father and mother could tell of the road travellers of long ago. My father would tell us of Paddy from Mullabawn. He could only speak Irish and very few people could understand his broken English. Paddy came from Mullabawn above Dundalk - that is how he got his name. Paddy was a very jolly decent fellow and was always assured a hearty welcome. The neighbours were all very kind to him. Then there was Silly Joe. Joe was suposed to be a great

About twenty five years ago an old traveller used to go about this district who was called "Look the Shucks". This name was given to him because of his habit of looking continually along the sides of the road. He was formerly an old soldier and went about from place to place seeking food and clothing. When in this district he slept in an old barn belonging to a Mr Magee in Millgrange. When the weather was cold or wet and unfit for travel he mended boots for the local people and if he got a cake of bread in payment he was thankful for it.Another famous old traveller went round about fifteen or twenty years ago. She was a married woman and lived in a little thatched cottage in Riverstown where the great Alcohol factory now stands. She went about from place to place seeking food and clothing. She carried a basket in which she kept fancy goods of all kinds. She knew everyone in the

Those for Faith and Fatherland, who in Dublin town did stand,
And as Martyrs went undaunted to their Doom.
Chorus.Air: "I'll be with you when the roses bloom again."

leaders all will die".
So his orders for Surrender were not feared.
Chorus.Now here's to Pearse and Seán McDermott, James Connolly and Mc Bride.
Joseph Plunkett, Hueston, Kent, O'Rahilly.
Thomas Clarke, brave McDonagh, Skeffington and Edward Daly,
Who nobly gave their lives for Ireland's Liberty.
Then of O'Hanrahan and Colbert how could we fail to sing.
Of Casement with his boat of German guns.
Had he safely come to shore, we would welcome him asthore.
With equipment for those fearless Dublin's sons.
ChorusMay God rest those noble soldiers, who with Patrick Pearse there fell.
Shot down like dogs, by British "Tommies'" guns.
May the Heavens on them smile, those who died for Erin's Isle.
No doubt she reared some fearless fighting sons.
But beneath the flag of green, we shall keep their memory.
While the wild rose on the mountain ever blooms

Up the streets of New York city, marched an Irish lad in green,
Who, I am told was one of De Valera's men.
And as I chanced to meet him I no doubt did kindly greet him,
When he told me of his troubles there and then.
Chorous:
I'll be with you, de Valera, when the rifles ring again.
I'll parade the Dublin Mountains with your men.
I don't forget the day, though an exile far away.
When our lovely flag first floated at Ringsend. He told me of the Rising, and how Pearse's men in green
For six days fought the "Tommies", ten to one.
Till they sent in long range guns, against a few of Ireland's Sons.
And to burn Dublin City to the ground.
When Pearse saw the town in danger, its children and its wives.
His orders were "Surrender", loud and clear,
"We must save the town" he cried, "tho' our

Up the streets of New York city, marched an Irish lad in green,
Who, I am told was one of De Valera's men.
And as I chanced to meet him I no doubt did kindly greet him,
When he told me of his troubles there and then.
Chorous:
I'll be with you, de Valera, when the rifles ring again.
I'll parade the Dublin Mountains with your men,
I don't forget the day, though an exile far away.
When our lovely flag first floated at Ringsend. He told me of the Rising, and how Pearse's men in green
For six days fought the "Tommies", ten to one.
Till they sent in long range guns, against a few of Ireland's Sons.
And to burn Dublin City to the ground.
When Pearse saw the town in danger, its children and its wives.
His orders were "Surrender", loud and clear,
"We must save the town" he said, "tho' our

So they arrive at an agreed price and the bargain is clinched. The beast is marked sold, by the onlooker rubbing a piece of gutter or cows' dung, which he lifts on his stick from the ground, on to the beasts hip. All that are engaged in the bargain are brought by the seller to a public - house and here the buyer pays and seller gives the luck penny and treats the company.
When a beast is sold it is considered lucky, by the buyer, to get the halter, if such be on the beast. Halters are usually on suck calves and horses.
The most important fairs are held in October and November, for the sale of cattle that are finished on the grass. In April and May are held great fairs for the sale of store cattle and calves. Pigs are sold steadily the whole year through. Pig fairs are usually held on the day before the cattle, sheep and horse fairs.
Fairs were held formerly in Castlebaldwin on the shores of Lough Arrow, and in Keadue, near Arigna, but these are discontinued.

So they arrive at an agreed price and the bargain is clinched. The beast is marked sold, by the onlooker rubbing a piece of gutter or cows' dung, which he lifts on his stick from the ground, on to the beasts hip. All that are engaged in the bargain are brought by the seller to a public - house and hear the buyer pays and seller gives the luck penny and treats the company.
When a beast is sold it is considered lucky, by the buyer, to get the halter, if such be on the beast. Halters are usually on suck calves and horses.
The most important fairs are held in October and November, for the sale of cattle that are finished on the grass. In April and May are held great fairs for the sale of store cattle and calves. Pigs are sold steadily the whole year through. Pig fairs are usually held on the day before the cattle, sheep and horse fairs.
Fairs were held formerly in Castlebaldwin on the shores of Lough Arrow, and in Keadue, near Arigna, but these are discontinued.

in the other towns mentioned.
It is customary for the seller to give luck money, which varies according to the price of the beast sold, to the buyer. This is known as "luck penny" and buyers generally are satisfied with half a crown on every ten pounds paid. On pigs, the dealers have a rule to take a shilling out of the price of each pig bought. Buyers think that a beast will not be lucky if they are not treated decently in the "luck penny." A man in this village once bought a calf and was only given three pence "luck - money out of seven pounds, and when he brought the beast home, it broke its leg. He ascribed this ill - luck to the mean way that he was treated in the bargain.
The bargain making is the exciting part of the sale. It starts off by the buyer asking the seller how much he wants for the beast. The seller asks for an sum more than he expects to get. The buyer tells him hold out his hand and striking hands bids him an amount which is less than the value of the beast. This attracts the attention of an on - looker, who, as it is locally said "splits the difference" while holding the hands of buyer and seller together.

In this district fairs are held in Ballyfarnon, Boyle and Ballinfad but sometimes the farmers go to fairs held in towns and villages farther away as: Collooney, Leitrim, Drumshambo and Ballymote.
It is generally in the pig trade that buyers go to the farmers' houses to transact business. These buyers take the pigs away on lorries. In most of the above - mentioned towns there are fair - greens for the sale of the big cattle and cows. Young calves and bonhams are sold on the streets. In these towns also, tolls are collected on the stock sold. These tolls are collected by a "Custom man", who has a lease for such collection. The Custom man is obliged by law to have a proper weighbridge in case any cattle are sold by weight. It is also his duty to keep the fair - green in proper condition.
In Ballyfarnon the rates of the tolls are as follows:
3d for calves (all payable by the buyer)
6d for big cattle and cows (each)
1d for bonhams ( " )
3d for big pigs ( " )
The rate of custom runs much the same

In this district fairs are held in Ballyfarnon, Boyle and Ballinfad but sometimes the farmers go to fairs held in towns and villages farther away as: Collooney, Leitrim, Drumshambo and Ballymote.
It is generally in the pig trade that buyers go to the farmers' houses to transact business. These buyers take the pigs away on lorries. In most of the above - mentioned towns there are there are fair - greens for the sale of the big cattle and cows. Young calves and bonhams are sold on the streets. In these towns also, tolls are collected on the stock sold. These tolls are collected by a "Custom man", who has a lease for such collection. The Custom man is obliged by law to have a proper weighbridge in case any cattle are sold by weight. It is also his duty to keep the fair - green in proper condition.
In Ballyfarnon the rates of the tolls are as follows:
3d for calves (all payable by the buyer)
6d for big cattle and cows (each)
1d for bonhams ( " )
3d for big pigs ( " )
The rate of custom runs much the same

In this district fairs are held in Ballyfarnon, Boyle and Ballinfad but sometimes tjhe farmers go to fairs held in towns and villages farther away as: Collooney, Leitrim, Drumshambo and Ballymote.
It is generally in the pig trade that buyers go to the farmers' houses to transact business. These buyers take the pigs away on lorries. In most of the above - mentioned towns there are there are fair - greens for the sale of the big cattle and cows. Young calves and bonhams are sold on the streets. In these towns also, tolls are collected on the stock sold. These tolls are collected by a "Custom man", who has a lease for such collection. The Custom man is obliged by law to have a proper weighbridge in case any cattle are sold by weight. It is also his duty to keep the fair - green in proper condition.
In Ballyfarnon the rates of the tolls are as follows:
3d for calves (all payable by the buyer)
6d for big cattle and cows (each)
1d for bonhams ( " )
3d for big pigs ( " )
The rate of custom runs much the same

a well called the 'black - dog' well. She asked him if he would go to this well at midnight and pluck a bunch of leaves, he would find growing there, then to stand at a certain gap and wait there till he would see a crowd of horsemen pass by. She would be on the last horse and he must put the leaves in her hand as she galloped passed and she would be with him again. He did what he was told, he went to the well and pulled the leaves and brought them to where his sister told him to wait. He was not very long waiting till he heard the noise of the horses coming; they all passed by; the sister was on the last horse he took hold of her hand and put the bunch of leaves in them: then she was standing beside him: They both went back home and lived together afterwards. All the neighbours gathered in to see her. Some of them thought it would be a good idea to open the grave and see what was in the coffin, and what they got in the coffin was a log of wood. When the priest heard that the girl was back he came to see her; he told

In full his fate, I can't relate but they riddled him I'm told
They threw hand grenades so fast on him theyd time to explode
And when exhausted throwing bombs and unbolted rifles too.
They swung in action machine guns to prolong the whillolo
The people round Lake Arrow and the hills of Ballindoon
Were sure the green coats marched again to the rising of the moon
But early morn brought good news when by the break of day
Some short distance from the soldier's lodge the bleeding victim lay
Now they may boast about their airmen and their bomb proof [?] shields
Or when the Germans marched towards Paris how the Belgians held the field
But their (spreading) firing shot and shrapnel or their spreading poisonous gas
Was only sport to the shelling caused at Drumdoe by an ass

every lane and pass
Guns pointed on each object and especially an ass
Now in every hut and barrack square, they've electric wires laid
To warm up the Black and Tans in case or time of raid
But this donkey being harmless meant no one to offend
Got entangled in the wires and called up all the men
Then the "tommies" almost wild with fright and of raiders had their doubt
Thought it better to call assistance before theye'd turn out
Rang out the Boyle's veery lights who came three hundred strong
And with high explosives round Drumdoe
played a terrible ding dong
This donkey got no caution no courtmartial could be held
Because he came from Ireland immediately he fell
But had he come from London like the blood hounds or the tans
They would wait for information
of hour the raid was planned

Drumdoe is a place near Ballinafad on the shores of Lough Arrow in Co. Sligo. It came to be famous in the troubled times because Lord French lived in it. There was a body of soldiers minding Lord French. One night they heard a noise outside which they thought was an invading army. A stray donkey happened to get tangled in the wires, the soldiers thought there were enermies out - side, they were firing shots.
They rang up the soldiers from Boyle by very lights to help them. In the morning they found the donkey, lying dead inside the gate.
Song
On a barrack square, they call
Drumdoe a place well guarded too.
The soldiers spang to arms, for a
hot night's rigadoo
They took up their positions guarding

The customs that are connected with chickens are -: when we are setting eggs not to put an even number down. Some people generally put down thirteen eggs as they count it a lucky number. There is always a mark put on the eggs.

milking to make the sign of the cross on the side of the cow's leg with the milk. When a horse needs shoes he is brought to smith and then the old shoe is taken off and the smith makes new shoes for him and then puts them on. When the horse needs to be clipped he has to be brushed and cleaned or else the machine will get filled with dirt and be broken. The stories that are about the goat are when the goat eats a bush it will not grow again for a few years. When we are calling the hens we "chuck chuck" We say "hidy hidy" to the goat We say "hurish hurish" when we are calling the pigs When we are calling the cows we say "pruggy pruggy" to the cows.
When we are calling the turkeys we say "beib beib."
When we are calling the ducks we say "weik weik".

milking to make the sign of the cross on the side of the cow's leg with the milk. When the horse needs shoes he is brought to smith and then the old shoe is taken off and the smith makes new shoes for him and then puts them on. When the horse needs to be clipped he has to be brushed and cleaned or else the machine will get filled with dirt and be broken. The stories that are about the goat are when the goat eats a bush it will not grow again for a few years. When we are calling the hens we "chuck chuck" We say "hidy hidy" to the goat We say "hurish hurish" when we are calling the pigs When we are calling the cows we say "pruggy pruggy" to the cows.
When we are calling the turkeys we say "beib beib."
When we are calling the ducks we say "weik weik".

The farm animals are the ducks geese turkyes the domestic are the horses asses. The cows have got names. Their names are "Daisy, and Polly, Saly, Pansy".
When we are driving the cows we say "houghway."! We say "suck suck" to the calves. There is a stake for each cow, and rack and a channel in the middle of the house. It is called the byre. . The cows are tied by chains or ropes which are called spanchels. The cow's are usualy tied by the neck or sometimes by the horns. The ties are made of chains or rope.
There are no home - made chains or rope, they are mostly bought in the shops. The customs that are connected with milking are when you have finished

The farm animals are the ducks geese turkyes the domestic are the horses asses. The cows have got names. Their names are "Daisy, and Polly, Saly, Pansy".
When we are driving the cows we say "houghway."! We say "suck suck" to the calves. There is a stake for each cow, and rack and a channel in the middle of the house. It is called the byre. . The cows are tied by chains or ropes which are called spanchels. The cow's are usually tied by the neck or sometimes by the horns. The ties are made of chains or rope.
There are no home - made chains or rope, they are mostly bought in the shops. The customs that are connected with milking are when you have finished

Will he be home before night
I do not know said the woman I am busy just now. I have to feed his son.
So she gave him half a cow. "Is this his son asked the big giant. Yes that is he" said the woman and she gave him a big bar of iron he broke it up in a short time
I am lucky said the big giant if that is his son his father must be a great man.

Once there was a big giant in Ireland.
He had a row with another giant, this giant was afraid of this big giant.
The big giant came one day to fight this small giant.
the small man did not know what to do.
He heard about all the men he killed.
He asked his wife what he should do.
Come here and get into this bed said his wife and I will meet the giant.
It was not long till the big giant came roaring.
Is the man at home" said he
No" said his wife.
What a pity said the big giant we were to have a fight to day

Once there was a big giant in Ireland.
He had a row with another giant, this giant was afraid of this big giant.
The big giant came one day to fight this small giant.
the small man did not know what to do.
He heard about all the men he killed.
He asked his wife what should he do.
Come here and get into this bed said his wife and I will meet the giant.
It was not long till the big giant came roaring.
Is the man at home" said he
No" said his wife.
What a pity said the big giant we were to have a fight to day

Some people say that if you cry on that day you will cry for some part of every day for the whole year.
It is also said that if you give money away on New Year's Day you will be giving it away every day in the year.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Everyone goes to Mass on Ash Wednesday. It is called Ash Wednesday because when the people are at Mass the priest puts blessed ashes on the people's forehead with his thumb.

should eat eggs on Easter Sunday.
The children be comparing who will eat the most eggs on that day
St Martin's day falls on the 11th of November. There is always a cock killed and the blood spilled on the flag of the door in the flag of the door in honour of St Martin. If St Martin's Day falls on Friday the cock should be killed a day or two before it. A wheel should not go round on St Martin's Day or something will go wrong before the day is ended.
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a very sorrowful day because Christ was crucified on that day. The farmers like to set as much potatoes as they can on Good Friday because it is said that if anything is set or sown on that day it will surely grow.
New Year's day is the first day of the year

on the 25th of December.
On Christmas Eve there is a big supper. Every different kind of bread is made for it. After supper the children have great fun playing different games. Then they get ready for bed. When they take off their stockings they hang them becide the fire. Santa Claus comes during the night The next day is Christmas Day, there is a big dinner on that day of either turkey or goose
The next day is St Stephen's Day. On that day the local boys dress up in funny attire and go about from house to house playing different musical instruments and singing and dancing.
The people give them money or if they dont they will bury the wren at their door.
Easter Sunday Christ arose from the dead and it is celebrated as a feast. It is always a big day for the children, they have a picnic and a bon - fire.
It is the custom that everyone

on the 25th of December.
On Christmas Eve there is a big supper. Every different kind of bread is made for it. After supper the children have great fun playing different games. Then they get ready for bed. When they take off their stockings they hang them becide the fire. Santa Claus comes during the night The next day is Christmas Day, there is a big dinner on that day of either turkey or goose
The next day is St Stephen's Day. On that day the local boys dress up in funny attire and go about from house to house playing different musical instruments and singing and dancing.
The people give them money or if they dont they will bury the wren at their door.
Easter Sunday Christ arose from the dead and it is celebrated as a feast. It is always a big day for the children, they have a picnic and a bon -fire.
It is the custom that everyone

There are a lot of customs connected with May Day. It is said that you should not give anything away on May Day or you will be giving your luck away. You should not put out ashes on that day also.
There are a lot of tricks and customs connected with Hallowen
The children have a tub of water on the middle of the floor, their mother or someone in the house puts apples or money in it and they try to take it out with their mouth. If they are able to take it out they can keep it.
St Swithin's Day It is said that if it rains on St Swithi'ns Day it will rain for the next forty days
Christmas is the most important feast of the year. It falls

Washing soda is dissolved to put with it.
The forty gallon barrel is said to spray about a rood of land.
If the stalks are light this performance is done twice, and if heavy it is done three times.
In the proportion of five pounds of blue stone to eight pounds of washing soda, mixed with forty gallons of water. This is done to keep the stalks from blight.
In the harvest the farmers dig the potatoes with a spade or a small loy. They pick the big potatoes in a heap for themselfs, and the seed potatoes are put in a heap and covered with clay for the spring.
The small ones are used for the hens. and the big ones for eating.

A week on after the setting of them, the farmers be digging the furrows and breaking the big lumps so as to have the clay smooth, and fine.
After that they shake artificial manure over the ridges where the splits were put down in a row of three, then they cover the ridges with the smooth clay.
After about three weeks the buds of stalks begin to peep above the clay.
When the stalks are about a foot high the farmers spray them.
First of all the farmers get a forty gallon barrel of water, and steep blue stone in the barrel of water for a night.
The blue stone is put in a bag and suspended in the water, with a stick on the top of the barrel and the bag tied to the stick. When the bluestone is dissolved

Before splitting the potatoes, the people sort them; they pick the big potatoes which are called eating potatoes and the small ones are called seed. They are brought into the house and left in some place out of the way, for splitting.
Then the woman of the house gets a small knife and puts a glove on the hand that holds the knife for fear of a cut.
Then she starts splitting, she cuts out the piece of potato with an eye in it then the parts with no eyes are called luígean's they are taken away and boiled for pigs or hen's.
According as the potatoes are being split they are put in creels and lime is shaken on them to keep snails from

The land has to be well prepared for setting potatoes.
Manure is put on the land a week or so before it is ploughed. If the field is small it is dug with a loy.
The way land is ploughed is, the sods are dug and turned across on the bank. That is done the whole length of the field, except where the horses turn, which length is about ten yards. That space is dug with a loy. When the horses turn they go down the opposite side. There is a half foot between each two sods they are called ridges There is a deep space like a drain between each two ridges. That space is called a furrow. The furrows be ploughed so that there can be clay got in them for putting

be turned on that day or something will go wrong before that day is ended.
New Year's Day is the first day of the year; people say it is not right to give money out or you would be giving money every day throughout the year. It is said if a woman came into the house first they would bring bad luck and if a man came in first he would bring good luck.
Saint Swithin's Day falls on the 15th of July; it is said that if it rains on that day it will rain for the next forty days and forty nights.
Ash Wedesday is the first day of Lent, some people fast from that day to Easter Sunday, from somthing. That day is called Ash Wedesday because the people go to the church to get Blessed Ashes which the priest gives.

have a big dinner, they kill fowl for it, such as a turkey, a goose, or a couple of hens.
Hallowee'n falls on the 31st of October; on that night the people have a supper of tea and have cakes such as Boxty bread, Potato cake, and a cake with a ring in it which they buy in the shops, after that the children have a lot of fun, they get a tub of water and put an apple or a coin in the water, whoever would be able to take the prize in their month would have it prize.
Another trick which is played a cord or string is hung up and an apple tied to it and whoever would catch it in there month first would have it.
Saint Martin's Day falls on the 11th of November, the people in the district kill fowl and spill the blood on the door, before or on that day.
It is said a wheel should not

have a big dinner, they kill fowl for it, such as a turkey, a goose, or a couple of hens.
Hallowee'n falls on the 31st of October; on that night the people have a supper of tea and have cakes such as Boxty bread, Potato cake, and a cake with a ring in it which they buy in the shops, after that the children have a lot of fun, they get a tub of water and put an apple or a coin in the water, whoever would be able to take the prize in their month would have it prize.
Another trick which is played a card or string is hung up and an apple tied to it and whoever would catch it in there month first would have it.
Saint Martin's Day falls on the 11th of November, the people in the district kill fowl and spill the blood on the door, beforev or on that day.
It is said a wheel should not

after Easter Sunday the people say it is not right to go fishing or go near water, as it is said that they would be drowned.
Good Friday falls three days before Easter Sunday; the people in the district plant potatoes before that day as it is said that they are sure of growing.
Saint Patrick's Day falls on the seventeenth of March, the people in the district wear shamrocks in honour of Saint Patrick.
Christmas the most important feast of the year, falls on the 25th of December.
On Christmas Eve there is a big tea supper, it always is a rich supper, there are all sorts of cakes; such as Potato cake, Boxty bread, Ice cakes, rich cakes, and tea; after that the children have great fun playing, then the children get ready for bed, they hang their stockings up, Santa Claus comes during the night and fills their stockings with presents.
Next day is Christmas Day, the people

after Easter Sunday the people say it is not right to go fishing or go near water, as it is said they would be drowned.
Good Friday falls three days before Easter Sunday; the people in the district plant potatoes before that day as it is said that they are sure of growing.
Saint Patrick's Day falls on the seventeenth of March, the people in the district wear shamrocks in honour of Saint Patrick.
Christmas the most important feast of the year, falls on the 25th of December.
On Christmas Eve there is a big tea supper, it always is a rich supper, there are all sorts of cakes; such as Potato cake, Boxty bread, Ice cakes, rich cakes, and tera; after that the children have great fun playing, then the children get ready for bed, they hang their stockings up, Santa Claus comes during the night and fills their stockings with presents.
Next day is Christmas Day, the people

In most districts many feasts are observed in a special manner as they occur.
Saint Stephen's Day falls on the 26th of December; the boys in the district gather together and go in procession from house to house, they bring musical instruments and play music at every house, the people give money to them.
The money is divided among them equally Some dress in women's clothes and others in men's clothes.
All the boys wear false faces.
May Day falls on the first of May, all the girls gather flowers and make altars with them and shake them in cowhouses in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On Easter Sunday the young people in the district gather eggs and they have picnics out in the fields in the afternoon.
Whit Sunday falls fifty days

part of Fiolliards property thickly tenanted and with a gentlemen's residence there -on.
In a short time afterwards he evicted 92 tenants of Fiolliard's property and tradition tells us there is a curse on the place ever since.
There is no account of the Fiolliards and Gardener, is living ever since in a state of beggary.
Plunket Mac Padden was a landlord and he had a lot of property in Geevagh Parish.
He was a cruel man to his tenants but nothing worse than his agent Billy Fattlow.
If a poor man was short when the rent day came, or if his family was to starve with hunger he should get the rent in full
In 1907 he thought to serve processes on all his tenants by registered letters.
The people gathered, raided mail bags, and destroyed the bills. He was the cause

The LandlordsThe Earl of Kingston was landlord over Cloughmine, Kilhare, Moytra, and Highwood olso Ballyfaron.
He lived at Kilronan where he had a lovely demesne.
He was not bad to his tenants, he never carried on these cruel evictions like others of his class.
Colonel Fiolliard was another landlord, he had large properties in several parts of the County; he had one large property from Ballinafad to Castle Baldwin with a lot of tenants thereon. It happened that a daughter of his got ill and despite the best medical aid she was getting worse daily, and there were no hopes of her recovery; he sent for a specialist and told him any request he asked he would grant it to him if he would cure his daughter; the specialist, Gardener by name, cured the girl and he demanded Towerhill

The LandlordsThe Earl of Kingston was landlord over Cloughmine, Kilhare, Moytra, and Highwood olso Ballyfaron.
He lived at Kilronan where he had a lovely demesne.
He was not bad to his tenants, he never carried on these cruel evictions like others of his class.
Colonel Frolliard was another landlord, he had large properties in several parts of the County; he had one large property from Ballinafad to Castle Baldwin with a lot of tenants thereon. It happened that a daughter of his got ill and despite the best medical aid she was getting worse daily, and there were no hopes of her recovery; he sent for a specialist and told him any request he asked he would grant it to him if he would cure his daughter; the specialist, Gardener by name, cured the girl and he demanded Towerhill

The LandlordsThe Earl of Kingston was landlord over Cloughmine, Kilhare, Moytra, and Highwood olso Ballyfaron.
He lived at Kilronan where he had a lovely demesne. He was not bad to his tenants, he never carried on these cruel evictions like others of his class.
Colonel Frolliard was another landlord, he had large properties in several parts of the County; he had one large property from Ballinafad to Castle Baldwin with a lot of tenants thereon. It happened that a daughter of his got ill and despite the best medical aid she was getting worse daily, and there were no hopes of her recovery; he sent for a specialist and told him any request he asked he would grant it to him if he would cure his daughter; the specialist, Gardener by name, cured the girl and he demanded Towerhill

Well bring no more hay to - night for I'm half killed already, as for such dancing and playing, I never heard before as there was around me since you left.
The two men started away for home with the cart emty, the fairies laughed and played away until they left them home.

The were once two men who were putting in hay one bright night as it was the custom long ago.
When they put the first load on the cart, one man started away with it, and the other remained.
He took out his pipe and started to smoke, the next thing arrived was seven or eight young ladies with fiddles and began to play and dance around him.
This was about twelve o clock at night; he got afraid of his life and lay down on the cock, it was not long until the other man came with the cart, he filled the second load, and the man that got the fright went in with the second load and the other remained and took out his pipe to smoke.
As soon as he cracked the match; this young lady asked him if he had another, the performance took place around him with music and dancing as before; he lifted a layer of the cock and went in under it.
They went up on the cock and started to play and dance so he keft very quiet until the other came again and when he came he said

The were once two men who were putting in hay one bright night as it was the custom long ago.
When they put the first load on the cart, one man started away with it, and the other remained.
He took out his pipe and started to smoke, the next thing arrived was seven or eight young ladies with fiddles and began to play and dance around him.
This was about twelve o clock at night; he got afraid of his life and lay down on the cock, it was not long until the other man came with the cart, he filled the second load and the other remained and took out his pipe to smoke.
As soon as he cracked the match; this young lady asked him if he had another, the performance took place around him with music and dancing as before; he lifted a layer of the cock and went in under it.
They went up on the cock and started to play and dance so he keft very quiet until the other came again and when he came he said

People from all over come to Lassar, the indulgences are gained from the fifteenth of August to the eighth of September. People long ago used to go to Lassar in their bare feet and do the stations while walking around the well. Then they took a cup or whatever the people were drinking out of. They dipped it three times in the well and took a sip each time. Tobhar Eilbh is much the same as Lassar. But it is situated on the side of the mountain.

There are not many holy wells in this district.
A few of them are.
Lassar Well, Tobhar Eilbh and Saint Brigids Well. St Brigids Well is not visited by the people nowadays. Since a Protestant farmer bought the land the well is on, and stopped the people from going there. They also tried to fill the well with stones and rocks but it could not be done. There is a graveyard over the well which gives its name to the town - land Cill mac Roy. There is a ruin of an old church over the well where the priest used to say Mass in the Penal days. Lassar is still visited by the people.

There were once two girls who were out for a walk in a big field. They came to a big valley, there were ferns growing in it. The place was very calm and quiet.
Suddenly they heard lovely singing, they looked around and saw a little woman. She was sitting among the ferns.
They looked round but when they turned to the place where the little woman was, she was gone.

There is a lake in this parish called Lough na Suil. There is a story about how it came there. It is said that when the battle was in Moytura,Balor of the evil eye got stuck with a spere in the eye. Water started to flow from his eyes and it flowed to a valley and formed the lake which is called Lough na Suil.
A few years ago the lake suddenly dried up there was a hole the spape of an eye in the middle of it. People from all round the country came to see it when it was dry.

There is a lake in this parish called Lough na Suil. There is a story about how it came there. It is said that when the battle was in Moytura,Balor of the evil eye got stuck with a spere in the eye. Water started to flow from his eyes and it flowed to a valley and formed the lake which is called Lough na Suil.
A few years ago the lake suddenly dried up there was a hole the spape of an eye in the middle of it. People from all round the country came to see it when it was dry

was a needle stuck in her head and her mother sent her down to bed and after a while she died, and the old people say, that you should not throw out water without saying "thúgh thúgh uisge sally" and, if you say that, the old people say that if the fairies are in your way. There was a young child and she was out and the day was hot and the child fell asleep and it is said that the fairies came and brought her and there was a horseshoe left in her place until they had done with her and then they left her back and the old people say that if the fairies bring you they will have you when you die and the old people say that when you sneeze you should "God bless us" or the fairies will have you when you die

In former times people did not wear boots till they left school or two years after. Some people never wore shoes in their life. Children at present do not wear boots in Summer.
It is said that when you are throwing out water which you washed your feet with, you should say to the fairies that were supposed to be outside, for fear the dirty water would fall on them
"Thugha Thugha uisge salach."
Boots are made in this district
There are not many shoe - makers in this district. There were far more in former times.
There were far more in former times be besides now because the boots are made in factories.
Clogs are worn in this district. They were also worn in former times. There were no leather tanners in this district.

was a needle stuck in her head and her mother sent her down to bed and after a while she died, and the old people say, that you should not throw out water without saying "thúig thúig uisge sally" and, if you say that, the old people say that if the fairies are in your way. There was a young child and she was out and the day was hot and the child fell asleep and it is said that the fairies came and brought her and there was a horseshoe left in her place until they had done with her and then they left her back and the old people say that if the fairies bring you they will have you when you die and the old people say that when you sneeze you should "God bless us" or the fairies will have you when you die

was a needle stuck in her head and her mother sent her down to bed and after a while she died. and the old people say, that you should not throw out water without saying "thúig thúig uisge sally" and if you say that, the old people say that if it the fairies are in your way. There was a young child and she was out and the day was hot and the child fell asleep and it is said that the fairies came and brought her and there was a horse shoe left in her place until they had done with her and then they left her back and the old people say that if the fairies bring you they will have you when you die and the old people say that when you sneeze you should "God bless us" or the fairies will have you when you die.

There was once a woman long ago and she had two children going to school, and they used to go through a forth and across a stile that was above the forth. One day a fairy woman came to the children's house with a red shawl and she was smoking a clay pipe and she told the children's mother that if the children would not stop going out on that stile that something would happen them. One day the children's father cut a bush and put it on a ditch and the next day it was brought back to where it was cut.
Another story about a little girl that threw out water in the night and the people says that the fairies pass during the night, and the little girl, the old people say she thred the water on the faries white dress and when she came in there

cold and the people thought the cow would die because the weather was so cold, and March went by and the old cow said "Mairtin is gone and I wont die." The first three days of April was as severe as March and it killed the old cow and the old people said that March borrowed three days from April, and the three first days of April are called the "reawog days"

The cures are proformed on Mondays and Thursdays such as the cure for the ring - worm and the cure of the head - feavour and the cure for the dust in the eye. Some people do not like to begin work on Saturday such as knitting; the people say that if you start work on Saturday it will be long and tough.
Most people like to begin work on Monday. The cross is made on the first of February Saint Bridhids day. The days that are looked upon as being lucky for planting potatoes are Mondays. The days the people like to begin planting potatoes are Good - Friday. The story that is about the old cow: - there was once a cow and she was sick all through the year and when March came it was very

and the crows 'caw caw' and the magpies 'gag, gag' and the snipe 'sniff, sniff'.
Thats the sort of speech the birds have.

and the seagulls fly low, and when the crows are hanging around the house it is the sign of rain.
There is a story told about the robin;
Once there were two children whose mother and father died, and they had plenty of money, and then they went to live with their uncle; and the uncle wanted to keep the money and do away with the children, so he brought the children to the middle of the wood, and left them there, and told them he was going fishing, and that he would come back for them; So when he went away, he never returned, the poor children were left there all alone, the uncle did that because he wanted to keep the money and do away with the children; he went home and all his cattle died, and everything he had used to die, and then the two children died.
When the robins saw them, they all gathered around the children and covered them with leaves.
It is said the way the robin got the red breast was, when she saw Our Saviour dying on the cross she went to pull the crown of of thorns off His head, a drop of blood fell from Our Saviour on the robin's breast; thats how the robin got the red breast.
There are tame birds named pigeons, the people say that they can trust them in bringing messages.
The food that bird eats are flies, worms and insects.
The blackbirds say 'cock, cock', and the robins say 'spit, spit'

The birds found in this district are thrushes, robins, wrens, crows, magpies, sparrows, stairs, and blackbirds'.
The blackbirds and thrushes build the same sort of a nest; they build the nest of, hay, sticks, dirt, and feathers.
They build in the bushes.
The robins build their nests in mossy ditches.
They build the nest of moss, sticks, and feathers.
The wrens build their nests in hedges, they build their nest round, and leave a little hole in it, so that they would get into the nest, they build the nest of moss, sticks, and feathers.
The crows and magpies build on a high tree, so that nobody would get up to them.
They build a nest of sticks, and heath.
The stairs and sparrows build in the eaves of the houses, they build it of hay and feathers.
Each bird lays from four to six eggs.
They sit a month on the eggs.
If the boys rob birds nest, the birds will forsake the nest, and if the boys let their breath fall on the eggs, the bird will leave the nest.
Birds give signs of the weather, if the curlews whistle

The birds found in this district are thrushes, robins, wrens, crows, magpies,sparrows, stairs, and blackbirds'.
The blackbirds and thrushes build the same sort of a nest; they build the nest of hay, sticks, dirt, and feathers.
They build in the bushes.
The robins build their nests in mossy ditches.
They build the nest of moss, sticks, and feathers.
The wrens build their nests in hedges, they build their nest round, and leave a little hole in it, so that they would get into the nest, they build the nest of moss, sticks, and feathers.
The crows and magpies build on a high tree, so that nobody would get up to them.
They build a nest of sticks, and heath.
The stairs and sparrows build in the eaves of the houses, they build it of hay and feathers.
Each bird lays from four to six eggs.
They sit a month on the eggs.
If the birds rob birds nest, the birds will forsake the nest, and if the boys let their breath fall on the eggs, the bird will leave the nest.
Birds give signs of the weather, if the curlews whistle

In olden times people always brought their butter to Sligo and sold it in what they called firkins.
This man was going to Sligo walking and carrying his firkin of butter on his back. It so happened that his neighbour was also going with his horse and cart. On seeing his neighbour walking he pulled up and asked him to sit up, the man gladly accepted this invitation and when he was up a while his neighbour noticed that he was still carrying the butter and reminded him to leave it down on the cart but the man said, "it is enough for you to carry me without carrying the butter also."

There was once a man, who would not pay his rent or rates.
At last the landlord came intending to put him out of his house.
When the man saw him coming, he got the blade of a sharp knife and hung it on the latch of the door inside, where it was just over the keyhole.
Then he himself went up and into the cradle in the corner. When the landlord came to the door he knocked and the man said in a childish voice “stick in eingy and isie up tha atch", the landford did as he was told and the knife cut off his finger.
Then the man said in the same voice “now stick in anothy ingy and aisie up the atch” but the landford did not try it again an he never bothered that man ever after.

There was once a man, who would not pay his rent or rates.
At last the landlord came intending to put him out of his house.
When the man saw him coming, he got the blade of a sharp knife and hung it on the latch of the door inside, where it was just over the keyhole.Then he himself went up and into the cradle in the corner. When the landlord came to the door he knocked and the man said in a childish voice “stick in eingy and isie up tha atch", the landford did as he was told and the knife cut off his finger.
Then the man said in the same voice “now stick in anothy ingy and aisie up the atch” but the landford did not try it again an he never bothered that man ever after.

'Blind man's buff' is another game, played with a cloth on a person's eyes ; he follows anyone that like to play
'Wrestling' is another game we play. The way to play it is : - Two boys take each other by the back and try to throw each other; whoever falls first loses the game. Melting lead is done on November night It is done with a large vessel, and two pieces of lead in it, then a boy and girl are named. Then the vessel is put on the fire, the bits of lead hop about in it. If the two pieces of lead hop together the pair are getting married.

The games I play 'are:- 'Bow:- and arrow'.
It is played with a long stick and a piece of string. You have to bend the stick and tie both ends of it. You put a thin stick in the middle, you push the string and the stick shoots out.
'Cock shot' is another game I play. You put some - thing on a bank and try to hit it, standing a certain distance away from it. As many as like can play it. Whoever hits it first wins the game.
Flying kite's is another game that is played. A kite is a piece of paper with a long string rolled round it. You throw the kite up in the air and hold the string.
Another game that is played is "Ghost in the well.' Three or four can play it. One goes to the well, she says there's a ghost in the well." Then each one goes to see - when the last one goes to see - the ghost runs after them all.
Sometimes I go hunting with dogs.

were diciding who ever would fly the highest would be master of the birds, the eagle, which, is said to be the biggest of the birds was flying high, the wren slipped under the eagle's wing when the eagle was the highest of the birds, the wren hopped out of the eagle's wing and said "I am the highest of birds"
The wrens build their nest in hedges. It is round and covered at the top; there is a hole leading into it, they lay five eggs, the nest is made with grass, moss, dead leaves, and lined with hair,; the young are fed on insect.
The robin is another bird found in our district, build in mossy ditches they lay five eggs.
The young are fed on worms, and snails, the nest is round and opened at the top, they sit on the eggs for four weeks.
If boys rob the bird's nests the birds forsake the nests.
If boys blow their breath on the eggs the birds will forsake the nest. The weather can be judged by

The goat is a big thief of an animal, no fence is able to hold a goat, but her milk is very good for tea.
When we call the pig we say 'hursh', when we call the hens we say 'chuck chuck', when we call the turkeys we say 'beib beib'.
When people are setting eggs for hatching they generally set thirteen because they say an odd number is lucky.
When a horse wants to be shod he is brought to the smith's forge ; the smith makes shoes to fit his hoof.

Our farm animals at home are the cows, the horse, and the ass, The names of our cows are Salley and Daisy.
The cowhouse is divided into two parts by a channel.
There are stakes in the cowhouse to which the cows are tied with a spancel.
The cowhouse is called a byre. The cows are tied by the neck. The ties are made of ropes and chains.
They are not home made. The customs connected with milking cows are : - to made the sign of the cross on the cow's leg with the froth of the milk when they are after milking them
Some people put a penny in a can when they are milking a young cow for the first time.

bracks on Hallow Eve.
They used to call Srove Tuesday Pan -cake Night.
The people used to have a prohóg on Easter Sunday.
The people had to fast on one meal a day, during Lent.
The tea was used in the beginning of the eighteenth century
Wooden cups were used, before cups became known these were called noggins

The people used to have two meals a day in olden times.
The meals they used to have were breakfast and dinner.
The breakfast used to be eaten at eight o clock in the morning and the dinner at four o clock in the evening.
The people used to work before breakfast in the morning.
The people used to have oat - meal porridge for the breakfast and for dinner they had potatoes and milk.
Potatoes were not eaten at every meal.
The people used to drink butter milk.
They did not eat off a table, but they ate off a stool in the corner.
The bread that they ate was oaten bread.
It was made from oat - meal.
Meat was not used often.
The meat that they used was the flesh of cattle, such as calves.
The people never ate late at night.
They used to have apples, nuts and barn

the man that own it never knows it
Answer A coffin.
Why do we have to go to bed?
Answer Because the bed wont come to us.
What is it that has an eye and cant see.
Answer. a neddle.

As round as an apple, as flat as a pan, one side a man and the other a woman.
Answer A penny
How many hairs in a dog's tail
Answer. None they are all outside.
What is the shiest thing in the house. Answer A clock.
How many feet has forty sheep a shephard and his dog
Answer. Two feet
What is it that the more you take out off it, the bigger it gets
Answer A hole.
Why does a hen pick the bot
Answer Because she cant lick it.
If rain comes down what goes up
Answer An Umbrella.
A useful useless instrument; once it's bought it's never lent; the man that buys it never owns it

The games I play are "Hide- and-go- Seek."
The way it is played is, one boy goes hiding and the other boys have to seek for him, but more can play it.
Another game I play is jumping and the way it is to be play is;To get a rope about six feet long and a boy to hold each end of it, and whoever jumps the highest wins.
Another game I play is fishing, I have a bamboo fishing rod; first I dig worms and and get my fishing rod and bring it to the lake, I loosen my line off the rod, and put the warm on the hook them, I throw my rod and line to fish. Pole jump is another game we play at school; first we got a rope and sink to poles in the ground and tie each end of the rope to the poles, then we get a pole; we make a hole in the ground, far leaving the pole for fear it would slip:

to keep the butter fresh.
Long ago when there were no creameries to be had, the people used to take half the day churning, and they used to have firkins of butter, and go to the nearest town (Sligo) and sell it there.
The special carpenter they had for making firkins was called Cooper.
The Cooper that did the work in my district was Flynn.

We have a churn at home.
It is a new one we have it only a month.
It cost six shillings. and it's made of wood.
We churn three times at a week
The churn is wide on the bottom and narrow on the - top it is one foot in lenth from the bottom to the narrow spot and the narrow spot is one foot to the top.
The way we get the milk ready for the churning is, first when the cow is milked we put in some of the milk into a basin and keep just what we want for the day, and when the basin is full, it is let thicken, and then the churn is scalded, and cleaned for the churning, then the cream of the milk is taken off, and the cream is put into a churn, and the dash is put in next, and then the cloth is put on the churn, and the dabbler on top of the cloth, and then they begin to churn.
The people churn with their hands.
If a strangers comes in, when they are churning they have to take a dash, or if they don't the would bring away the butter.
When the milk is churned they take the butter off and salt it, when they have it salted, they get the butter spades and fix the butter into a roll and they put cold water on

Marriages most frequently take place during Shrove, that is from Christmas to Ash-Wednesday :
Most people prefer getting married on Mondays or Thursdays as they count them lucky days. May is said to be an unlucky month for people to get married, I dont know of any customs or beliefs connected with Shrove. Matches are sometimes made in my district, and money is given as a dowry to the girl. One of the customs on the wedding day is to throw rice after the wedding couple. The wedding feast is usually held in the bride's home and during the wedding night "straw-boys" sometimes come; they wear suits made of straw and straw hats. They come in and dance with the bride; when they have danced they are offered refreshments which they sometimes take, and then give a cheer for the bride and groom, and then depart quietly. Another of the customs was to have a procession of horses and cars to the Church, and on their way back they would take a long rout for a drive.

There was a hedge school in our district long ago. There was no other name for it only hedge school. It was in a waste house in Cruckmore. In good weather it was outdoors, and in bad weather it was indoors.
Principally male teachers taught in them. The teachers were strange and poor scholars. Often times there was a school carried on in farm houses.
Teachers lodged in the farm houses if they were able to keep them.
The subjects they taught were reading, writing, spellings, and arithmetic.
In the time of the Penal Laws any teacher found teaching Irish to the pupils would be punished according to law.
Irish was taught in opposition to the law. The parchment was made from sheep's skin.
The writing was done with goose quills. The pupils were sitting on the floor or stone or block of wood.
There might be blackboards.
The teacher remained from three or six months or longer in each district.

in the moon comes early in the morning the weather during the period will be good, whereas if the change comes later in the evening the weather will be bad.
If the distant mountains seem near, rain is near, but if they seem far fine weather will follow. If the mist comes down the mountain the weather will be bad, but if it goes up the mountain the weather will be fine.
When the curlew squeaks and the crow flies near the house and the other birds fly low it is a sign of bad weather.
When haymaking the people watch to see if the hay blows up in little whiffs. It it does, the weather will continue to be fine. A sort of haze is also a sign of good weather but if soot falls down the open chimney rain will follow. If there is a fog on the river in the evening the next day will be fine. A purply flame in the fire is a sign of storm.

People of this locality need not wait to hear the weather forecast on the Radio or the newspaper for they can judge the weather by different signs.
In our own house we always watch on November Day to see if the wind blows on the front of the house (which faces south) and if it does, it is a sure sign of a bad weather.
The different actions of domestic animals are observed by the farmer as signs of the weather. If the horses, cows or donkeys stand with their backs to the ditch or tree it is a sign of rain. If the cat sits with her back to the fire or if she scrapes timber it is considered a sign of rain. Another sign of rain is when the dog eats grass.
When the moon has its "horns" or crescent turned up, bad weather will follow If a ring appears around the moon rain will follow. If this ring is far from the moon the rain will come soon, but if the ring is near the rain is far off. If the change

and very few listen to their protestations
This is how the people of the locality make the station: -
I Three Hail Marys are said at the edge of the well.
II In the wood at the east of the well a decade of the Rosary and the Apostle's Creed are said
III The Rosary is continued while going round the parapet at the well (This last is done three times)
IV Three drinks of the blessed water are taken. (What remains in the cup each time must be thrown away and fresh water taken up.)
V The Rosary is finished in the wood at the north of the well and requests are made

neighboring parishes and even by people from far distant places.
Tradition says that originally the well was situated on the top of the hill at the foot of which it now stands.
It is said that a man closed up the well and the it burst up in its present place. The original place is now known as Carraig Diarmuda and is reached by a stiff climb up the hill. A cross has been erected and a railing now encloses the place where the well was. People, when visiting the place take some blessed clay away with them. This clay is supposed to cure sore eyes.
Carraig Diarmuda also commands an excellent view of the surrounding scenery, which is very beautiful indeed and a visit is well rewarded.
Near the well there is a large flag (5' x 3' I would suppose) supported by four upright stones about one foot in height. It is piously believed that a person who suffers from backache will obtain his cure, if, with faith he crawls under the stone, three times.
Some people claim that this custom of making the station at the well is a pagan custom but they are in the minority

neighboring parishes and even by people from far distant places.
Tradition says that originally the well was situated on the top of the hill at the foot of which it now stands.
It is said that a man closed up the well and the it burst up in its present place. The original place is now known as Carraig Diarmuda and is reached by a stiff climb up the hill. A cross has been erected and a railing now encloses the place where the well was. People, when visiting the place take some blessed clay away with them. This clay is supposed to cure sore eyes.
Carraig Diarmuda also commands an excellent view of the surrounding scenery, which is very beautiful indeed and a visit is well rewarded.
Near the well there is a large flag (5' x 3' I would suppose) supported by four upright stones about one foot in height. It is piously believed that a person who suffers from backache will obtain his cure, if, with faith he crawls under the stone, three times.
Some people claim that this custom of making the station at the well is a pagan custom but they are in the minority.

St. Lassar's Well Kilronan, is situated about a mile from my home. If I wish to visit it I can either go by boat across Lough Meelagh or by road.
The well is situated in a little wood near the edge of the lake. It is dedicated to St Lassar who was a sister to St. Eleibh. A holy well dedicated to St. Eleibh is situated in Upper Arigna. The waters are clear and sparkling.
Three steps lead down to the well which is about a yard in diameter. It is surrounded by a sort of parapet and people walk on this parapet when doing the Station.
The Station starts on August 15th and ends on the Sunday within the octave of September 8th. On this day a "Pattern" or local fete is held and people of the locality call that Sunday the "Big Sunday" When the season is over the place around the well, but particulary the ash tree growing over the well is strewn with pieces of ribbon, rags, medals, crosses and such things. These are left by people who wish to obtain cures. In leaving these things they are supposed to leave the disease as well.
It is visited by many people from the

There was an old house in Derralea and it was built with clay and rushes.
The tatch was rushes cut and saved in the fields and the clay was got also in the land. The old houses had always a bed in the kitchen near the back wall.
Long ago they used to have a fire in the middle of the house and they used to take out the stones of the house to let out the smoke.
The people often heard of houses having no chimney nor no floor.
The chimney was made of mortar and stones
They used to have a bed in the corner called a pouch and they used to have curtains hung out-side

People had local cures for ailments formerly.
There is a cure for the pain in the back.
There is a well at Lasser, in Kilronan, there is a stone flag on four pillars about two feet high, and the people to be cured have to go under it three times for the cure pain in the back.
The cure for the chin cough is ferret's leavings.
The people bring milk to the ferret to drink and take it away before he has it all drunk.
Another cure for the chin cough is, to go under an ass foal that nobody rode on.
The family of the seven sons that have no sister in between and the seventh son of the family has the power to cure the ring worm.
The cure of the nettle is, docken juce.
The cure of the momps, is, to cross a river three times
The cure of the jaundice is, the wood of a certain tree boiled in milk, (thats the cure of the jaundice)
The cure for the strain foot is, to wash the foot in potato water.
The cure of the sty in the eye is, to pick ten thorns off the gooseberry bush, and throw away one, and point nine to the sty and throw them away the people who have the sty must point them them nine times.

Oh! Blessed Virgin, Queen of heaven I hope you'll pray for me. You were always good to me and at my trial you'll stand by to intercede for me for fear I should be cast away from your Son no more to see.
Oh! Jesus whose five bleeding wounds were nailed to a tree. My heart and my soul I resign unto thee. Oh! merciful Jesus have mercy on me.
Oh! Holy Mary, mother of god, Queen of charity pray for me now and at now and at the hour of my death that you may not let me die in mortal sin. Oh! Jesus have mercy on me - Amen.

Oh! Blessed Virgin, Queen of heaven I hope you'll pray for me. You were always good to me and at my trial you'll stand by to intercede for me for fear I should be cast away from your Son no more to see.
Oh! Jesus whose five bleeding wounds were nailed to a tree. My heart and my soul I resign unto thee. Oh! merciful Jesus have mercy on me.
Oh! Holy Mary, mother of god, Queen of charity pray for me now and at now and at the hour of my death that you may not let me die in mortal sin. Oh! Jesus have mercy on me - Amen.
Amen

evening the following prayer was recited & is also said now by some people:-
I offer up those three Hail Marys in honour of the Imaculate Conception and purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God.
Oh! Mary, my mother and my hope I take refuge under Thy holy mantle. There I will live and die, diliver me from sin and grant me Thy holy blessing.
(Hail Mary to be said now)
Blessed be the poor, holy and Imaculate Conception of the Blessed. V.M. obtain for me purity of body and sanctity of soul.
(Hail Mary)
Through Thy sacred Virginity and Imaculate Conception, oh! most pure Virgin obtain for me purity of body and sanctity, of soul.
(Hail Mary)
Hail Holy Queen intercede and obtain for me the forgiveness of all my sins Amen. (To be said three times)
Oh gentle Jesus meek and mild look on me Thy own poor child. Pity mine and pity me and suffer me to come to Thee.
Heart of Jesus I adore Thee, heart of Mary I implore Thee. Heart of Joseph, pure and just - in those three hearts I place my trust

The old people of this district long ago were noted to be very religious and they used to be always praising and thanking God for His goodness. I will now give a list of all I know:- if there would be a new moon they used to join hands and say "God give us the light of heaven", (2) if a person came in to a house and would not take tea the woman of the house would address him in Irish and say "Sulc Dé"; (3) when putting down a fire or lighting a candle they used to say "God give us the lights of heaven;" (4) if the people of a house were churning and a person to come in he would have to say "good luck to the work and "God bless your cows"; (5) before meals they used to say "I thank god for His goodness"; (6) when sneezing they used to say God bless us; (7) when a person would be coming in to a house he would say 'God save all here". when dressing in the morning and undressing in the

The old people of this district long ago were noted to be very religious and they used to be always praising and thanking God for His goodness. I will now give a list of all I know:- if there would be a new moon they used to join hands and say "God give us the light of heaven", as if a person came in to a house and would not take tea the woman of the house would address him in Irish and say "Qe, when putting down a fire or lighting a candle they used to say "God give us the lights of heaven" if the people of a house were them and a person is come in he would have to say "Good luck is the work" and "God bless your cows"
before meals they used to say Thank god for this goodness when sneezing they used to say God Bless us when a person would be coming into a house he would say God save all here" When sneezing in the morning and undressing in the

The old people of this district long ago were noted to be very religious and they used to be always praising and thanking God for His goodness. I will now give a list of all I know:- if there would be a new moon they used to join hands and say "God five us the light of heaven", as if a person came in to a house and would not take tea the woman of the house would address him in Irish and say "Qe, when putting down a fire or lighting a candle they used to say "God give us the lights of heaven" if the people of a house were them and a person is come in he would have to say "Good luck is the work" and "God bless your cows"
before meals they used to say Thank god for this goodness when sneezing they used to say God Bless us when a person would be coming into a house he would say God save all here" When sneezing in the morning and undressing in the

The old people of this district long ago were noted to be very religious and they used to be always praising and T
thanking God for His goodness. I will now give a list of all I know:- if there would be a new moon they used to join hands and say "God five us the light of heaven", as if a person came in to a house and would not take tea the woman of the house would address him in Irish and say "Qe, when putting down a fire or lighting a candle they used to say "God give us the lights of heaven" if the people of a house were them and a person is come in he would have to say "Good luck is the work" and "God bless your cows"
before meals they used to say Thank god for this goodness when sneezing they used to say God Bless us when a person would be coming into a house he would say God save all here" When sneezing in the morning and undressing in the

graveyards though they may
be much further distant than
the parish graveyards.

There was an old graveyard in the town
land of Highwood.
The name of it is Kill A Grogaun graveyard.
There is a track of a Catholic Church there.
It is on level ground.
It is not round.
It is not in use.
There is another graveyard in Ballin
Doon and in Kilmactranny, but they are
still used.
There is an old Abbey in Ballin Doon,
and the ruins are still to be seen.
Unbaptized children were not buried in
the graveyards, but they used to be buried very near it.
There is are trees growing in them.
The churchyard has some very old tombs and crosses.
The crosses are made of cement and cut stone
The people are buried within the ruin
in the churchyard.
There are not disured graveyards in the
parish.
Local families still use certain

There was an old graveyard in the town
land of Highwood.
The name of it is Kill A Grogaun graveyard.
There is a track of a Catholic Church there.
It is on level ground.
It is not round.
It is not in use.
There is another graveyard in Ballin
Doo and in Kilmactranny, but they are
still used.
There is an old Abbey in Ballin Doon,
and the ruins are still able to be seen.
Unbaptized children were not buried in
the graveyards, but they were used to be buried very
near it.
There is are trees growing in them.
The churchyard has some very old tombs
and crosses.
The crosses are made of cement and cut stone.
The people are buried within the ruin
in the churchyard.
There are not disused graves in the
parish.
Local families still use certain

me tell a thousant lies, but my delight is to expose, his follies to its greatest foes, all languages I can command, yet not one word I understand, my man my master is my slave, I can give command to kill and save, can grant ten thousand pounds a year, and make a beggar's brat appear, but while my life I thus relate, I only hasten on my fate, my toung is black, my mouth is fraud, I scarcely now can speak a word, I die unpitied and forgot, and out on the doonghill I am thrown to rot?
Answer a quill pen.
Black and white and red all over Answer. A paper. A beautyful lady in a garden lived, her beauty was fair as the sun, in one hour of her life, she became a man's wife, and died before she was born. Answer. Eve. Who was the man, who was born before his father, and died before his mother. Answer. Abel. What can go up the chimney down, but will not go up the chimney up. Answer. An umbrella. White foul featherless, flew from paradise, my lord

me tell a thousant lies, but my delight is to expose, his follies to its greatest foes, all languages I can command, yet not one word I understand, my man my master is my slave, I can give command to kill and save, can grant ten thousand pounds a year, and make a beggar's brat appear, but while my life I thus relate, I only hasten on my fate, my toung is black, my mouth is fraud, I scarcely now can speak a word, I die unpitied and forgot, and out on the doonghill I am thrown to rot?
Answer a quill pen.
Black and white and red all over Answer. A paper. A beautyful lady in a garden lived, her beauty was fair as the sun, in one hour of her life, she became a man's wife, and died before she was born. Answer. Eve. Who was the man, who was born before his father, and dead before his mother. Answer. Abel. What can go up the chimney down, but will not go up the chimney up. Answer. An umbrella. White foul featherless, flew from paradise, my lord

Old SchoolsThere were hedge schools long ago, but the are none left now.
There was a school in Knockmore, and the name of the master was Harry Corken.
The school was in a field.
There was no Irish in those days.
If any of the pupils spoke Irish in front of the master he would slap them.
The teacher used to lodge in the houses.
They used to write with quill pens.
The teachers were paid by the farmers.
The pupils were to have stones for desks.
There were not as much books in those days as there are now.
The teacher used to stay three months in the district.

Old SchoolsThere were hedge schools long ago, but the are none left now.
There was a school in Knockmore, and the name of the master was Harry Corken.
The school was in a field.
There was no Irish in those days.
If any of the pupils spoke Irish in front of the master he would slap them.
The teacher used to lodge in the houses.
They used to write with quill pens.
The teachers were paid by the farmers.
The pupils were to have stones for desks.
There were not as much books in those days as there are now.
The teacher used to stay three months in the district. Mary Jermyn
Knockadrehid
Kilmactranny
BoyleMaterial obtained from
Mrs. McKeon
Knockadrehid,
Kilmactranny,
Boyle.Age 69

The burning of the Kilmactranny Creamery
The Kilmactranny creamery was burned in the year 1921.
Nobody could tell who burned it because it was burned at night.
I wasn't born at that time but I heard the old people say It was a pure mass of ruin.
All the machinery was burned to ashes. It was a great loss to the milk suppliers. The people having to wait some time until it was reconstructed.
It was reconstructed in the year 19-24.
All the books and accounts were destroyed. Shareholders had to send their milk a long way to outside creameries for three years. It is working well since and pays a good price for the milk.

and spray the stalks for fear of the blight.
They get eight pounds of washing and five pounds blue stone and forty gallons of water for spraying the potatoes.
Then they put all into the barrel and steep it for a night.
With this solution they sprinkle the stalks with a spraying machine.

Potatoes are grown on my farm.
There is about a rood of ground sown under potatoes every year.
The farmers prepare the ground for it. The farmers put out the manure and scatter it on the ground, or plough the ground and scatter it in the heart of the ridges.
The potatoes are sown in ridges.
Ploughs are mostly used in our district. Wooden ploughs were used long ago.
There are none of them left now.
Spades are not locally made but are bought in shops.
The women cut the potatoes into pieces called splits.
There are a couple of eyes in each piece.
The local people in our district help one another in planting potatoes. When the stalks begin to come up the farmers cover the stalks with loose clay they get in the furrow.
When the stalks come up the farmers get blue stone and washing soda and water and steep the blue stone and washing soda in the water for a night

the rushes. It was made of iron mounted on a wooden block, it was quite firm and of excellent workmanship.

The old candleholderIn former times a small glass lamp without a glass globe was used. Parrafin oil was used in it. It was very smoky and had to be placed near the fire so that the smoke could mingle and disapear with the smoke of the fire. These lamps are still used by some people and are to be seen in the shops.
We also got what he called his "totum" or a long stick on which he cut a notch for every day he worked. When he worked for more than one person he had a row of notches for each, so that his bookkeeping was kept allright.
He locked his door with a padlock during the day and at night by a stick going rigidly across the door, on the inside made fast with stones or other packing in two holes left for purpose when the house was being built. This stick was called his "muirne lamuinn.

the rushes. It was made of iron mounted on a wooden block, it was quite firm and of excellent workmanship.

The old candleholderIn former times a small glass lamp without a glass globe was used. Parrafin oil was used in it. It was very smoky and had to be placed near the fire so that the smoke could mingle and disapear with the smoke of the fire. These lamps are still used by some people and are to be seen in the shops.
We also got what he called his "totum" or a long stick on which he cut a notch for every day he worked. When he worked for more than one person he had a row of notches for each, so that his bookkeeping was kept alright.
He locked his door with a padlock during the day and at night by a stick going rigidly across the door, on the inside made fast with stones or other packing in two holes left for purpose when the house was being built. This stick was called his "muirne lamuinn.

the rushes. It was made of iron mounted on a wooden block, it was quite firm and of excellent workmanship.

The old candleholderIn former times a small glass lamp without a glass globe was used. Parrafin oil was used in it. It was very smoky and had to be placed near the fire so that the smoke could mingle and disapear with the smoke of the fire. These lamps are still used by some people and are to be seen in the shops.
We also got what he called his "totum" or a long stick on which he cut a notch for every day he worked. When he worked for more than one person he had a row of notches for each, so that his bookkeeping was kept alright.
He locked his door with a padlock during the day and at night by a stick going rigidly across the door, on the inside made fast with stones or other packing in two holes left for purpose when the house was being built. This stick was called his

burried; (6) Kilmactranny which gives its name to the parish (7) Seevictranny where Mac Tranny lived and the following ancient church - named places ; Kiladoon, Kilmacroy, Kilamey, Kiliachter, and Killagroogan. Another place is Hollybrook the residence of the Foliards made famous by the story of Willy Reilly and his Colleen Bawn.
There are some old stories connected with this place principely dealing with ghosts and the best storyteller is James Keanny, Highwood Kilmactranny, Boyle. The old stories dealing with the famous battle of Moytura and the movements of the various colonies who fought for the mastery of Ireland were edited a few years ago by Rev. Father Sharkey C.C. in his book called the "Moytura Record". He is now curate of Maugherow, Sligo. There are no native speakers of Irish here and the stories are all told in English mo bhrón .

burried; (6) Kilmactranny which gives its name to the parish (7) Seevictranny where Mac Tranny lived and the following ancient church - named places ; Kiladoon, Kilmacroy, Kilamey, Kiliachter, and Killagroogan. Another place is Hollybrook the residence of the Foliards made famous by the story of Willy Reilly and his Colleen Bawn.
There are some old stories connected with this place principely dealing with ghosts and the best storyteller is James Keanny, Highwood Kilmactranny, Boyle. The old stories dealing with the famous battle of Moytura and the movements of the various colonies who fought for the mastery of Ireland were edited a few years ago by Rev. Father Sharkey C.C. in his book called the "Moytura Record". He is now curate of Maugherow, Sligo. There are no native speakers of Irish here and the stories are all told in English mo bhrón .Julia Hynes
Highwood
Kilmactranny
Boyle

the whole is thatched with straw or rushes held on by scallops made of light rods.
Eleven families have disappeared. Some just died out and their farms were taken over by the sorrowing neighbours. Many went to America after the famine of 1846.
Our farm was called Hairstown because there was a few families of that name here but all the ruins of the old homesteads have disappeared.
The scenery from here is second to none in Ireland. We can see parts of counties of Sligo Leitrim, Roscommon, Donegal, Cavan and Mayo. The lakes to be seen are Loughs Key, Arrow, Melia, Skean and Derrynachologue. The nearest river is the Feorish which is a tributary of the Shannon. The mountains consist of the Bralieve, the Curlew the Ox, Knocknarea, Ben Gulban, Donegal, Slieve-an-iaran and the Slievebán at Strokestown.
The important places near here are (1) Shancough where St Patric established his first church in Connaught; (2) Dugary, culminating point of Moytura where St Patrick addressed a meeting of pagan nobility; (3) Many Giant's graves including |Balor's which is the only one of triangular shape; (4) See Lughaidh where Lugh of the long hands lived (5) Kilhare where King Eocaidh is

slated structures. There is a front door called the hall door and a back door. The hall door opens in all cases into a hall which was cut out of the kitchen and the back door leads directly into the kitchen. The stairs with one exception are placed facing the front door. The exception is at the back door. There are about six rooms in each house.
The thatched house is a three roomed one and consists of but one storey. The gables are fully built and there are lofts where many odds and ends are kept. In the kitchen there is a niche which is called a pooch and which is used as a sleeping appartment. It is just a part of the side - wall pushed out a few feet. It is lower than the side-wall and its roof is a continuation of that of that of the house itself. The floor of the kitchen is earthern and of the rooms concrete. The roof consists of (1) rafters of bog oak; (2) ribs of same material tied across the rafters with ropes which have long since decayed - five or six each side and one along the top called the "mhaide mulbhaig" (The top of the gable is called the "crow stone") (3) lighter timber called wattles are laid across the ribs and very near each other, black sally is used for these; (4)over these scraws are placed and (5)

holding. There are three Catholic families and two Protestant, but 100 years ago there were nine Protestant and seven Catholic families. That time the farms were only six to nine acres each and the crops were according to J O'Donovan who visited here in September 1837, potatoes, oats and flax. Now the crops are potatoes, oats and an odd patch of turnips.
There is no bog in Dromore nor is it ever recorded was there any, but there is some moorland called the "Curragh" by the oldest inhabitant. But we have free bog near Kilronan Castle which is another part of the estate. Slack-coal or culm is extensively used here for fire. It is got five miles away at the coal pit at nine pence per cwt. It is then thoroughly mixed with tough subsoil called "daub" and made into round balls about three inches in diameter and placed on already kindled fires. It is much improved by a mixture of washing soda in the proportion of one lb to one cwt. of culm.
There are three forts, two within a distance of about 70 yds of each other at the north-east and the other at the south-east and there are placed almost at the highest points of the ridge which is 600 feet above sea-level.
All the houses except one are two storey

Highwood is my home district. In Irish the name is Coill Uachtair or upper wood, but some think it should be Cill Uachtair or upper church. The name Highwood has come to be regarded in modern times as a parish simply because there is a Catholic Church there. The same tendency has taken place in Geevagh, although neither place has any historical authority for claiming to be regarded as such. But I suppose all parishes started out in a similar way long ago and why not now?
I live in the townland of Dromore parish of Kilmactranny, Barony of Tirreril and Co. Sligo.
The townland contains 181 acres and i.e. 36 acres per

house.
The roof of the house was of (i) bog oak rafters and ribs; (ii) wattles of black sally; (iii) "scraws" with the grassy sides out; (iv) thatch of straw or rushes.
The fireplace was at the end of the house and there was no chimney; just merely a hole in the thatch to let out the smoke. There was much smoke as the walls of the house were jet black.
There was only one window of a single pane about twelve inches by eight inches
The fire used was turf got in a bog near by, but often when turf was scarce timber was used - just pieces of timber used in for fencing or old timber got in the bogs when cutting turf. I heard from several that the practice of using slack coal or culm mixed with tough sub - soil "daub" to make briquettes or "balls" as they are called is not older that fifty years.
The light used in olden times by the Noone family was ither, dipped rushes, tallow candles, or pure wood got in the bogs.
We got his ancient candlestick.
It consisted of an ordinary socket for the tallow candles and a clip like a pair of pinchers for

Nearly all the houses in this district are now modern in design in and material, that is, built with stone and mortar or concrete and roofed with slates or tiles.
The real old houses have almost all disappeared but there is one still standing and now used as a cattle - shed. It was owned by a man named James Noone. He died about twenty years ago at the age of about seventy - five years. His house was inhabited for generations by the Noone family and so must have been the oldest house in the district.
It was built of stone and mortar of which materials there is abundance in the neighbourhood. It consisted of a bedroom and a long kitchen. About fifty years ago the kitchen went to ruin and it was roughly divided into a bedroom and kitchen. There was also a sleeping apartment called a "pouch" in the kitchen. It was just a widening out of part of the kitchen and had the appearance of a "lean to" shed on the outside.
Its roof was a continuation of the roof of the

Nearly all the houses in this district are now modern in design in and material, that is, built with stone and mortar or concrete and roofed with slates or tiles.
The real old houses have almost all disappeared but there is one still standing and now used as a cattle - shed. It was owned by a man named James Noone. He died about twenty years ago at the age of about seventy - five years. His house was inhabited for generations by the Noone family and so must have been the oldest house in the district.
It was built of stone and mortar of which materials there is abundance in the neighbourhood. It consisted of a bedroom and a long kitchen. About fifty years ago the kitchen went to ruin and it was roughly divided into a bedroom and kitchen. There was also a sleeping apartment called a "pouch" in the kitchen. It was just a widening out of part of the kitchen and had the appearance of a "lean - to" shed on the outside.
Its roof was a continuation of the roof of the

"Have you forgotten the day I helped to cut & saw the timber and cultivate the 40 square miles. She threw out another grain and again the cock nibbed her. The hen said "You shouldn't do that. Do you remember the day I cleaned the stables for you and got the needle". She threw out another grain and again the cock nibbed the hen. The hen said "You shouldn't do that. Do you remember the day I emptied the well for you and cut off my fingers and toes in order that you might climb down and get the ring and then you lost my ladhaircín on the way up and if you don't believe me there is the hand", pointing to the lady's hand which he held up. Jack then remembered her. He sent the other lady home and before all went he told them of his experiences with the little man and how he got his wife. Jack and his wife were reunited and lived happily ever after.The tale relating to the death of the Mac Sweeney of the North by O'Dowd at [?] [?] [?] and the subsequent nickname on the Mac Sweeneys "[?] [?] [?] [?]" should be "[?] [?] [?] [?]".

are fine". Jack and his wife then set off in peace for Jack's home. When they came to it she would not go in without an invitation. She told Jack to go in and let no one kiss him. Jack went and there was great welcome but the dog jumped up on him & kissed him. He immediately forgot about the girl. Now the steward had three daughters. They were always fighting. The eldest went out to well for water and when she stooped down to lift she saw the reflection of a lovely girl in it. She said to herself what a fool she was wasting her time with her father and two sisters being. She went home, packed up and set off. Now reflection was caused by Jack's wife who was up on a tree over the well. The second sister came out and when she saw the reflection she said the same thing as the first sister, went home, packed up and set off. The third went out for the water and she said the same thing as her two sisters and she also set off. Now Jack's wife came to steward and asked for lodgings. "Well" said the old man "I had three daughters and the three are just after leaving. We had only the one bed for the four of us." "Well" said she "I suppose it will have to do. 'I will go to bed first". She went to bed first and when the old man came up to go to bed she told him to lock the door. When went to close the door she by her magic left him standing at the door for the night. She did something like this to him everynight till she made a shakedown for him. She told no one who she was or where she came from. Jack did not remember her. Some years later Jack was getting married to a local lady. The steward and the strange girl were invited. The wedding breakfast was before the marriage. At the breakfast everyone had to tell a story. When it came to the girl's turn she put her hand under her cloak and threw out a cock of gold and hen of silver. Then she threw out a grain of corn and the hen picked it up but the cock nibbed her. "You shouldn't do that" said the hen

the block of wood and threw it into the bed. The bed immediately smashed it into bits. "Now he will go to bed and sleep and that is what he had in store for us. We will now clear away from the place. We will take the "Steed with the Bells", but we must not let him hear us taking her. There is a big store of wool outside and we will put it under the horses' hooves". They both went out put the wool under the horses' hooves and arrived at the lakeshore without making any noise. They got into the boat (they brought the "Steed with the Bells" with them in the boat) and as soon as she touched it with the white wand it set off for the other side of the lake. When they landed on the other side of the lake they set off on the Steed. After they had travelled many miles inland she told Jack to look and tell her what he saw. "I see a big black cloud" "Well that is my father following me." said she. "What is nearest to him" said she. "A wood" said Jack. Then she took some seeds from her pockets and scattered them on the ground and up sprung a big forest. The little man had to go back and get something to cut the forest and by the time he was through the forest they were many miles. When they had gone many hundred miles more she told Jack to look back. Jack said he was coming again. "What is beside him" said she "A drop of water" said Jack. Then she let a few drops fall on the ground and immediately a big lake sprang up and the little had a job in crossing it. "Now" said she "make for the nearest church. He never passes a Church without going to pray." Jack made for the nearest Church and just beat the little man to it. When she saw the little man going in, she gave Jack a sword and told him to go in and cut the head off him. Jack went in and did the job. When he came out she said "Now we

and toes and make steps of them. He got down alright and lifted the ring. As quick as Jack could climb up the steps and collect the toes the water rose under him just as quickly. Jack got excited when he saw the water rushing after him and forgot to pick up the ladhaircín. She told him to forget about it when Jack turned back to pick it up. When he reached the top he handed her back her fingers and toes minus the ladhaircín and believe it or not the ladhaircín is there to this day in the well. They both went back to the palace. Still the little man would not let him marry his daughter. There was yet another job to be done. He told him that he must clean out a stable 20 miles long and 2 miles wide and find his grandmother's needle in it. He could have the choice of grapes a big one and a small one Jack took the big grape and set off and when he threw out the first grapefull a hundred came in on top of him. His fiancee then came to his aid. She produced a small table fork and threw out a forkfull and immediately the little men got to work. In evening Jack came back to the palace with the needle. "Well" said the little man "I think you are worthy of my daughter after all the work you have done. Tomorrow morning we will have the marriage." Jack was delighted. They were married the next morning and there was great feasting for the whole day. When night came Jack and his bride were shown to their room. In the room Jack noticed a big black block of oak. Jack asked what the block of wood was for. "Well" said she "that bed is full of every kind of witchcraft and my father will not go to bed till he gets a report from it. Wait and you will see what will happen". She took up

first job. "You must cut down that forest in front of the door. It is 40 square miles and by the time sun sets you must have all the wood on it cut and sawed in the sawmills. You must also have it cultivated and have wheat growing. You can have your choice of instruments. a big saw or a small one. a big hatchet and a small one." Jack took the big hatchet and as soon as he struck one blow on a tree ten more grew up round and completely hampered him. Out came the girl who promised to marry him. She took out a small hatchet and no sooner had she one blow hit on a tree than thousands of little men came and began to cut and saw and to plough and sow the seed and by evening all was done. Jack and his fairies sat down and talked and watched the work being done. Jack came in in the evening and asked the father could he marry the girl yet. "No" said the man "you must empty in which my grandmother lost her wedding ring. It is 24 miles deep and you must have it done by evening. You can have your choice of buckets a big one or a small one." Jack set to work next morning with the big bucket. As soon as he threw out the first bucket a hundred more tumbled in. His fiancee came again and said she would help him. She took out a cupán from under her cloak and threw out a cupfull. With that the little men got to work and before long had the well emptied. They could see the ring in the bottom. Jack would have to bring up the ring himself and the only way you bring it up or to get down was to cut off the girl's fingers and toes and make steps of them. She told Jack to collect all when coming up. Jack cut off her fingers

each a fistful of gold. He hid beside the lake. He was not long there when the three daughters in the shape of swans came flying to the lakeshore. As soon as they touched the shore they assumed their natural form. They then undressed took off also the gold crowns and went out bathing. When Jack got them out bathing he stole down to the shore and took the crown of the eldest daughter. When they came in and dressed the eldest found her crown missing. Jack immediately came forward crown in hand. She demanded the crown off him but he refused till she promised to marry him. When she saw Jack would not give back the crown without her promising to marry him, she at last consented to marry him. Jack then handed back the crown and asked her to help him to get to the palace. She gave him a white wand and a rope. She told him to get into a boat that was on the lakeshore and when sitting in it to strike the timber with the white wand and it would bring him to the palace. Then the rope would help him over the wall. Jack did as he was told and soon he was at the palace wall. He threw the rope over the wall and climbed up and over himself. When he jumped down inside who should be before him but the little man. "Well you fulfilled your promise". "I did" said "and hard enough it was too." "Well come in and rest yourself now. You must be tired" said the little man. The little man brought Jack in and gave him plenty to eat and drink. In course of the conversation Jack asked the hand of the eldest daughter in marriage. The little man agreed but he told him he would have to do certain things first. He said he would show him the first in the morning. Next morning Jack asked the little man what was the

on the way just at night fall he knocked at the door of the second old man. He was told to come in and here was an old man and old woman who greeted him by his name. Jack told them where he was going of the man 300 miles back who helped him. "Well" said the old man "all I know is that you are on the right road to the place. My brother who lives 600 miles farther on knows more and by sunset tomorrow evening you will be there".
They prepared a bed for Jack and he slept soundly. Before leaving he gave the old man and woman a fistful of gold each. The old man gave Jack a ball of twine and as quick as he could throw the ball from him he himself would follow it. Jack set off and as quick as he could throw the ball of twine from him he was pulled after it himself. At sunset he arrived at the third man's house and after knocking was told to enter. He found no one in the house except an old man and old woman. They also greeted him by his name. Jack told them his story and of the help he got from the two men further back. "Well" said this man "I am 600 years old and I never saw any man coming back who went in search of that man. However you are beside his palace and grounds. Now every morning that man's three daughters come to bathe in yonder lake. They come in the shape of swans. They always wear their crowns of gold except when bathing and if you can snatch the crown of the eldest daughter you are right. Do not give it back to her until she promises to marry, when she does you can hand it back to her as she is honourable and she will also help you. Next morning Jack set off for lake, but before he left he gave

fine black cattle" said Jack. "Your wish is granted" said the little man.
When Jack went home his father asked him where did all the black cattle come from. "Oh I won them at the alley" said Jack. "Well you will pay for them yet" said his father. Next day Jack went to the alley and the little man was there as soon as him. They played again on the same conditions but this time the little man won. "Well have your wish" said Jack. "I'll give you a year and a day to find out where I live" said the little man and away he went. Jack had no idea where the little man lived but he knew it must be many miles from his father's house. He then decided to begin at once and maybe he might meet someone who would direct him to the place. He had plenty and he knew by distributing it freely he would eventually get somewhere. Next morning he set off and after walking or travelling for months he came to a big forest. He entered the forest and when night began to fall he saw a light some distance off. He set off towards the light and arrived at a cottage. He knocked at the door and was told to come in. When he came in he was greeted by an old man and his wife. They called him by his name. Jack told them where he was going. "Well" said the old man "I am 100 years old and any man I ever saw going to find where the little man lives never came back. However you are on the right road. I myself don't know much but my brother who lives 300 miles farther knows more. Tomorrow evening at sundown you will be there." They prepared a bed for Jack and he slept soundly. Next morning before he left he gave a fistful of gold to the old man and the same to the woman. The old man gave him a pair of slippers which would help him on the way. They certainly did help Jack

One day when the son of a landlord was playing handball in his own private ball alley a little man came to him and asked him for a game. "What will we play for" said Jack the landlord's son. "Whoever wins three out of five games can have a wish on the other" said the little man. Jack agreed and the game began. After much fighting Jack won the first three games. "Well" said the little man "have your wish." "I wish that everytime I put my hand in my pocket I can take up a fistful of sovereign's." said Jack. "Your wish is granted" said the little man and off he went. Jack came home delighted and when he met his father he put his hand in his pocket and took out a fistful of sovereign's. Where did you get them" said his father. "I won them down at the alley" said Jack. "Well you are going to pay for them yet" said his father. Next day Jack went to the alley and the little was there as soon as him and asked him for a game, the conditions being the same as the previous day. Jack agreed and they played away until Jack again won three games out of the five. "Have your wish" said the little man. "I wish that my father's land be stocked with

it for him.
All the rest of story is the same.

ate & drank enough. Then the little dog asked him what he intended to make -The boy told him the whole story about the princess & the ship & how his two brothers had failed. "Well" said the little dog, "I'll go along with you & help you to make it" So they both set off for the wood & at the end of a week the ship was ready.
The rest of the story is the same as that given on Page 117 with this exception - that Hardy A - was not asked to flatten out the King's palace but to flatten a hill instead - The man who was seen eating the turnips was asked to eat all the stone walls round the palace. There was a new man taken into the ship who was not mentioned in the first version - He was found drinking up the water out of a lake - The youngest son was asked to dry up a lake near the palace & this man did

down to eat. The little red dog came as before & asked him for some of the cake. Like the first he said it was little enough for himself. Then he asked him what he was going to make & he said mockingly also "a basket" "Well" said the little dog, "a basket you'll make & a basket you'll have." He, too, returned after a week with nothing but a basket.
Now the third son said he'd try his luck, but he, unlike his brothers, chose the small cake and his mother's blessing. He set off & at mid-day arrived at the same well. He sat down & was just about to eat when the little red dog came up to him & asked him for some of his cake. "Ara, musha, sit down & you can have half of it."
Before the little red dog sat down to eat, he went over to the well, twisted his tail in it & immediately it turned into wine. They then sat down &

with the big cake under his arm. He travelled till mid-day & coming to a well he sat down to eat. He opened the parcel containing the cake & was about to begin when a little red dog came up to him & asked him for a bit - He answered saying "It is small enough for myself" & told him to clear off. Then the little dog asked him what he was going to make & he replied "A cradle"- mockingly. "Well", said the dog "A cradle you'll make & a cradle you'll have." Then he left him & after the boy spending a week in the wood he returned with a cradle.
Seeing that the eldest boy had failed the second boy said he would try his luck -He, when leaving, - was offered his choice of cakes too, with his mothers' curse or blessing & like the eldest he chose the large one with the curse. He set off & at mid-day he arrived at the same well & sat

Long ago a king had one daughter &he promised her in marriage to the man who would make for him a ship that would sail without air or water - Several tried but failed. Near the King's palace lived a farmer who had three sons. Their father told them them they might as well try to make the ship & so win the princess. The eldest said he would try his luck -
The mother made two oat cakes - one large and the other small for him - She asked him which he would with him, the large one with her curse or the small one with her blessing. The son said "Your blessing was never much good - so what ever about your curse I'll have the big one." Then he set off

into his old working clothes. When he had changed he ran into the house and said. "Hello mother, where did you get all the nice bread." He took a glám out of one of the loaves and began to eat it. When he had this done he said to his mother. "Where did you get the nice girl" at the same time catching her and taking a kiss off her. When his mother saw this she got the tongs and beat him out of the house. Then she apologised to the lady telling her that that was her rake of a son and that he cleared away from her years before that and this was his first visit home since. She apologised also for the way he conducted himself. Paddy went out, changed into his new clothes and walked in. When he saw the bite gone out of the loaf he said "You must be very hungry when you couldn't wait". His mother then apologised to him for the way her son conducted himself and the way he treated his wife. Paddy then said "Do you recognise me. Am I not Paddy your rake of a son." His mother then recognised him and when the usual greetings were gone through, they all set off for Paddy's new home and they all lived happily ever after.

into his old working clothes. When he had changed he ran into the house and said. "Hello mother, where did you get all the nice bread." He took a glám out of one of the loaves and began to eat it. When he had this done he said to his mother. "Where did you get the nice girl" at the same time at the same time catching her and taking a kiss off her. When his mother saw this she got the tongs and beat him out of the house. Then she apologised to the lady telling her that that was her rake of a son and that he cleared away from her years before that and this was his first visit home since. She apologised also for the way he conducted himself. Paddy went out, changed into his new clothes and walked in. When he saw the bite gone out of the loaf he said "You must be very hungry when you couldn't wait". His mother then apologised to him for the way her son conducted himself and the way he treated his wife. Paddy then said "Do you recognise me. Am I not Paddy your rake of a son." His mother then recognised him and when the usual greetings were gone through, they all set off for Paddy's new home and they all lived happily ever after.

boy he certainly would not consent to the marriage. She gave him money and told him to dress up as a gentleman and come then and ask her hand. Paddy went off, dressed up like a gentleman and came and asked her hand. The landlord consented and Paddy and the girl were married. One morning after the marriage the landlord took Paddy out for a walk. After they had walked some distance Paddy said to him. "Do you know who I am". "Of course I do" said the landlord "you are my son-in-law" "Do you remember the servant boy you had named Paddy" said Paddy. "Of course I do" said the landlord. "Well I'm Paddy." When the landlord heard this he fell dead on the lawn. Paddy went into the house and told his wife that her father fell dead when he found who married his daughter. The landlord was carried into the house and was afterwards buried. When the landlord was buried Paddy said to his wife "There is one thing I never did. I never went to see my mother for years and I don't know whether she is alive or dead" "Tomorrow morning we will go and see her" said his wife. Next morning both set off in their carriage and four to his mother's house. When they came to the house they stopped the coach and both got out and went in.Paddy was first in. He asked his mother if she could get a drop of tea for them. The old lady got excited and made all sorts of excuses. Paddy then went out to the coach and brought in some loaves of bread and threw them on the bed in the kitchen. Then he said his wife and herself could get the tea. He went out himself when he had said all this and changed

boy he certainly would not consent to the marriage. She gave him money and told him to dress up as a gentleman and come then and ask her hand. Paddy went off, dressed up like a gentleman and came and asked her hand. The landlord consented and Paddy and the girl were married. One morning after the marriage the landlord took Paddy out for a walk. After they had walked some distance Paddy said to him. "Do you know who I am". "Of course I do" said the landlord "you are my son-in-law" "Do you remember the servant boy you had named Paddy" said Paddy. "Of course I do" said the landlord. "Well I'm Paddy." When the landlord heard this he fell dead on the lawn. Paddy went into the house and told his wife that her father fell dead when he found who married his daughter. The landlord was carried into the house and was afterwards buried. When the landlord was buried Paddy said to his wife "There is one thing I never did. I never went to see my mother for years and I don't know whether she is alive or dead" "Tomorrow morning we will go and see her" said his wife. Next morning both set off in their carriage and four to his mother's house. When they came to the house they stopped the coach and both got out and went in.Paddy was first in. He asked his mother if she could get a drop of tea for them. The old lady got excited and made all sorts of excuses. Paddy then went out to the coach and brought in some loaves of bread and threw them on the bed in the kitchen. Then he said his wife and herself could get the tea. He went out himself when he had said all this and changed

Some years ago in a certain landlord's house there was a servant boy named Paddy. The landlord had only one daughter and she was ionphósta. Now Paddy and the girl were very intimate and they used to meet secretly. Another gentleman was accustomed to come the house and the girl's father would be delighted if his daughter would marry him. Whenever he asked her to marry him she always gave some excuse. One evening when both were walking round the grounds Paddy heard the gentleman saying he would meet her the next evening at a certain time. He was to come to her window and whistle and then she would come out. When evening came Paddy put a ladder up to her window & climbed into her room. It was dark and she thought it was the gentleman. Paddy pretended that it was the gentleman that was in it. Soon the gentleman came and whistled. She Paddy who could be outside. "It must be Paddy, what will we do with him" said Paddy. "There is a jug of water there and let him have it." said the girl. Paddy was delighted and didn't ask to spare the gent outside. He took the jug and let him have both water and jug. The gentleman went home disgusted and angry and said after that insult he would never again ask her hand in marriage. Next morning the girl met Paddy and asked him how he felt after last night. Paddy laughed and told her that the wrong Paddy got the water. Then he told her the whole story. She was not disappointed and said it might keep him away. Paddy and herself then decided to get married. They meant to get the landlord's consent. If he knew she was marrying Paddy the servant

Some years ago in a certain landlord's house there was a servant boy named Paddy. The landlord had only one daughter and she was ionphósta. Now Paddy and the girl were very intimate and they used to meet secretly. Another gentleman was accustomed to come the house and the girl's father would be delighted if his daughter would marry him. Whenever he asked her to marry him she always gave some excuse. One evening when both were walking round the grounds Paddy heard the gentleman saying he would meet her the next evening at a certain time. He was to come to her window and whistle and then she would come out. When evening came Paddy put a ladder up to her window & climbed into her room. It was dark and she thought it was the gentleman. Paddy pretended that it was the gentleman that was in it. Soon the gentleman came and whistled. She Paddy who could be outside. "It must be Paddy, what will we do with him" said Paddy. "There is a jug of water there and let him have it.! said the girl. Paddy was delighted and didn't ask to spare the gent outside. He took the jug and let him have both water and jug. The gentleman went home disgusted and angry and said after that insult he would never again ask her hand in marriage. Next morning the girl met Paddy and asked him how he felt after last night. Paddy laughed and told her that the wrong Paddy got the water. Then he told her the whole story. She was not disappointed and said it might keep him away. Paddy and herself then decided to get married. They meant to get the landlord's consent. If he knew she was marrying Paddy the servant

Mike Egan was an only son and as happens in such cases he was petted and pampered. When Mike grew up he took interest in his father's farm and very seldom worked on the farm. One day his father told him to keep the cattle out of the oats. Mike as usual forgot to obey his father's order. The cattle went into the oats and trampled down most of it. When Mike came home his father told him he could pack up and take the road the next morning. Mike packed up and set off next morning. When came he lay down in a flower-garden and fell asleep there. During the night he heard the flowers talking to one another. They spoke of their good points and also of their bad points. Mike heard all this and remembered it never dreaming it would be of use to him again. In the morning he set off again and came to a big city. Outside a big mansion he saw several men standing in a queue. He asked one of them what they were waiting for. He was told that a certain Princess lived in the mansion and she would marry no one but the man who could please her. Mike was in no hurry out of the city and said he would join in the competition. The Princess interviewed each man separately. So far no one had succeeded. While Mike was waiting for his turn to please the Princess he asked one of the many competitors what was the Princess' hobby. "Flowers and games" said the other competitor. Mike now was more confident as he was good at games and only the night before had heard what the flowers said. When his turn had come he saw lying on the steps of the mansion a rose that had been trampled on. Mike picked it up, dusted it and put it in the

name is called do not answer it. When your name is called the third time then you whistle at the Judge. Do not talk to anybody and if you do all this I will do my part." The poor man did as he was told and continued to eat the hot potatoes in court. When his name was called he did not answer but when it was called the third time he whistled at the Judge.
All present were amazed. Then the lawyer stood up and apologised to the Judge for his client's conduct. He told Judge he was only a poor man and he could see for himself what sort of a man he was. He also said that in his opinion he did not get the price of the calf from the three men. The Judge declared in favour of the poor man. He said he could keep the calf and the money.
The poor man went home satisfied. Now the lawyer was to come the next day for the calf and he didn't like to part with the calf. When the lawyer knocked at his door the next day the poor man did not answer him. When he knocked the second time he did not answer but when he knocked the third time the poor man whistled. The lawyer realised that this meant he was not going to get the calf so he shouted in to the poor man."I can blame the day I taught you" and he then set off without the calf. The poor man now had his calf and three times the price of him.

name is called do not answer it. When your name is called the third time then you whistle at the Judge. Do not talk to anybody and if you do all this I will do my part." The poor man did as he was told and continued to eat the hot potatoes in court. When his name was called he did not answer but when it was called the third time he whistled at the Judge.
All present were annoyed. Then the lawyer stood up and apologised to the Judge for his client's conduct. He told Judge he was only a poor man and he could see for himself what sort of a man he was. He also said that in his opinion he did not get the price of the calf from the three men. The Judge declared in favour of the poor man. He said he could keep the calf and the money.
The poor man went home satisfied. Now the lawyer was to come the next day for the calf and he didn't like to part wityh the calf. When the lawyer knocked at his door the next day the poor man did not answer him. When he knocked the second time he did not answer but when he knocked the third time the poor man whistled. The lawyer realised that this meant he was not going to get the calf so he shouted in to the poor man."I can blame the day I taught you" and he then set off without the calf. The poor man now had his calf and three times the price of him.

name is called do not answer it. When your name is called the third time then you whistle at the Judge. Do not talk to anybody and if you do all this I will do m y part." The poor man did as he was told and continued to eat the hot potatoes in court. When his name was called he did not answer but when it was called the third time he whistled at the Judge.
All present were annoyed. Then the lawyer stood up and apologised to the Judge for his client's conduct. He told Judge he was only a poor man and he could see for himself what sort of a man he was. He also said that in his opinion he did not get the price of the calf from the three men. The Judge declared in favour of the poor man. He said he could keep the calf and the money.
The poor man went home satisfied. Now the lawyer was to come the next day for the calf and he didn't like to part wityh the calf. When the lawyer knocked at his door the next day the poor man did not answer him. When he knocked the second time he did not answer but when he knocked the third time the poor man whistled. The lawyer realised that this meant he was not going to get the calf so he shouted in to the poor man."I can blame the day I taught you" and he then set off without the calf. The poor man now had his calf and three times the price of him.

Some years ago there lived a poor man in Rathlee. He had one calf and he wished to sell him as quickly as possible. One day a man came to his house and bought the calf from him. He said he would come the next day for the calf.
Later in the day another came to buy the calf. The poor man sold him the calf and got paid for him. This man also said he would come the next day for the calf. Before night another man came and bought the calf and paid for him. He also said he would return next day for the calf. Now when all three men were gone the poor man did not know what to do. He had now sold the calf to three men and which of them was to get the calf. When he got his hands on the money he didn't care about handing it back to two of them and handing the calf to the third man. Next day all three men came for the calf. The poor man came out to them and told them that as far as he was concerned any of them could have the calf. The three men decided to leave him the calf and sue him for their money. This they did and the poor man got a ticket to appear at Quarterly Sessions in Sligo. On the morning of the trial he set off for Sligo. On the way he met a lawyer. He asked the poor man where he was going. He told him what had happened. The lawyer said he would defend the case and also win the case for him but he would have to promise to give him the calf in return. The poor man agreed and both set off for Sligo. "Now before I can do anything for you, you must act the amadán" said the lawyer. "Tie a straw rope on your hat, your wrists and under your knees. Then have hot potatoes inside your coat and you must eat them in court. When your

Some years ago there lived a poor man in Rathlee. He had one calf and he wished to sell him as quickly as possible. One day a man came to his house and bought the calf from him. He said he would come the next day for the calf. Later in the day another came to buy the calf. The poor man sold him the calf and got paid for him. This man also said he would come the next day for the calf. Before night another man came and bought the calf and paid for him. He also said he would return next day for the calf. Now when all three men were gone the poor man did not know what to do. He had now sold the calf to three men and which of them was to get the calf. When he got his hands on the money he didn't care about handing it back to two of them and handing the calf to the third man. Next day all three men came for the calf. The poor man came out to them and told them that as far as he was concerned any of them could have the calf. The three men decided to leave him the calf and sue him for their money. This they did and the poor man got a ticket to appear at Quarterly Sessions in Sligo. On the morning of the trial he set off for Sligo. On the way he met a lawyer. He asked the poor man where he was going. He told him what had happened. The lawyer said he would defend the case and also win the case for him but he would have to promise to give him the calf in return. The poor man agreed and both set off for Sligo. "Now before I can do anything for you, you must act the amadán" said the lawyer. "Tie a straw rope on your hat, your wrists and under your knees. Then have hot potatoes inside your coat and you must eat them in court. When your

and again the hen picked it up but the cock pecked her. The hen then said "You shouldn't do that. Do you remember the day I helped you to clean out the stable and to find the needle." The dressmaker threw out another grain of wheat and the same thing happened and the hen said "You shouldn't do that. Do you remember the day I helped you to catch the bay mare." The dressmaker threw out a fourth grain of wheat and the same thing happened again and the hen said "You shouldn't do that. Do you remember the day I cut off my ten toes and ten fingers in order that you might get the eagle's eggs and then when coming down you lost my ladhaircín and if you want proof look at the hand." The dressmaker showed her hand to all present and then Johnny realised who the dressmaker was. He stood up went to the dressmaker and kissed her and asked her to marry him. She consented. Johnny then told the girl he was to get married to that she could home that he was going to marry the dressmaker. Before the guests went Johnny told them everything that happened to him from the time he jumped on the eagle's back till the dog kissed. Then Johnny and the girl that came from Tír na n-Óg (dressmaker) were married and lived happily ever after.

the steward when she was not acquainted with Johnny's people. Before Johnny went in home she told him he must not let anyone kiss him or he would immediately forget her. Great was the welcome for Johnny when he entered his own house He told them of his experiences and of the girl who helped him.
He did not let anyone kiss but next morning when he was lacing his shoes the dog kissed him. Then he remembered what the girl told him. He ran out to the steward's house and sure enough the girl had vanished. She was an expert with the needle and her fame spread throughout Ireland. Johnny forgot all about her and years afterwards when he was getting married to another lady he sent an order to this famous dressmaker to make the wedding dress. The dressmaker told the servant that Johnny would have to come for the dress himself. Johnny went for the dress. He did not recognise her. He asked her what was her charge. She said an invitation to the wedding breakfast. Johnny said the dress could not cost less and gave her the invitation. Now in these times the wedding breakfast was held before the wedding ceremony. At the wedding breakfast everyone had to tell a story. When it came to the dressmaker's time she put her hand under her cloak and threw out a "Gold Cock" on the table. Then she put her hand under her cloak a second time and threw out a "silver hen". She then threw out a grain of wheat on the table and the hen picked it up but the cock pecked her. As soon as the cock pecked the hen, the hen said "You should not do that. Do you remember the day I helped you to empty the well and to find the ring." She then threw out another grain of wheat

to waken he daughter three times every night and each time she would have to tell a story to him. Before she left she made three oaten cakes and left them on the hearth. She also took with her three pups of the big hound which belonged to the eagle-man. When the eagle-man called for the first story up jumped one of the oat cakes and told him a story. When he called for the second another of the oat cakes told him a story but when he called for the third story the third oat cake jumped up and said to him "You are a queer man lying there asleep and your daughter gone to Ireland with Johnny." Up jumped the eagle-man in a rage, called for his hound and thrashed the hound for not minding his daughter. Then he sent the hound off to bring back his daughter. When the girl saw the hound coming she threw back to him one of the pups and when he came near again she threw back another and then she threw back the third one. When the hound got back her three pups she turned tail and off for home. No matter what the eagle-man did he could not send the hound off again after his daughter. Now he decided to go himself and he went in a cloud. The girl saw him coming in the cloud. She said to Johnny. "Bad as he is he never passes by a Church without going in to pray. When you find him praying you go in and cut off his head with this sword. Then we will be free to go where we please." It was long till Johnny and the girl passed by a Church. When they saw the eagle-man going in to pray Johnny went in and cut his head off. Now they were at last free. Johnny and the girl set off for Johnny's home. When the girl came to the house she said she would stay with

to waken he daughter three times every night and each time she would have to tell a story to him. Before she left she made three oaten cakes and left them on the hearth. She also took with her three pups of the big hound which belonged to the eagle-man. When the eagle-man called for the first story up jumped one of the oat cakes and told him a story. When he called for another the second of the oat cakes told him a story but when he called for the third story the third oat cake jumped up and said to him "you are a queer man lying there asleep and your daughter gone to Ireland with Johnny." up jumped the eagle-man in a rage, called for his hound and thrashed the hound for not minding his daughter. Then he sent the hound off to bring back his daughter. When the girl saw the hound coming she threw back to him one of the pups and when he came near again she threw back another and then she threw back the third one. When the hound got back her three pups she turned tail and off for home. no matter what the eagle-man did he could not get the hound off again after his daughter. now he decided to go himself and he went in a cloud. The girl saw him coming in the cloud. She said to Johnny. "Bad as he is he never passes by a Church without going in to pray. When you find him praying you go in and cut off his head with this sword. Then we will be free to go where we please." It was long till Johnny and the girl passed by a Church. When they saw the eagle-man going in to pray Johnny went in and cut his head off. Now they were at last free. Johnny and the girl set off for Johnny's home. When the girl came to the house she said she would say with

the field you will find two bridles a new one and an old one and you can have your choice. of them. If you don't bring the bay mare back to me you will lose your head. Next morning he set off to find the bay mare. He took the new bridle with him. As soon as the bay mare saw him he took to her heels and he did not see her till the girl came with the dinner. Again she helped him caught the mare and put the bridle on him. In the evening came home leading the mare. He told the eagle-man how hard it was to catch the mare. All he said was "My blessing to you and my curse on the one who taught you. Tomorrow you must bring home to me the eggs out of the eagle's nest on yonder crag or you lose your head." Next morning Johnny set off to rob the nest. He could not manage to climb the rock and said to himself that he would lose his head. The girl came with his dinner and tried to calm him. She said that this was the hardest yet and the only way to get the eggs was to cut off her ten toes and fingers and use them as the rungs of a ladder but when he was coming to be careful and bring the fingers and toes back or they would both lose their heads. Johnny cut off her fingers and toes and climbed up the cliff, robbed the nest and did not forget to pick up everyone of the fingers and toes, but when he was picking up the ladhaircín to their misfortune it slipped out of his hand and fell from him. When he came down the girl said "Now we must leave the land. We will leave for Ireland. I will catch the bay mare and we will both ride on him." She caught the bay mare and both set off for Ireland. Now it was customary for the eagle man

the dinner. While he was eating she took a small cupán from under her cloak, filled it with the water in the well and threw the water away. Immediately the water began to leave the well and in the bottom Johnny saw the ring. When evening came Johnny took up the ring and set off to find the eagle-man. "Well you found it" said the eagle man "I did" said Johnny "and a hard job it was to empty the well." "Well my blessing to you, and my curse on the one who taught you. Now tomorrow you will have to clean a stable that was never cleaned for seven years and find my grandmother's needle which was lost there. You will find two grapes at the door of the stable and you can have your choice." Next morning Johnny set off for the stable. He took the new grape. As soon as he threw out one práb a hundred more came piling in. This was as bad as the well. Again the girl came with the dinner. Again she found in him in the same despondent mood. She told him to sit down and rest himself. He knew she would help him again. Before she helped him she said to him "I wonder would you do as much for me as I am doing for you". "Why wouldn't I you saved my life yesterday." said Johnny. Then she pulled out a table fork from under her cloak, took a small práb of the manure and threw it out. Soon all the manure had vanished and they could see the needle quite distinctly. In the evening he set off with the needle and when he met the eagle-man he told him what trouble he had in order to get the needle. "Well my blessing to you and my curse on the one who taught you. Tomorrow you must bring home to me a bay mare you will find in a certain field. At the gate of

they might be of use to him. Johnny lay on the eagle's back and away they set. The eagle set off in the direction of the sea. Soon they were out over the ocean. When they were many miles out on sea the eagle told Johnny that he was tired and that he would have to jump down until he rested. Johnny said he would drown if he had to jump down. "No matter" said the eagle "I must rest". Then Johnny thought of the cherries. He took out one and let it drop into the sea. Immediately a big cherry tree sprung up and both rested on it. When they were rested they set off again. By means of the cherries they arrived safely on the eagle's land. The eagle as soon as he touched his native soil changed into a man. "Now" he said to Johnny "there are some hard tasks before you and tomorrow morning we start. My grandmother lost her wedding ring in a well in the grounds and tomorrow you must empty it and get my grandmother's ring. You can have the choice of two buckets, a new one and an old one". Next morning Johnny took the new bucket and set out to look for the ring. When he took one bucket out of the well about a hundreds tons of water poured into it. He took another bucket out of it and the same thing happened. He sat down wondering what he would do. The eagle-man told him if he did not bring home the ring he would lose his head. While he was thinking of what would happen to him in the evening, the eagle-man's daughter came to him with his dinner. She told him to sit down and rest. "What good is it when I will lose my head in the evening." "Sit down anyway and we will see about the well." said the girl. Johnny sat down to eat

Long ago it was the custom in all landlord's houses to shake whatever fell on the tablecloth outside the front door. This the birds ate and sometimes a daring rat came to lunch on the remains. At a certain landlord's house a rat and a robin came to feed on the crumbs. They quarrelled over the division of the spoils and the rat became so enraged that he speaking on behalf of his brother rats challenged the birds of the air to a battle in a certain field at a certain time. When the day for the battle came Johnny the heir to the estates on which the battle was to be fought said to his grandmother he was going to see what would be the result. When he reached the appointed place he found all the birds of the air except an eagle lying dead on the field of battle. The one remaining survivor had a wing broken. Johnny took pity on him and brought him home. He put him into a barn of wheat and in the morning when Johnny came to me how he was, he found the barn empty. The eagle had devoured all the wheat. The eagle was now whole again and the wing had recovered. He now asked Johnny to come with him on his back to his country and he would show him some high life. Johnny told his grandmother of the invitation he had received from the eagle.
"Well" said the grandmother "it may be dangerous to go and it may not. However it will do you no harm." Johnny told the eagle he would accept the invitation. Before Johnny and the eagle left the grandmother gave Johnny three cherries and said that

sheet. When he had pulled the sheet from under the woman he rolled it up, hopped out of the bed and away. Five minutes later the landlord came in after burying the corpse. He was cold and told his wife he was. She asked him what made him cold and only leaving the bed five minutes earlier. Now the landlord realised that Jack had codded him again. He looked for the sheet and sure enough it was gone. He told his wife the sheet was gone. She said they would be shamed if the people heard of the incident and the only way out of the mess was to sell out. The landlord put up the place for sale and Jack bought it. He brought his mother and live there and they lived happily ever after.

sheet. When he had pulled the sheet from under the woman he rolled it up, hopped out of the bed and away. Five minutes later the landlord came in after burying the corpse. He was cold and told his wife he was. She asked him what made him cold and only leaving the bed five minutes earlier. Now the landlord realised that Jack had codded him again. He looked for the sheet and sure enough it was gone. He told his wife the sheet was gone. She said they would be shamed if the people heard of the incident and the only way out of the mess was to sell out. The landlord put up the place for sale and jack bought it. He brought his mother and live there and they lived happily ever after.

mare and set off home. Next morning the old man told the landlord that he had now three horses at home and that they would soon starve. When he got up that morning they had half of the thatch off the house eaten. "Well we will see if he knows his trade. He took the mare alright. Tonight if he is able to steal the sheet from under my wife and I, he has his trade well off."
The old man told Jack what he was to do and Jack immediately set to work. As soon as night came he dug up a corpse that had been buried that day. He carried it as far as the landlord's house. Opposite the window and very close to it, where the landlord slept was a big tree. Jack hung the corpse from the tree so that the face of the corpse was almost touching the window. The landlord had the gun loaded and meant to shoot Jack at night. When the landlord saw the figure outside the window he took up the gun and fired at it before his wife could stop him. As soon as the landlord fired Jack let the corpse drop. The landlord now jumped out of bed, put on his clothes and told his wife he was going out to bury Jack as he might be taken up for murder. He went out, put the corpse on his shoulder and set off to bury it. When Jack got him gone he went into the house and up to the room where the landlord's wife was in bed. He jumped into bed beside her saying that it was raining and that he thought he might as well wait in bed for a while until it stopped raining. All the time he pretended he was the landlord. He began to crush the landlord's wife into the wall and all the time he was pulling the

place and he set off for it. When he reached their hut he went to the window and looked in. He saw the robbers dividing the money. When they saw the queer monster at the window they were scared and thought it was the devil. They cleared out of the hut without waiting to bring the money with them. When they were gone Jack went in to the hut, collected the money, took their two horses and set off for home. He arrived home with the two horses and the money. There was great welcome for him and his father thought he must have learned his trade when he arrived home with so much money and two fine horses. Next day he told the landlord Jack was back and that he had two horses the like of which were never seen in the district. "Has he his trade off" said the landlord. "He tells me he has" said the old man. "Well tomorrow we'll see if he has trade off. If he is able to steal the red mare out of the stable with two guards on the door he has his trade off. "But that is impossible" said the old man. "Well if he has his trade off he will" said the landlord. Jack appeared in the gentleman's yard disguised and pretending he was drunk. He had two quarts of whiskey in his pocket. He approached the guards on the door of the stable and reeled into the stable, tripped and fell and lay there as if asleep. The two guards thought he might have some whiskey on him. When they heard him snoring they searched him, found the two quarts of whiskey and helped themselves to some of whiskey. Before long they had demolished the two quarts and as was natural became intoxicated. When Jack saw that they were well drunk he jumped up, put the bridle on

place and he set off for it. When he reached their hut he went to the window and looked in. He saw the robbers dividing the money. When they saw the queer monster at the window they were scared and thought it was the devil. They cleared out of the hut without waiting to bring the money with them. When they were gone Jack went in to the hut, collected the money, took their two horses and set off for home. He arrived home with the two horses and the money. There was great welcome for him and his father thought he must have learned his trade when he arrived home with so much money and two fine horses. Next day he told the landlord Jack was back and that he had two horses the like of which were never seen in the district. "Has he his trade off" said the landlord. "He tells me he has" said the old man. "Well tomorrow we'll see if he has trade off. If he is able to steal the red mare out of the stable with two guards on the door he has his trade off. "But that is impossible" said the old man. "Well if he has his trade off he will" said the landlord. Jack appeared in the gentleman's yard disguised and pretending he was drunk. He had two quarts of whiskey in his pocket. He approached the guards on the door of the stable and reeled into the stable, tripped and fell and lay there as if asleep. The guards thought he might have some whiskey on him. When they heard him snoring they searched him, found the two quarts of whiskey and helped themselves to some of whiskey. Before long they had demolished the two quarts and as was natural became intoxicated. When Jack saw that they were well drunk he jumped up, put the bridle on

him" said the old man. "Maybe he might suit us. Would you apprentice him to us." The old man agreed and Jack was apprenticed to the two men for a year and a day. The old man set off home and Jack went with the two men. It turned out that the two men were robbers and that they were going to rob a certain house that very night. Jack was to help in the robbery. They decided to let Jack down the chimney by a rope and he was to put everything valuable he found in a bag they threw down to him. They let Jack down the chimney by a rope and he was given a bag also. When Jack had placed everything he could find in the bag he tied it to the rope and the two robbers pulled it up. They were to let down the rope to bring up Jack but when they had the bag of valuables they forgot about Jack. Now he was inside and could not get out without wakening someone. "As long as I was going I'm in the "hat" at last" said Jack to himself. He looked round the house and at the back door of the kitchen he saw the skin of a bullock. Immediately he thought of a plan. He picked up the skin and put it on him. There were two horns on the skin. Then he began to break everything round and kicked up a terrible racket. The owner of the house got up and came downstairs to see what was all the noise about. When the queer shape in the kitchen he nearly fainted but Jack said to him "Don't be afraid, all the damage is done now. All you have to do is to open the door and let me out." The door was delighted to get rid of the monster so easily. He opened the door and Jack left. Now Jack decided to play a trick on the robbers. He knew where they had their hiding

him" said the old man. "Maybe he might suit us." The old man agreed and Jack was apprenticed to the two men for a year and a day. The old man set off home and Jack went with the two men. It turned out that the two men were robbers and that they were going to rob a certain house that very night. Jack was to help in the robbery. They decided to let Jack down the chimney by a rope and he was to put everything valuable he found in a bag they threw down to him. They let Jack down the chimney by a rope and he was given a bag also. When Jack had placed everything he could find in the bag he tied it to the rope and the two robbers pulled it up. They were to let down the rope to bring up Jack but when they had the bag of valuables they forgot about Jack. Now he was inside and could not get out without wakening someone. "As long as I was going I'm in the "hat" at last" said Jack to himself. He looked round the house and at the back door of the kitchen he saw the skin of a bullock. Immediately he thought of a plan. He picked up the skin and put it on him. There were two horns on the skin. Then he began to break everything round and kicked up a terrible racket. The owner of the house got up and came downstairs to see what was all the noise about. When the queer shape in the kitchen he nearly fainted but Jack said to him "Don't be afraid, all the damage is done now. All you have to do is to open the door and let me out." The door was delighted to get rid of the monster so easily. He opened the door and Jack left. Now Jack decided to play a trick on the robbers. He knew where they had their hiding

Once upon a time there lived an old man and his wife who had only one son named Jack. The old man worked with the landlord of the place. Jack was accustomed to visit the landlord's house and stole from it anything he could lay his hands on. The landlord told the old man on different occasion's that he had better do something with his scamp of a son. He said he would have to send Jack to jail a thing he did not like to do but if he was left at home he would have the landlord robbed. Yet the old man made no attempt to send Jack away and he continued in his evil ways. At last the landlord gave the old man a final warning. The old man was grief stricken when he heard that Jack would have to leave. He pleaded with the landlord saying that he was the only comfort his wife and himself had and to give him another chance. The landlord refused to leave him at home any longer and told the old man to apprentice Jack to some trade. "But what trade do you think he is best suited for" said the old man. "The trade he knows best" said the landlord. "And do you think is it a good trade" said the simple old man. "It is if he knows it well" said the landlord. The old man went home that evening and told Jack he would have to find a master for him. Jack did not refuse to leave. so next morning Jack and his father set off to find a master. They walked all day without success and as night began to fall they met two men riding on horses. "Good evening old man, where are you going with the young fellow" said the two men. "To find a master for

young girl and her lover were condemned for the murder of the old man and his companions were let go free. They arrived in Ireland without any further incident. He went home, pushed in the wicker door and sat at the fire. Opposite him in the kitchen bed was his wife and some man with a moustache lying asleep on the outside of the bed. He became enraged and was about to go for the spade and knock out the brains of the man who was sleeping with his wife. However he thought of the third advice. He sat down, filled his pipe and began to smoke it. He had it only half smoked when the man in the bed woke up and said to the woman inside him. "Mother that is surely my father sitting at the fire". They got up and welcomed him home even though he only brought them a loaf of bread. He told them to put down the kettle and wet the tea. When the tea was poured and all sitting round the table he produced the loaf and ran the knife through it. As soon as he cut the loaf in two out came a stream of sovereigns. All the money he earned while with the English farmer was baked in the loaf.
From that day the whole family never saw a poor day and they lived peaceably ever after.

young girl and her lover were condemned for the murder of the old man and his companions were let go free. They arrived in Ireland without any further incident. He went home, pushed in the wicker door and sat at the fire. Opposite him in the kitchen bed was his wife and some man with a moustache lying asleep on the outside of the bed. He became enraged and was about to go for the spade and knock out the brains of the man who was sleeping with his wife. However he thought of the third advice. He sat down, filled his pipe and began to smoke it. He had it only half smoked when the man in the bed woke up and said to the woman inside him. "Mother that is surely my father sitting at the fire". They got up and welcomed him home even though he only brought them a loaf of bread. He told them to put down the kettle and wet the tea. When the tea was poured and all sitting round the table he produced the loaf and ran the knife through it. As soon as he cut the loaf in two out came a stream of sovereigns. All the money he earned while with the English farmer was baked in the loaf.
From that day the whole family never saw a poor day and they lived peacably ever after.

with three other men who were also going to Ireland. The four came to a short cut and the three men said they would take it. The other man thought of the advice he got and said he would take the road. It happened that the three men were robbed while taking the nearcut and the other man escaped safely. When night began to fall they asked for lodgings at a certain house. There was no one in the house but an old man and young girl. When the man who got the advices got a chance he approached the old man and asked him was the young girl his daughter. "Not at all, she is my wife and sorry I am I ever married her" said the old man. When he heard that he thought of the second advice he got. He left the house and lay down under a stack of straw in the garden. He was not long there till the young girl and another young man came to the same stack and began to talk of murdering the old man. When he heard that he cut a piece out of the coats of each of the pair with his knife. Next morning when he woke he heard terrible commotion roundabout him. He enquired what was wrong and found that the old man had been killed during the night and his three companions had been arrested for the murder and were on trial. He hastened to the court when he heard all this. When he reached the courtroom his companions were nearly sentenced for the murder. He approached the judge, produced the two pieces of cloth he cut the night before. He told the judge where & how he got the cloth and the people who were chatting at the stack of straw and what they said. This was enough. The

One day a man had a row with his wife and he decided to leave for England. When he arrived in England he got work with a farmer and worked for years with him. During all this time the farmer never paid him. He gave him enough to smoke and a few suits of clothes. The man seemed contented and never asked for his wages or never talked of any of his relatives in Ireland.
One day his master asked him if he had any relatives in Ireland. "I have a wife and children but I had a row with my wife and that is why I came over here" said the man. "Would you not like to go back and see them" said his master. "I would not mind" said the man. "Well tomorrow you start for Ireland. I suppose you realise that you received no wages from me for all the years you worked with me. Which will you have now your money or three advices". The man was rather simple and said he would have the three advices. "Well the first advice is you must never take a nearcut when you can go by the road. Next advice never sleep in a house where an old man is married to a young woman. Last but not least when you are in a temper and about to do something you might be sorry for afterwards, sit down, fill your pipe and smoke it and if the rage is not gone by the time you have the pipe smoked then you can do what you were about to do before you filled the pipe. Now here is a loaf of bread and you must promise me that you will not eat any of it till you arrive home." The man agreed to carry out all these things. Next morning he set off for Ireland. On the way he fell in

One day a man had a row with his wife and he decided to leave for England. When he arrived in England he got work with a farmer and worked for years with him. During all this time the farmer never paid him. He gave him enough to smoke and a few suits of clothes. The man seemed contented and never asked for his wages or never talked of any of his relatives in Ireland.
One day his master asked him if he had any relatives in Ireland. "I have a wife and children but I had a row with my wife and that is why I came over here" said the man. "Would you not like to go back and see them" said his master. "I would not mind" said the man. "Well tomorrow you start for Ireland. I suppose you realised that you received no wages from me after all the years you worked with me. Which will you have now your money or three advices". The man was rather simple and said he would have the three advices. "Well the first advice is you must never take a nearcut when you can go by the road. Next advice never sleep in a house where an old man is married to a young woman. Last but not least when you are in a temper and about to do something you might be sorry for afterwards, sit down, fill your pipe and smoke it and if the rage is not gone by the time you have the pipe smoked then you can do what you were about to do before you filled the pipe. Now here is a loaf of bread and you must promise me that you will not eat any of it till you arrive home." The men agreed to carry out all these things. Next morning he set off for Ireland. On the way he fell in

and I seemed to have the softest a- so he cut a scalp off it, went down and fried it and ate it and if you don't believe me take a look for yourself." "That is a good story and the young fellow can go free. What is more I am the man you saved. Look where you cut off my ladhaircín" said the Knight of Glin " and you are the Black Thief of Sloe. Tomorrow morning you can have the steed with the bells." The four of them feasted all night and in the morning the three set off on the Steed with the Bells, for their home. When their wicked old stepmother saw them coming she fell down off the tower and broke her neck. Their father (the King) and the two boys lived happily ever after.

blow had scarcely reached the tree when the cock crew and the man was saved." "That is a good story and I will let the elder brother go free. This is a fine young fellow and if you can tell me another good story I will let him go free also." said the Knight. 'Well one day when I was on the tramp I called into a Giant's palace. Luckily enough the Giant was out. The wife of the Giant was crying. I approached and asked her what was wrong. She told me that the Giant had ordered a fine plump little baby she was nursing on her lap for his dinner. I told her not to grieve anymore as I would fix the pie for the Giant. I went our to the woods, killed a fine young hog, brought it back and told the Giant's wife to cook it. Now I said if the Giant complains and said it is hog you stick your finger in the pie and pull up the ladhaircín of the baby. I cut off the ladhaircín of the baby and put it in the pie. Not long after we heard the Giant approaching. She told me to go upstairs and lie naked in the room where all the other corpses were. I went upstairs, stripped off and lay down naked on the ground with the others. The Giant came in roaring, called for the pie and as soon as he tasted it he said it was hog. The wife said it was the pie he ordered and to prove it was she dipped her finger in the pie and pulled up the finger of the baby. Then he was satisfied and mopped up the pie. When he had finished the pie he still was hungry and up he goes to the "Corpse Room" knife and fork in hand. He went round on all the corpses

till we return and your food will be what is blown to you by the wind from the sheaves of oats and wheat nearby. Next morning the two brothers set off in quest of the steed with the bells. They did not know where the Knight of Glin lived but still they kept on hoping to meet someone who could direct them on their way. One day while on their travels they met a man. In the course of conversation they told him what they were looking for and of their wicked old stepmother. "Well I have tried myself for the same animal. As soon as you approach the place the bells begin to ring and you are immediately hauled before the Knight who either orders you to be burned or hanged. However I will go back with you and we will all try our luck."
"Now we know where we are going" said one of the brothers. They arrived in the evening to the Knight of Glin's desmesne and decided to try their luck that night. When they approached the house where the steed was the bells began to ring and immediately they were hauled before the Knight. (The who who accompanied the two boys was The Black Thief of Sloe). The Knight ordered the furnace to be heated for the elder of the brothers and said it would devour him inside five minutes. "Well I saw one who was nearer to death than five minutes and he is still alive" said the Black Thief. "One night a witch followed a certain man. He fled from her and climbed up a tree. She shouted to him several times to come down but he refused. When he refused to come down she drew her sword and struck a blow on the tree but the

Long ago there lived a King who had two sons. Their mother died and their father married again. Now their stepmother was a very cruel and wicked woman and hated her stepchildren. She thought that they were an obstacle to her happiness. She would like to banish them from the palace but she was afraid of her husband the King. However she thought of a plan which if successful would end in the banishment of the two boys. One day she invited them to a game of cards. The eldest sat down to play with her and before they began the eldest son asked her what they would play for. "Whoever wins can have a wish on the other which will be binding." said the stepmother. Both of the boys agreed. She beat the eldest son at the game. When the younger brother saw his elder brother beaten he said to his stepmother "My brother and I were always on great terms and wherever one goes the other goes also so you might as well play with me now." The younger brother and the stepmother played and this time the stepmother lost to the younger brother. When the game was over the younger brother said to his stepmother, "You have your wish now on my elder brother. The stepmother began and said. "You must bring back to me the "steed with the bells" owned by the Knight of Glin and until you find the steed with the bells you may not rest two nights in the same house." "Well it is my turn now" said the younger brother. "First of all, I accompany my brother wherever he goes and you will sit in yonder tower (pointing to the one he meant)

Long ago there lived a King who had two sons. Their mother dies and their father married again. Now their stepmother was a very cruel and wicked woman and hated her stepchildren. She thought that they were an obstacle to her happiness. She would like to banish them from the palace but she was afraid of her husband the King. However she thought of a plan which if successful would end in the banishment of the two boys. One day she invited them to a game of cards. The eldest sat down to play with her and before they began the eldest son asked her what they would play for. "Whoever wins can have a wish on the other which will be binding." said the stepmother. Both of the boys agreed. She beat the eldest son at the game. When the younger brother saw his elder brother beaten he said to his stepmother "My brother and I were always on great terms and wherever one goes the other goes also so you might as well play with me now." The younger brother and the stepmother played and this time the stepmother lost to the younger brother. When the game was over the younger brother said to his stepmother , "You have your wish now on my elder brother. The stepmother began and said "You must bring back to the "steed with the bells" owned by the Knight of Glin and until you find the steed with the bells you may not rest two nights in the same house." "Well it is my turn now" said the younger brother. "First of all, I accompany my brother wherever he goes and you will sit in yonder tower (pointing to the one he meant)

a red coal in it, faced towards the loft & shouted - "The iron is blessed & the coal is blessed & come on now". The potato throwing stopped & Máirtín was left undisturbed till morning. He told of the incident to Micky & the wife when they came home & very soon the news spread all round the district how Máirtín had cowed the ghost. P.S.
Later on the ghost was confined to the room beneath the loft by Father Lohan P.P. Keash.

a red coal in it, faced towards the loft & shouted - "The iron is blessed& the coal is blessed & come on now". The potato throwing stopped & Máirtín was left undisturbed till morning. He told of the incident to Micky & the wife when they came home & very soon the news spread all round the district how Máirtín had cowed the ghost. P.S.
Later on the ghost was confined to the room beneath the loft by Father Lohan P.P. Keash.

plenty to eat, plenty to drink and a good fire. They readily agreed to these conditions. Now, at the end of the house, as was customary at the time, was an open loft over a room. & on this loft potatoes were stored - as was the custom at the time.
Micky & his wife went off to the wedding. Máirtín ate & drank & was quite satisfied. All went well until about ten or eleven o'clock at night. Máirtín sat on a stool in front of a blazing fire smoking his pipe - All was still & quiet - Without noise or warning of any sort Máirtín was hit on the back of the head with a potato that seemed to come from the loft behind him. He did not heed this - but in a minute or so another came & hit him - He turned round on the stool, faced the loft & said "Stop that there." Then a shower of potatoes came down on him & hit him on all sides. Máirtín jumped up, seized the tongs - took

plenty to eat, plenty to drink and a good fire. They readily agreed to these conditions. Now, at the end of the house, as was customary at the time, was an open loft over a room. & on this loft potatoes were stored - as was the custom at the time.
Micky & his wife went off to the wedding. Máirtín ate & drank & was quite satisfied. All went well until about ten or eleven o'clock at night. Máirtín sat on a stool in front of a blazing fire smoking a pipe - All was still & quiet - Without noise or warning of any sort Máirtín was hit on the back of the head with a potato that seemed to come from the loft behind him. He did not heed this - but in a minute or so another came & hit him - He turned round on the stool, faced the loft & said "Stop that there." Then a shower of potatoes came down on him & hit him on all sides. Máirtín jumped up, seized the tongs - took

plenty to eat, plenty to drink and a good fire. They readily agreed to these conditions. Now, at the end of the house, as was customary at the time, was an open loft over a room. & on this loft potatoes were stored - as was the custom at the time.
Micky & his wife went off to the wedding. Máirtín ate & drank & was quite satisfied. All went well until about ten or eleven o'clock at night. Máirtín sat on a stool in front of a blazing fire smoking a pipe - All was still & quiet - Without noise or warning of any sort Máirtín was hit on the back of the head with a potato that seemed to come from the loft behind him. He did not heed this - but in a minute or so another came & hit him - He turned round on the stool, faced the loft & said "Stop that there." Then a shower of potatoes came down on him & hit him on all sides. Máirtín jumped up, seized the tongs - took
all

was called and when he came with her to the house - everything was there undisturbed & no noise was to be heard. This and several similar incidents occurred for months. One night about twenty neighbours were visiting in the house and all lost the power of speech for twenty minutes - They could look and see each other but could neither speak nor move.
Micky Walsh and his wife were invited one night to a wedding - They were very anxious to go but could get no one to mind the house as all the neighbours had heard about the presence of the ghost in the house. On the day of the wedding who should come in to them but 'a shuler' called Máirtín Devaney. Mairtín, was a leath-phléice & was a customary visitor in that district. Micky & the wife asked him if he would the house that night while they were at the wedding - He agreed on condition that they gave him

About sixty years ago there lived in the townland Greenán, Keash Ballymote, a man named Tommy Walsh. He had a son who was to inherit "the place". Now this son was very friendly with a neighbouring girl named Ellen Cryan. Tommy disapproved of the alliance & said that if Micky, the son, married Ellen Cryan his ghost would return and haunt him. Sure enough he kept his word. When Tommy died Micky married Ellen. The ghost manifested his presence in many ways - a usual way was - when the young Mrs. Walsh was alone in the house in the evening - about four or five o'clock usually - she heard terrible noise as if the dresser & all that was on it was smashed on the floor. The young woman used to run for help to her next door neighbour, Big Michael, as he

About sixty years ago there lived in the townland Greenán, Keash Ballymote, a man named Tommy Walsh. He had a son who was to inherit "the place". Now this son was very friendly with a neighbouring girl named Ellen Cryan. Tommy disapproved of the alliance & said that if Micky, the son, married Ellen Cryan his ghost would return and haunt him. Sure enough he kept his word. When Tommy died Micky married Ellen. The ghost manifested his presence in many ways - a usual wat was - when the young Mrs. Walsh was alone in the house in the evening - about four or five o'clock usually - she heard terrible noise as if the dresser & all that was on it was smashed on the floor. The young woman used to run for help to her next door neighbour, Big Michael, as he

thought it was Jack Neary's ghost that was coming down the road. When Jack saw the people running in front of him he thought it was late and said to himself that these people were running to be in time. Then Jack began to run. When he reached the Church the people ran in one door and out the other. However the priest heard the commotion. He came out and questioned Jack. Jack told him what happened to him. Now what was to happen the man that married Jack's wife when she thought Jack was dead. The priest settled it and said that the second husband would have to leave and Jack and his lawful wife were united again and they lived happily ever after.

thought it was Jack Neary's ghost that was coming down the road. When Jack saw the people running in front of him he thought it was late and said to himself that these were running to be in time. The Jack began to run. When he reached the Church the people ran in one door and out the other. However the priest heard the commotion. He came out and questioned Jack. Jack told him what happened to him. Now what was to happen the man that married Jack's wife when she thought Jack was dead. The priest settled it and said that the second husband would have to leave and Jack and his lawful wife were united again and they lived happily ever after

In the townland of Farranmacfarrell there lived a man named Jack Neary. He was married but there were no children. One day Jack set off for Sligo to sell barley. He had the barley in bags each of which could hold about two hundred weight. On the way to Sligo several small little men came out on the road before him and asked him where he was going. Jack told them he was going to Sligo to sell barley. They then asked him if he would sell the barley to them. Jack said he would and the bargain was made. On one side of the road was a big granary. The little men carried in the bags of barley to the granary and while they were bringing it in Jack sat down in the granary and lit his pipe. Soon he fell asleep and slept for seven years. The fairies sent home the horse and cart to his wife and told her that Jack was dead and buried. While Jack was sleeping in the granary his wife believing he was dead married again. When Jack woke after his seven year's sleep he asked one of the fairies did he sleep long. "A couple of hours" said one of them. Jack then set off home and when he arrived home he knocked at the door but would not be allowed in. When he would not be allowed in he said I will go out into the field and surely the horse will know me. When the horse saw him he ran away from him. Well it was Saturday night and Jack was always a good man to attend Mass. He slept in the pigsty for the night and in the morning set off for Mass. When the people saw him coming they began to run away from him. They

In the townland of Farranmacfarrell there lived a man named Jack Neary. He was married but there were no children. One day Jack set off for Sligo to sell barley. He had the barley in bags each of which could hold about two hundred weight. On the way to Sligo several small little men came out on the road before him and asked him where he was going. Jack told them he was going to Sligo to sell barley. They then asked him if he would sell the barley to them. Jack said he would and the bargain was made. On his side of the road was a big granary. The little men carried in the bags of barley to the granary and while they were bringing it in Jack sat down in the granary and lit his pipe. Soon he fell asleep and slept for seven years. The fairies sent home the horse and cart to his wife and told her that Jack was dead and buried. While Jack was sleeping in the granary his wife believing he was dead married again. When Jack woke after his seven year's sleep he asked one of the fairies did he sleep long. "A couple of hours" said one of them. Jack then set off home and when he arrived home he knocked at the door but would not be allowed in. When he would not be allowed in he said I will go out into the field and surely the horse will know me. When the horse saw him he ran away from him. Well it was Saturday night and Jack was always a good man to attend Mass. He slept in the pigsty for the night and in the morning set off for Mass. When the people saw him coming they began to run away from him. They

the Paidrín Mare if you werre allowed" "I would" said the young fellow "and she would win also with me on her back." "Come with me and I will see about it" said Biorán. Biorán challenged the horse that beat the Paidrín Mare and allowed the young fellow to ride the Mare. When the young fellow jumped into the saddle the Mare turned round its head and licked the shoes of the young fellow, showing that she knew him. Everyone present said that the young fellow was not able to ride the Mare. The race began and the Paidrín Mare beat the other horse by about half a mile. After this the Páidrin was not allowed to race in England. When she was not allowed to race in England the Biorán painted her so that she could not be known. Someone spied on Biorán, heard of the painting and told the authorities. When Biorán appeared at the next Race Meeting the Stewards arrested Biorán and shot the Paidrín Mare on the course. When the Mare was opened they found that there was a pair of wings attached to her heart and people say that it was the wings that helped her to win.
That was the end of the Paidrín Mare and nothing further was heard of Biorán.

Long long ago there lived a man named Biorán and he had a wonderful horse. There was no other horse in Ireland able to beat him at racing. One day Biorán received a challenge from another man in the South of Ireland to race his horse at an appointed place. When Biorán was riding into the field beside the horse he heard the other horse saying to his rider "Bear me up the hill and whip me on the level." Biorán went immediately to the priest and told him what he had heard. The priest said that it was the Devil in the shape of a horse. He told him to make a necklace of "Apple Praties". When the necklace was brought to him he blessed it and put it on the horse's neck. Then he told the jockey if he did not get the start on the other hand he was to retire, if he did he would hold it all the time and win in the end. However the two horses lined up and the jockey managed to get the start on the other horse and maintained it all the way. When the other horse saw he was beaten he fell dead on the course. Ever after the Biorán's horse was called The Paidrín Mare.
Biorán now went to England to race him there. The Paidrín Mare beat all horses that raced against him. One day when the Paidrín Mare was racing in England she was beaten wrongfully. The owner saw a young fellow crying beside him. He turned round to him and asked him what he was crying for. He said it was because the Paidrín Mare was beaten wrongfully. "And why have you such a grádh for the mare" said Biorán. "Well, many a time I fed the Paidrín Mare," said the young fellow. "Would you ride

and rest and that they would both start off again when they were both rested. he agreed. When the hag got the man with the one leg resting she stuck pins in his head which set him to sleep. Then she herself set off again. No sooner had she set off that the man with with the gun approached the young man. and told him the trick the hag had played on the man with the one leg. He told him he was going to shoot the pins out of his friend's head. He lay down on the ground, fired and knocked the pins out of his friend's head. That man woke up refreshed and set off with renewed energy after the hag. He caught up to her and landed at the palace before her. The Princess was as well as ever after drinking the water. "You're not finished yet" said the King. "unless you can flatten out this palace and make it as flat as the palm of my hand you cannot have my daughter." "That is a job for me" said "Hardy A -." He jumped into the air and fell on the palace and flattened it as flat as a pancake. "Now" said the King "you must remove the stones inside a certain time." "That is a job for me" said the man who was seen eating the turnips. They all began to pitch the stones back in his mouth until all were gone. The stones were cleared away long before the time was up.
"Well" said the King when he saw all cleared away "I must give in. You can have her and my blessing and all the land and riches I own." The young man and Princess were married and they lived happily ever after.

and rest and that they would both start off again when they were both rested. he agreed. When the hag got the man with the one leg resting she set pins in his head which set him to sleep. Then she herself set off again. No sooner had she set off that the man with with the gun approached the young man. and told him the trick the hag had played on the man with the one leg. He told him he was going to shoot the pins out of his friend's head. He lay down on the ground, fired and knocked the pins out of his friend's head. That man woke up refreshed and set off with renewed energy after the hag. He caught up to her and landed at the palace before her. The Princess was as well as ever after drinking the water. "You're not finished yet" said the King. "unless you can flatten out this palace and make it as flat as the palm of my hand you cannot have my daughter." "That is a job for me" said "Hardy A -." He jumped into the air and fell on the palace and flattened it as flat as a pancake. "Now" said the King "you must remove the stones inside a certain time." "That is a job for me" said the man who was seen eating the turnips. They all began to pitch the stones back in his mouth until all were gone. The stones were cleared away long before the time was up.
"Well" said the King when he saw all cleared away "I must give in. You can have her and my blessing and all the land and riches I own." The young man and Princess were married and they lived happily ever after.

to be won and that his two elder brothers had failed and he had come to try his luck. "Well" said the little man "the ship you'll make and the ship you'll have but when you have it do not refuse anybody who wants a trip in it." Then he vanished and the youngest son made the ship. When made he stepped into it and set off for the King's palace. On the way he saw a man standing in a field of turnips with his mouth open and another man throwing back turnips into it as quickly as he could. This strange man asked him for a seat. The young man took him in and set off again. He had not gone far when he saw a man with one leg chasing a hare round a field. He asked for a ride in the ship and he was taken into the ship and now the young man had two strange men accompanying him. Soon he came across a man lying on his back and shooting pins out of the sun. He also wanted a ride and his request was granted. He had not gone far when he saw "Hardy A" flattening out the hills. He wanted a ride and he joined the rest of the "Royal Family" in the ship. When they landed at the King's palace they found the palace in mourning. The Princess was sick. They approached and the young man told him he had the required ship in the yard. "Well" said the King "unless you can fetch me a bottle of water from a certain well quicker than this old hag here you will not get my daughter's hand in marriage". "That is a job for me" said the man with the one leg. The hag and himself set off for the well. On the way home each having a bottle of water the hag was getting tired and she asked him to sit down

to be won and that his two elder brothers had failed and he had come to try his luck. "Well" said the little man "the ship you'll make and the ship you'll have but when you have it do not refuse anybody who wants a trip in it." Then he vanished and the youngest son made the ship. When made he stepped into it and set off for the King's palace. On the way he saw a man standing in a field of turnips with his mouth open and another man throwing back turnips into it as quickly as he could. The strange man asked him for a seat. The young man took him in and set off again. He had not gone far when he saw a man with one leg chasing a hare round a field. He asked for a ride in the ship and he was taken into the ship and now the young man had two strange men accompanying him. Soon he came across a man lying on his back and shooting pins out of the sun. He also wanted a ride and his request was granted. He had not gone far when he saw "Hardy A" flattening out the hills. He wanted a ride and he joined the rest of the "Royal Family" in the ship. When they landed at the King's palace they found the palace in mourning. The Princess was sick. They approached and the young man told him he had the required ship in the yard. "Well" said the King "unless you can fetch me a bottle of water from a certain well quicker than this old hag here you will not get my daughter's hand in marriage". "That is a job for me" said the man with the one leg. The hag and himself set off for the well. On the way home each having a bottle of water the hag was getting tired and she asked him to sit down

he tied them there. Paddy replied, "The nearer the rock the sweeter the grass. No further incident of note happened till they reached Dublin. In the evening the Dean gave Paddy £5 to go out and get a nice young girl for him and tell her to call up to the house, where he was staying. Paddy went out and the ugliest old woman he saw he told her where to call up and gave her 2/-. He went back to the Dean then. When he entered the Dean asked him did he fix up everything for him. "I did" said Paddy "but she is very shy and you must have the light off otherwise she refuses to come". The Dean was satisfied and when he saw in the daylight the woman Paddy brought in to him he called Paddy horsewhipped him and sent him home. When Paddy came to the Dean's house, the Dean's wife ran out to meet him and enquired of him where the Dean was. Paddy told her he was alright but that he beat him and sent him home. "Why did he beat you" said the Dean's wife. "Well it was this way" said Paddy "he sent me out to buy a young chicken and what did I buy for him but an old hen. I didn't know the difference". "Sure he should have known that you didn't know the difference and I will settle with him when he comes home. I will not let you leave this house" said the Dean's wife. Soon after the Dean arrived and his wife ran out to meet him. After the customary greetings were exchanged his wife asked him about his dismissing Paddy and said it was not fair. To save himself and also to find out how much Paddy had told her he asked his wife "And what did he tell you". Well didn't you know when you sent him out to buy a chicken

Dean Swift once advertised for a Coachman. Three men presented themselves for the job. The Dean interviewed them one by one. He asked the first man how near he would go to another coach when passing it out. "I could go within six inches of it and still not touch it." "That will do" said the Dean. He called in the second man and asked him the same question. "I would just fly by it and still not touch it". The Dean dismissed him also and called in the third man and asked him the same question. "I would keep away as far as I could" said the third man. "you are the man I am looking for and tomorrow we set off for Dublin." That night the Coachman slept with the Dean. When both woke in the morning the Dean adressed the Coachman saying "Good morning Paddy, how did you sleep at my feet". Paddy answered, "Good morning Dean, how did you sleep at my feet". Now the Dean realised that Paddy was as smart as himself. They set off for Dublin. After driving some miles they halted at a roadside Inn. The horses were let graze on the lawn while both had their dinner. The Dean had his dinner upstairs and when he had finished he brought down a plate of bones to Paddy. When he saw the disgusted look on Paddy's face he said to him. "The nearer the bone the sweeter the meat". Paddy now thought this a little too fresh and decided to have one over on the Dean for it. He left the Inn caught the Dean's horses and tied them with their noses to a rock. When they were about to leave the Dean became enraged when he saw his horses were tied. He asked Paddy why

in front of the lady's house. The gentleman realised also that Bohannon was keen on the young lady. During the night Bohannon gathered the corner boys of London together and brought them to the young lady's house. Opposite the door but at some distance from the jumping off place they dug a big trench several feet wide and deep and filled it from sewerage pipes. Then they covered the trench in such a way that one would not know that the ground was interfered with at all. Next morning Bohannon and his rival appeared on the lawn. On the doorstep was the young lady and the rest of her family. It was agreed upon that Bohannon should jump first. Bohannon jumped and landed within a few inches of the trench. Turning to his rival he said "If you beat that you can have the girl". His rival jumped landed in the middle of the trench. He sank to his shoulders in the slush. Bohannon and all present laughed heartily at the trick Bohannon had played. The gentleman was pulled out of the trench and he issued a challenge to Bohannon to a duel with daggers on horseback. Bohannon agreed and the duel was to take place again on the lawn in front of the lady's house. Bohannon made preparations for the duel. He bought an old nag that was hardly able to support him. In order that the nag could not run away (as indeed he wouldn't) he drove horsenails up into the hooves of the nag. Now he surely couldn't run away. Next he visited all the butchers' shops in London and collected all the pig's bladders he could find. Now he filled those with powder and tied them round his waist. The gentleman arrived

are you the wisest man in the World say, He is a wise man who minds himself. Don't forget that and I will afterwards do my part." Next Bohannon approached the Strong Man and asked him what would he say if he was asked by the King of France if he was the strongest man in the World. The Strong Man said he would say he was the strongest man in the World "But if the King bring's forward a stronger man than you what will you say". Here the Strong Man was also caught. "Say that you are the Strongest Man untried" said the Strong Man. Next morning they set off for France and on the following day they appeared before the King of France. They entered the room where the King was one after another. When the Wise Man entered the room the King asked him was he the wisest man in the World. The Wise Man said "He is a wise man who minds himself". "That will do" said the King. Then the Strong Man entered and he asked him was he the strongest man in the World. The Strong Man answered "I am the strongest man untried" "That will do" said the King. The Strong Man was about to leave the room when in ran Bohannon stood in front of the King and before the King could say anything to him he p-- in his face. "Well" said the King "he is a wise man who minds himself". The King gave his decision in favour of Bohannon and the other two Englishmen. Bohannon came home delighted and he knew that the King of England would find it very hard not to pardon him for anything he did. Bohannon now began to think of marriage.

to get back to London. He thought of one and put it into execution. He got a big pair of boots made and filled them with Irish Soil. Then he squeezed his foot into the big boots and set off for England. When he arrived in London he set off for the King's Palace to interview the King. When the King saw him he asked him why he had disobeyed his order. Bohannon took off one of the boots and handed it to the King saying "If that is English soil you can hang me immediately." When the King saw that Bohannon had found a way out of his order he granted him his pardon and Bohannon had a new lease of life in London. Not long afterwards the King dined with the King of France. During the dinner an argument arose over the respective qualities of each race. When they could come to no decision they decided to settle the matter by holding a competition. There were to be three competitors from each country, The Wisest Man, The Strongest Man and The Biggest Fool. It was decided that France would be the venue. The King picked the Strongest Man and the Wisest Man in England and Bohannon as the Biggest Fool. The day before all three were to sail for France Bohannon met the Wise Man and said "I believe we are bound for France tomorrow". "So I believe" said the Wise Man. "Now if the King of France asks you are you the wisest man in the World what will you say". "Of course I will say I am" said the Wise Man "But suppose he bring's forward a man who is wiser than you" what will you say or do". Here the Wise Man was caught. "Well" said Bohannon "When the King of France asks you

old man was asked would he have the courage to ride him. "I would if I was allowed". said the old man. The permission was obtained and the old man was put up on him. He faced the horse for the fence and he took it without any trouble. When he got on the other side of the fence he revealed to them who he was. Now he had his horse back again and it would not take him long to make up for the money he had lost.

When he had most of the rent collected he hid it. Then he filled one bag with coppers and threw it across the saddle. He was proceeding on his way again when the robber swooped down on him. "Hand me over that money" said the robber in a gruff voice. "Now sir the landlord has promised me a new suit of clothes if I bring the rent to him and sure you won't take it all off me now." said the boy. "Hand it over" said the robber. "Well since I carried it so far for you can go and look for it now" said the boy throwing it across a big hedge. The robber dismounted and ordered the boy to hold his horse till he got the money. When the robber jumped inside the fence to get the money the boy jumped on the robber's horse and made off. The robber's horse was the best in the country. He collected the rest of the rent he had hidden and all the money the robber had in his saddlebags made up the deficiency. The landlord was delighted and the boy got his promised reward. The boy handed over the robber's horse to the landlord who prized him very highly.
Soon after there was a hunt in the district. All the "bróinteachs" for miles round gathered. The landlord appeared on the robber's horse. The robber wanted to get back his horse. The money was only a small item compared with the horse. He went to the hunt dressed up as an old man with a cruit on him. The robber's horse baulked at one of the fences. They put him to it again and he baulked. The old man said to someone beside him "Sure he is well able to take it if he had a proper jockey". After much discussion over the qualities of the horse and rider, the

In the village of Bonniconlon County Mayo there lived a farmer. He had three sons all of whom were of age to get married. Some distance away there lived a King who had one daughter. The hand of this girl could not be won except by the man who could bring to the King a ship that did not go on land or sea. The farmer and his sons knew of this and one morning the farmer told the sons that they should make an effort to win the hand of the Princess. Next morning the eldest set off to the wood and cut down some timber. While he was eating his dinner a little man approached him and asked him what he was trying to make. "A cradle" said the farmer's son. "Well a cradle you'll have and a cradle you'll make" said the little man. It turned out that it was a cradle the farmer's son made. Seeing that he had failed he went home. Next morning the second son set off for the wood and when he was sitting down to his dinner the little man came to him and asked him what he was making. "A trough for the pigs" said the second son. "Well a trough you'll have and a trough you'll make". The little man then vanished and his words came true. The second son arrived home with the trough and seeing that he had failed the youngest son set off to try his luck. When he was eating his dinner the little man approached him and addressed him. The youngest son asked him to sit down and share the meal with him. The little man sat down and they both ate and talked for some time. In the course of conversation the little man asked the youngest son what he was trying to make. The youngest son told him of the Princess and how she was

In the village of Bonniconlon County Mayo there lived a fartmer. He had three sons all of whom were of age to get married. Some distance away there lived a King who had one daughter. The hand of this girl could not be won except the man who could bring to the King a ship that did not go on land or sea. The farmer and his sons knew of this and one morning the farmer told the sons that they should make an effort to win the hand of the Prncess. Next morning the eldest set off to the wood and cut down some timber. While he was eating his dinner a little man approached him and asked him what he was trying to make. "A cradle" said the farmer's son. "Well a cradle you'll have and a cradle you'll make" said the little man. It turned out that it was a cradle the farmer's son made. Seeing that he had failed he went home. Next morning the second son set off for the wood and when he was sitting down to his dinner the little man came to him and asked him what he was making. "A trough for the pigs" said the second son. "Well a trough you'll have and a trough you'll make". The little man then vanished and his words came true. The second son arrived home with the trough and seeing that he had failed the youngest son set off to try his luck. When he was eating his dinner the little man approached him and addressed him. The youngest son asked him to sit down and share the meal with him. The little man sat down and they both ate and talked for some time. In the course of conversation the little man asked the youngest son what he was trying to make. The youngest son told him of the Princess and how she was

towards the door and at last set off home. No sooner had she left the shop then the proprietor sent for the cops to have her arrested for stealing a pair of shoes. She was arrested on the street. She protested vehemently and tried to explain. Before long hundreds had gathered round. When the crowd had gathered Bohannon appeared, jostled his way as far as the cops and told them that she was his wife and that he had gone for change. Bohannon paid for the shoes. His wife refused to accompany him home. When Bohannon reached home he said "It is hard to please some women. Last night she was not pleased when she was not seen by the public and today when was seen by the public she is not satisfied. What more can I do."

before the time appointed on a grey charger and was strutting up and down the lawn. Bohannon appeared leading the nag as he was afraid he wouldn't support him. All present including Bohannon's adversary laughed when they saw Bohannon appearing leading the nag. Bohannon jumped up on the nag & all was ready for the fray. His adversary charged him and when he came near Bohannon he hit one of the bladders with his daggers. That exploded right in the horse's face. The grey charger frightened but Bohannon's nag was so heavily burdened that it did not move one foot. The gentleman charged again and Bohannon did the same thing. Every time he charged Bohannon burst one of the bladders. At last the grey charger refused to charge. Then the gentleman became enraged and told Bohannon he could have the young lady and that he never wanted to see him again. Then he set off to his own residence. Bohannon married the young lady. Bohannon never appeared in public with her. One morning she complained to him that he never accompanied her through London or introduced her to the public. Bohannon thought for a few minutes and then spoke. "I see" said he "you need a new pair of shoes. Be ready tomorrow morning and we will both go down town and buy the shoes. She was delighted and next morning she dressed up in her best and both set off to buy the shoes. When the shoes were bought and parcelled he handed her the parcel and told her to wait where she was till he got change and paid for the shoes. Bohannon set off and stood up round a corner and forgot to come back. When she saw he was not coming back she began to move

in front of the lady's house. The gentleman realised also that Bohannon was keen on the young lady. During the night Bohannon gathered the corner boys of London together and brought them to the young lady's house. Opposite the door but at some distance from the jumping off place they dug a big trench several feet wide and deep and filled it from sewerage pipes. Then they covered the trench in such a way that one would not know that the ground was interfered with at all. Next morning Bohannon and his rival appeared on the lawn. On the doorstep was the young lady and the rest of her family. It was agreed upon that Bohannon should jump first. Bohannon jumped and landed within a few inches of the trench. Turning to his rival he said "If you beat that you can have the girl". His rival jumped landed in the middle of the trench. He sank to his shoulders in the slush. Bohannon and all present laughed heartily at the trick Bohannon had played. The gentleman was pulled out of the trench and he issued a challenge to Bohannon to a duel with daggers on horseback. Bohannon agreed and the duel was to take place again on the lawn in front of the lady's house. Bohannon made preparations for the duel. He bought an old nag that was hardly able to support him. In order that the nag could not run away (as indeed he wouldn't) he drove horsenails up into the hooves of the nag. Now he surely couldn't run away. next he visited all the butchers' shops in London and collected all the pig's bladders he could find. Now he filled those with powder and tied them round his waist. The gentleman arrived

He fell in love with a Lord's daughter. He knew that she was "Sweethearting" with some big bodach. Bohannon decided to get rid of him in some way. He entered the service of her father as gardener. One Summer's day when the roses were in full bloom who did Bohannon see strolling down the garden but the bodach. On his way down the garden he saw a beautiful rose, one which he thought worthy of his sweetheart. He did not dare to pull it. but decided to go in for his sweetheart, bring her out into the garden to the place where this special rose was and let her pull it herself. In order that he might recognise it again he placed his hat on it and walked in for the young lady. When Bohannon got him out of sight he lifted the hat pulled the rose and placed there in its stead some 'insignificant flower.' Then he disappeared and waited for the result. In a few minutes the young lady and gentleman came towards the place where the hat was. When they reached the place the gentleman lifted the hat in order that his sweetheart might pull the rose. When she saw what was under the hat she was insulted and told the gentleman off. He tried to calm her and said that Bohannon must be in the garden as no one was capable of doing such a thing but Bohannon. Bohannon came forward and introduced himself. He apologised to the lady but the gentleman refused to accept. He said he would clear the stain placed on his honour by a challenge to some game of skill. The lady agreed and Bohannon agreed. Bohannon said the only thing he could do was jump (long jump). It was decided that they should jump the next morning

are you the wisest man in the World say, He is a wise man who minds himself. Don't forget that and I will afterwards do my part." next Bohannon approached the Strong Man and asked him what would he say if he was asked by the King of France if he was the strongest man in the World. The Strong Man said he would say he was the strongest man in the World "But if the King bring's forward a stronger man than you what will you say". Here the Strong Man was also caught. "Say that you are the Strongest Man untried" said the Strong Man. Next morning they set off for France and on the following day they appeared before the King of France. They entered the room where the King was one after another. When the Wise Man entered the room the King asked him was he the wisest man in the World. The Wise Man said "He is a wise man who minds himself". "That will do" said the King. Then the Strong Man entered and he asked him was he the strongest man in the World. The Strong Man answered "I am the strongest man untried" "That will do" said the King. The Strong Man was about to leave the room when in ran Bohannon stood in front of the King and before the King could say anything to him he p-- in his face. "Well" said the King "he is a wise man who minds himself". The King gave his decision in favour of Bohannon and the other two Englishmen. Bohannon came home delighted and he knew that the King of England would find it very hard not to pardon him for anything he did. Bohannon now began to think of marriage.

are you the wises man in the World say, He is a wise man who minds himself. Don't forget that and I will afterwards do my part." next Bohannon approached the Strong Man and asked him what would he say if he was asked by the King of France if he was the strongest man in the World. The Strong Man said he would say he was the strongest man in the World "But if the King bring's forward a stronger man than you what will you say". Here the Strong Man was also caught. "Say that you are the Strongest Man untried" said the Strong Man. Next morning they set off for France and on the following day they appeared before the King of France. They entered the room where the King was one after another. When the Wise Man entered the room the King asked him was he the wisest man in the World. The Wise Man said "He is a wise man who minds himself". "That will do" said the King. Then the Strong Man entered and he asked him was he the strongest man in the World. The Strong Man answered "I am the strongest man untried" "That will do" said the King. The Strong Man was about to leave the room when in ran Bohannon stood in front of the King and before the King could say anything to him he p-- in his face. "Well" said the King "he is a wise man who minds himself". The King gave his decision in favour of Bohannon and the other two Englishmen. Bohannon came home delighted and he knew that the King of England would find it very hard not to pardon him for anything he did. Bohannon now began to think of marriage.

to get back to London. He thought of one and put it into execution. He got a big pair of boots made and filled them with Irish Soil. Then he squeezed his foot into the big boots and set off for England. When he arrived in London he set off for the King's Palace to interview the King. When the King saw him he asked him why he had disobeyed his order. Bohannon took off one of the boots and handed it to the King saying "If that is English soil you can hang me immediately." When the King saw that Bohannon had found a way out of his order he granted him his pardon and Bohannon had a new lease of life in London. Not long afterwards the King dined with the King of France. During the dinner an argument arose over the respective qualities of each race. When they could come to no decision they decided to settle the matter by holding a competition. There were to be three competitors from each country, The Wisest Man, The Strongest Man and The Biggest Fool. It was decided that France would be the venue. The King picked the Strongest Man and the Wisest Man in England and Bohannon as the Biggest Fool. The day before all three were to sail for France Bohannon met the Wise Man and said "I believe we are bound for France tomorrow". "So I believe" said the Wise Man. "now if the King of France asks you are you the wisest man in the World what will you say". "Of course I will say I am" said the Wise Man "But suppose he bring's forward a man who is wiser than you" what will you say or do". Here the Wise Man was caught. "Well" said Bohannon "When the King of France asks you

Bohannon was a cousin of the King of England. He was always in trouble and when he committed some mischief he immediately ran to the king and asked his pardon. He was always pardoned. One day when walking over London Bridge he saw approaching a parson and a priest. He passed on between the two of them. When he was passing the parson said "Our Lord was crucified between two thieves". Bohannon turned round immediately, drew his sword and whipped the head off the parson. Then he approached the King for pardon and told him he had knocked the wig off a parson into the Thames. The King pardoned him for it but when Bohannon was getting up off his knees he said to the King "But Sire, the head was stuck to the wig." "Be off" said the King "and never put your foot on English soil again". Bohannon set off for Dublin and continued his tricks there. After two or three years there he began to tire of it. He could not put his foot on English soil so he had to contrive some plan

up the chimney. Near the top was a bar going from one side to the other. The pedlar stood on the bar and Willie stood on his shoulders. Then Willie could see every movement of the military. The military approached the girl and she told them where they were hiding. Willie told the Pedlar this. There was no escape. The military surrounded the house. They pulled down the iron bar on which the Pedlar Bán was standing. He immediately fell to the ground and was captured. Willie stuck on to the top of the chimney. He emptied both his pistols into the soldiers. Then he climbed out onto the chimney, jumped from the top and into a field of stalks. He lay there. The officer in charge went into the field and began to poke the ridges with the bayonet on his rifle. He came to where Willie was and gave him a poke of the bayonet. Willie winced and immediately the officer knew he had Willie caught. He didn't create an alarm. He beckoned to his followers and Willie was captured. Willie thought all the soldiers were looking for him in the stalks. If he knew there was only the officer he would have easily escaped.
He was afterwards tried, condemned and hanged and that was the end of Willie Brennan. Willie and the mayor.
The mayor of some town once arrested Willie and they were met when entering the town by the mayor's wife. She was carrying a blunderbuss and she did not recognise Willie. When she reached them, Willie asked her for the blunderbuss. Before

"I will pay him a visit at midnight you needn't be in a hurry to bed as I will call back." At midnight Willie set off for the landlord's house. When he came to the door he burst it in with his shoulder and found all the 'bróinteachs' drinking round a table. He told them not to move a hand as he had them covered with the pair of pistols. He asked which of them was the owner of the house. The owner stood up. Then Willie ordered him to put the £10 he took from the miller into a purse he threw on to the table. When the landlord put £10 in the purse Willie ordered everyone of the rest to put £20 each into the purse. They had to comply with Willie's orders. When the money was in the purse Willie picked it up and backed out of the room. He set off for the miller's house. He handed the miller his £10 and he handed him the rest to educate "his" child. He told him to hide the money as the military would soon be out. Then Willie set off. On the road he met the Pedlar Bán and robbed him but the Pedlar Bán robbed him again. When Willie saw what the Pedlar Bán
was able to do he asked him would he work with him in future. The Pedlar Bán agreed and they set off together.
Sometime after when they were coming along the road they saw the military approaching. On the road walking some distance before them was a young girl going to the well for water. Willie approached her, gave her £5 and said "Now you did not see us or we did not see you" She agreed. Then Willie & the Pedlar made for a ruined house. They climbed

"I will pay him a visit at midnight you needn't be in a hurry to bed as I will call back." At midnight Willie set off for the landlord's house. When he came to the door he burst it in with his shoulder and found all the 'bróinteachs' drinking round a table. He told them not to move a hand as he had them covered with the pair of pistols. He asked which of them was the owner of the house. The owner stood up. Then Willie ordered him to put the £10 he took from the miller into a purse he threw on to the table. When the landlord put £10 in the purse Willie ordered everyone of the rest to put £20 each into the purse. They had to comply with Willie's orders. When the money was in the purse Willie picked it up and backed out of the room. He set off for the miller's house. He handed the mill his £10 and he handed him the rest to educate "his" child. He told him to hide the money as the military would soon be out. Then Willie set off. On the road he met a the Pedlar Bóy and robbed him but the Pedlar Bóy robbed him again. When Willie saw when the Pedlar Bóy was able to do he asked him would he work with him in future. The Pedlar Bóy agreed and they set off together.
Sometime after when they were coming along the road they saw the military approaching. On the road walking some distance before them was a young girl going to the well for water. Willie approached her, gave her £5 and said "Now you did not see us [?] we did not see you." She agreed. Then Willie & the Pedlar made for a [?] house. They climbed

When he had most of the rent collected he hid it. Then he filled one bag with coppers and threw it across the saddle. He was proceeding on his way again when the robber swooped down on him. "Hand me over that money" said the robber in a gruff voice. "now sir the landlord has promised me a new suit of clothes if I bring the rent to him and sure you won't take it all off me now." said the boy. "Hand it over" said the robber. "Well since I carried it so far for you can go and look for it now" said the boy throwing it across a big hedge. The robber dismounted and ordered the boy to hold his horse till he got the money. When the robber jumped inside the fence to get the money the boy jumped on the robber's horse and made off. The robber's horse was the best in the country. He collected the rest of the rent he had hidden and all the money the robber had in his saddlebags made up the deficiency. The landlord was delighted and the boy got his promised reward. The boy handed over trhe robber's horse to the landlord who prized him very highly.
Soon after there was a hunt in the district. All the "bróinteachs" for miles round gathered. The landlord appeared on the robber's horse. The robber wanted to get back his horse. The money was only a small item compared with the horse. He went to the hunt dressed up as an old man with a cruit on him. The robber's horse baulked at one of the fences. They put him to it again and he baulked. The old man said to someone beside him "Sure he is well able to take it if he had a proper jockey". After much discussion over the qualities of the horse and rider, the

Willie was he said that he brought back to his house and that he must remain in the house till the child was christened and that he must do sponsor. Willie agreed. At the christening the priest refused to have a highwayman do sponsor for the child. "Well" said Willie "if you don't take me you will take this" putting a sovereign on the plate. Great was the rejoicing in the Miller's house that day. When evening came Willie set off and was not seen for years in that part of the country. One night he knocked at the same house as he had been allowed to stay in years before. (The Miller's.) Willie saw by the appearance of the house that they had come down in the world. The woman did not recognise him. He asked the shelter of the house. She said "There was a time when I could accomodate a Gentleman like you but fairíor not now. However I will do my best for you." Willie thanked her for her kindness. Playing on the floor were several children. Willie looked for his own child (the child he did sponsor for) and when he came near him he slipped a sovereign into the child's hand. When the mother saw this she knew who the gentleman was and she immediately sent for the Miller. When he came they all rejoiced and talked for hours. In the course of conversation the miller told Willie how he had come down in the world. The local landlord had robbed him of £10 and now he was only "pulling the devil by the tail". Willie said that before morning he would pay him (landlord) a visit. The Miller told him that there was a "Big night" in the landlord's house that night. "All the better" said Willie,

Willie Brennan was one of the Highwaymen who robbed the rich to feed the poor. Unlike other Highwaymen he never rode a horse. He always travelled on foot with a pair of pistols close at hand. Like all Highwaymen Willie was well known. One cold night he entered a house in which there were only women. He asked shelter for the night but the women refused him. There was a woman sick in the room and she shouted down that she would give him shelter. Willie thanked her and sat down at the fire. In the course of conversation he found out that the sick woman was about to give birth to a child. The husband was a Miller and had gone for a Doctor. Everything came alright and the child was born. When the man of the house found out who

When he had most of the rent collected he hid it. Then he filled one bag with coppers and threw it across the saddle. He was proceeding on his way again when the robber swooped down on him. "Hand me over that money" said the robber in a gruff voice. "now sir the landlord has promised me a new suit of clothes if I bring the rent to him and sure you won't take it all off me now." said the boy. "Hand it over" said the robber. "Well since I carried it so far for you can go and look for it now" said the boy throwing it across a big hedge. The robber dismounted and ordered the boy to hold his horse till he got the money. When the robber jumped inside the fence to get the money the boy jumped on the robber's horse and made off. The robber's horse was the best in the country. He collected the rest of the rent he had hidden and all the money the robber had in his saddlebags made up the deficiency. The landlord was delighted and the boy got his promised reward. The boy handed over trhe robber's horse to the landlord who prized him very highly.
Soon after there was a hunt in the district. All the [?] for miles round gathered. The landlord appeared on the robber's horse. The robber wanted to get back his horse. The money was only a small item compared with the horse. He went to the hunt dressed up as an old man with a cruit on him. The robber's horse baulked at one of the fences. They put him to it again and he baulked. The old man said to someone beside him "Sure he is well able to take it if he had a proper jockey". After much discussion over the qualities of the horse and rider, the

When he had most of the rent collected he hid it. Then he filled one bag with coppers and threw it across the saddle. He was proceeding on his way again when the robber swooped down on him. "Hand me over that money" said the robber in a gruff voice. "now sir the landlord has promised me a new suit of clothes if I bring the rent to him and sure you won't take it all off me now." said the boy. "Hand it over" said the robber. "Well since I carried it so far for you can go and look for it now" said the boy throwing it across a big hedge. The robber dismounted and ordered the boy to hold his horse till he got the money. When the robber jumped inside the fence to get the money the boy jumped on the robber's horse and made off. The robber's horse was the best in the country. He collected the rest of the rent he had hidden and all the money the robber had in his saddlebags made up the deficiency. The landlord was delighted and the boy got his promised reward. The boy handed over trhe robber's horse to the landlord who prized him very highly.Soon after there was a hunt in the district. All the [?] for miles round gathered. The landlord appeared on the robber's horse. The robber wanted to get back his horse. The money was only a small item compared with the horse. He went to the hunt dressed up as an old man with a [?] on him. The robber's horse baulked at one of the fences. They put him to it again and he baulked. The old man said to someone beside him "Sure he is well able to take it if he had a proper jockey". After much discussion over the qualities of the horse and rider, the

Some years ago there lived a landlord who instead of having an Agent to collect the rent for him went round himself on horseback and collected it. In the district lived a notorious robber or highwayman and when the landlord would be about to return home with his saddlebags full of money the robber would sweep down on him and take all his money from him. This happened several times and the landlord did not know what to do. One day as the time was approaching to collect, the servant boy who was a half amadán asked leave to collect the rent and that the robber would not get a penny of it.The only payment he would ask would be a new suit. The landlord thought for a while and then agreed to let the servant boy collect the rent. In the long run he could only fare as badly as he himself had other times. The servant boy set off next morning early on an old nag.

he tied them there. Paddy replied, "The nearer the rock the sweeter the grass. no further incident of note happened till they reached Dublin. In the evening the Dean gave Paddy £5 to go out and get a nice young girl for him and tell her to call up to the house, where he was staying. Paddy went out and the ugliest old woman he saw he told her where to call up and gave her 2/-. He went back to the Dean then. When he entered the Dean asked him did he fix up everything for him. "I did" said Paddy "but she is very shy and you must have the light off otherwise she refuses to come". The Dean was satisfied and when he saw in the daylight the woman Paddy brought in to him he called Paddy horsewhipped him and sent him home. When Paddy came to the Dean's house, the Dean's wife ran out to meet him and enquired of him where the Dean was. Paddy told her he was alright but that he beat him and sent him home. "Why did he beat you" said the Dean's wife. "Well it was this way" said Paddy "he sent me out to buy a young chicken and what did I buy for him but an old hen. I didn't know the difference". "Sure he should have known that you didn't know the difference and I will settle with him when he comes home. I will not let you leave this house" said the Dean's wife. Soon after the Dean arrived and his wife ran out to meet him. After the customary greetings were exchanged his wife asked him about his dismissing Paddy and said it was not fair. To save himself and also to find out how much Paddy had told her he asked his wife "And what did he tell you". Well didn't you know when you sent him out to buy a chicken

Dean Swift once advertised for a Coachman. Three men presented themselves for the job. The Dean interviewed them one by one. He asked the first man how near he would go to another coach when passing it out. "I could go within six inches of it and still not touch it." "That will do" said the Dean. He called in the second man and asked him the same question. "I would just fly by it and still not touch it". The Dean dismissed him also and called in the third man and asked him the same question. "I would keep away as far as I could" said the third man. "you are the man I am looking for and tomorrow we set off for Dublin." That night the Coachman slept with the Dean. When both woke in the morning the Dean adressed the Coachman saying "Good morning Paddy, how did you sleep at my feet". Paddy answered, "Good morning Dean, how did you sleep at my feet". now the Dean realised that Paddy was as smart as himself. They set off for Dublin. After driving some miles they halted at a roadside Inn. The horses were let graze on the lawn while both had their dinner. The Dean had his dinner upstairs and when he had finished he brought down a plate of bones to Paddy. When he saw the disgusted look on Paddy's face he said to him. "The nearer the bone the sweeter the meat". Paddy now thought this a little too fresh and decided to have one over on the Dean for it. He left the Inn caught the Dean's horses and tied them with their noses to a rock. When they were about to leave the Dean became enraged when he saw his horses were tied. He asked Paddy why

Dean Swift once advertised for a Coachman. Three men presented themselves for the job. The Dean interviewed them one by one. He asked the first man how near he would go to another coach when passing it out. "I could go within six inches of it and still not touch it." "That will do" said the Dean. He called in the second man and asked him the same question. "I would just fly by it and still not touch it". The Dean dismissed him also and called in the third man and asked him the same question. "I would keep away as far as I could" said the third man. "you are the man I am looking for and tomorrow we set off for Dublin." That night the Coachman slept with the Dean. When both woke in the morning the Dean adressed the Coachman saying "Good morning Paddy, how did you sleep at my feet". Paddy answered, "Good morning Dean, how did you sleep at my feet". now the Dean realised that Paddy was as smart as himself. They set off for Dublin. After driving some miles they halted at a roadside Inn. The horses were let graze on the lawn while both had their dinner. The Dean had his dinner upstairs and when he had finished he brought down a plate of bones to Paddy. When he saw the disgusted look on Paddy's face he said to him. "The meaner the bone the sweeter the meat". Paddy now thought this a little too fresh and decided to have one over on the Dean for it. He left the Inn caught the Dean's horses and tied them with their noses to a rock. When they were about to leave the Dean became enraged when he saw his horses were tied. He asked Paddy why

They chatted by the fireside for hours. The old lady made a cup of tea for him. No sooner had he drunk the tea than he fell asleep. Next morning when he woke he found himself not in the warm cottage but under a hawthorn hedge, perished with the cold. He set off home and told his brother what had happened. He told him he would be afraid to go out after dark again. His brother laughed at him and said he would never stop till he himself found out what made the people afraid. Then he set out on his travels. etc etc etc. (The remaining part of the story is the same as that on page 23 and following pages).

They chatted by the fireside for hours. The old lady made a cup of tea for him. No sooner had he drunk the tea than he fell asleep. Next morning when he woke he found himself not in the warm cottage but under a hawthorn hedge, perished with the cold. He set off home and told his brother what had happened. He told him he would be afraid to go out after dark again. His brother laughed at him and said he would never stop till he himself found out what made the people afraid. Then he set out on his travels. etcetc etc. (The remaining part of the story is the same as that on page 23 and following pages).

(Another version of the story given to me by John Fox on Page 23). Nrar Loch a Croidhe in Skreen Co Sligo. there lived two lived two herds. They owned the whole countryside for miles round. One of them had always to mind the cattle, to keep them from straying into the crops and guard them from "Cattle Rustlers". One of them while out herding one cold night saw in the distance a small cottage with a light burning. He made for the cottage and entered it. Inside was only an old woman. She had a fine fire blazing on the hearth and told him to sit down and warm himself. He told her he would soon have to leave that he had to mind his cattle. She told him not to be troubled about the cattle as they would do no damage.

Away up in the mountains lived an old man named Manus Bán. He was very pious and prayed all his life. He lived in a little thatched cabin. The night he died a terrible storm raged and so bad was it that it took the roof off poor Manus Bán's cabin. During the night it rained very heavily. When someone came to see Manus Bán next morning not knowing that he was dead, found him laid overboard, no roof on his cabin and not a drop of rain came in during the whole night. People said that Manus Bán must have been a Saint.

was again the same baby as he had been before the woman went to the shop. When the tailor woke up he did not tell the story to the woman. He told it to the man when he was leaving and told him to bring the priest. The man of the house brought the priest and as soon as he began to read out of a prayer book than the fairy baby jumped up out of the cradle, assumed his old self (dressed like a fairy, bagpipes, little white moustache & white hair) and jumped on to the half door. He told them that he was four thousand years old and thanked them for their kindness to him. He told them where they would find their baby. He said the night the fairies took their child a neighbouring woman who had no children snatched the baby from them. He said they would get under a bush in the garden a crock of gold as compensation for all the trouble he gave them. Having said so much he vanished. The woman of the house went to the house where her own baby was and found not a young man as she expected but a baby which she recognised as her own. She took the baby home and when she reached her own house she found her husband wiping the clay off the pot of gold. Great was their rejoicing at the return of their lost son and They lived happily ever after.

In a small cabin at the foot of the Ox mountains lived an old man who never went to Mass. One Sunday he decided to go to Mass. When he entered the Church he saw a sunbeam streaming in through the window. He didn't know what it really was and thought it was a peg to hang clothes on. He took off his overcoat and hung it on the sunbeam and strangely enough the overcoat remained hanging in mid-air. He went home to his cabin satisfied and decided to go the next Sunday again to Mass. Next Sunday he went to Mass and the overcoat did not remain hanging on the sunbeam as it did the previous Sunday. After Mass the priest came to him and asked him what he did since the last Sunday. He said he listened to two women fighting when he was coming to Mass. The priest strangely told him to go home and never come to Mass again. The old man went home and was never seen again at Mass.

In a small cabin at the foot of the Ox mountains lived an old masn who never went to Mass. One Sunday he decided to go to Mass. When he entered the Church he saw a sunbeam streaming in through the window. He didn't know what it really was and thought it was a peg to hang clothes on. He took off his overcoat and hung it on the sunbeam and strangely enough the overcoat remained hanging in mid-air. He went home to his cabin satisfied and decided to go the next Sunday again to Mass. Next Sunday he went to Massand the overcoat did not remain hanging on the sunbeam as it did the previous Sunday. After Mass the priest came to him and asked him what he did since the last Sunday. He said he listened to two women fighting when he was coming to Mass. The priest strangely told him to go home and never come to Mass again. The old man went home and was never seen again at Mass.

Some years ago a pedlar came round to a place called Lugdoon a townland some three miles from Dromore West. While in Lagdoon he fell sick and the people in whose house he was staying sent for the priest. The priest came to the house and administered the Last Sacraments.
The Pedlar died and was put "Overboard". He was not long overboard when two strange men dressed in white entered the house and went to the room where the pedlar was overboard. They went forward to the dead man. One took out a white cloth put it under his chin and said "Árduigh suas é." Immediately the dead man opened his mouth and put out his tongue. On his tongue was the Holy Communion he had received sometime previously. The other man (dressed in white) took the Holy Communion off his tongue, placed it in the white cloth and both proceeded to leave the house. The man of the house asked who they were and what was their business with the dead man. They told him he was a Non-Believer. Then they went off and were never seen again.

was again the same baby as he had been before the woman went to the shop. When the tailor woke up he did not tell the story to the woman. He told it to the man when he was leaving and told him to bring the priest. The man of the house brought the priest and as soon as he began to read out of a prayer book than the fairy baby jumped up out of the cradle, assumed his old self (dressed like a fairy, bagpipes, little white moustache & white hair) and jumped on to the half door. He told them that he was four thousand years old and thanked them for their kindness to him. He told them where they would find their baby. He said the night the fairies took their child a neighbouring woman who had no children snatched the baby from them. She said they would get under a bush in the garden a crock of gold as compensation for all the trouble he gave them. Having said so much he vanished. The woman of the house went to the house where her own baby was and found not a young man as she expected but a baby which she recognised as her own. She took the baby home and when she reached her own house she found her husband wiping the clay off the pot of gold. Great was their rejoicing at the return of their lost son and They lived happily ever after.

Once upon a time there lived in this district a married man and his wife. They had one child and he held their affections. One night the fairies took away their beloved child and in its place left an ugly little baby. The man and woman could not believe their eyes when they woke the next morning and saw the baby that was left in place of their beloved. However they thought that if they were good to this baby maybe God might bring back their lost one. They nursed the strange baby as if it was their own but still it never held such a place in their affections as their own baby. Years came and went and still the new baby did not grow or show any signs that it would soon leave the cradle. They nursed the new baby for twenty years in all. At that time it was the custom when a man wanted a new suit he invited the tailor to his house and the tailor stayed in the house while the suit was being made. When the baby was twenty years in the house the man of the house needed a new suit. The tailor came to make it. The man of the house went out into the fields working while the tailor worked indoors. One day when the man of the house was out working his wife asked the tailor would he mind the child while she went to the shop. He agreed and she set off. No sooner was she gone than the baby jumped up out of the cradle and sat on the side of it. He was dressed like a fairy. He took out bagpipes from under the clothes in the cradle and began to play. The Tailor fell asleep while the fairy baby played. As soon as the woman came near the house the fairy baby jumped into the cradle and

In the time of the Fentons of Castletown there lived a young man named Jordan. One day Fenton and the bailiff came with the "Greenwax" (seal of seizure) to seize a poor woman's few head of cattle. She was not able that year to pay the rent due to Fenton. Jordan thought it not right to seize the widow's few head of cattle and leave her to starve so he rescued her cattle from them. Now he himself was declared an outlaw and had to go on the run.
In the meantime Jordan had a row with a man named Sweeney and the two met one day in the local forge. Sweeney was sledging when Jordan came in and when he saw him his blood began to boil and he struck the man so hard that the sledge went everytime to the anvil cutting the iron. Jordan's blood also began to boil and taking a horseshoe he straigthened it without any trouble. The smith seeing this asked them both to leave his forge as he thought they might knock his forge on him if the row started. Now the site of this forge was where our house is at present. Jordan left the forge and seeing Sweeney's mare outside the door he caught him by one ear swung him round and pulled the ear off him. The name the mare went by ever after was the mare with the "Dead Ear".
When Winter approached Jordan was still on the run and he hid in a hayrick. His hiding place was made known to Fenton and he and his men (yeomen) came to capture Jordan. Fenton told Jordan to come out or he would

In Mayo there lived two landlords named Vaughan and Roland. Vaughan sent in the McNulty's into the Gleann and Roland sent in the Collins'.
After coming to the Gleann Collins sold his soul to the Devil. He had a big black cat and the cat had to get the first bit of everything he ate. When he was dying he thought it was better to repent. He sent for the priest. In the parish were two priests who were brothers named Andrew and John Hopkins. They came to Collins' house. Staying with Collins was an ex-solider who was afraid of nothing. Fr Andrew asked Melvin the ex-soldier to carry a lighted candle in front of him. Melvin agreed. Soon Fr. Andrew shouted to his brother that he was getting weak. He told him to have courage and that he would succeed. He did succeed. From under the bed on which Collins was lying came the black cat and hurled himself against the gable of the house and with the blow, he bored a hole through the wall and vanished. Then the two priests attended to the sick man. Son afterwards Collins died in comfort & peace.

In Mayo there lived two landlords named Vaughan and Roland. Vaughan sent in the McNulty's into the Gleann and Roland sent in the Collins'.
After coming to Gleann Collins sold his soul to the Devil. He had a big black cat and the cat had to get the first bit of everything he ate. When he was dying he thought it was better to repent. He sent for the priest. In the parish were two priests who were brothers named Andrew and John Hopkins. They came to Collins' house. They came to Collins house. Staying with Collins was an ex-solider who was afraid of nothing. Fr Andrew asked Melvin the ex-soldier to carry a lighted candle in front of him. Melvin agreed. Soon Fr. Andrew shouted to his brother that he was getting weak. He told him to have courage and that he would succeed. He did succeed. From under the bed on which Collins was lying came the black cat and hurled himself against the gable of the house and with the blow, he bored a hole through the wall and vanished. Then the two priests attended to the sick man. Son afterwards Collins died in comfort & peace.

It is a custom in this district when distilling poteen to throw away some of the "singlings" and also the "doublings" to the fairies. One night this man was "running a round" of poteen. He had a well trained dog with him. Nobody could come within half a mile of the place but the dog would bark. When he had the round run and was filling the poteen into the jars he heard the crying in the heather some distance away. Still the dog did not bark. He passed no heed of it and putting the jars on his back set off for home. Still the cry followed him. Suddenly he thought of the old custom.
Taking the jars off his back he threw away a cupful of the poteen. No sooner did he throw away the poteen then he heard a laugh from the heather.
He then proceeded on his way home and he heard no more crying. This he says was the fairies and that they would continue to follow him and cry till he gave them some.
The some story has been told to me by
several men and the poteen is never brought home without throwing out some for the fairies.Then they can proceed.

One evening a young lady like you see in the pictures was out walking. She noticed a man following her. She stopped and asked him why he dared to follow her. He said to her "You know yourself Miss". She told him she would have him arrested if continued to follow her. Still he followed her and she eventually had him arrested. The Magistrate asked him why he followed the young lady. "You know yourself Sir". "Six months hard labour", said the magistrate. "For what" said the man. "You know yourself" said the Magistrate.

One evening a young lady like you see in the pictures was out walking. She noticed a man following her. She stopped and asked him why he dared to follow her. He said to her "You know yourself Miss". She told him she would have him arrested if continued to follow her. Still he followed her and she eventually had him arrested. The Magistrate asked him why he followed the young lady. "You know yourself Sir". "Six months hard labour", said the magistrate. "For what" said the man. "You know yourself" said the Magistrate.

In Gleneasky there lived a man named Micky Culkin. He was very fond of card playing and not a night passed but he went cardplaying. One night on his way home in the present Mrs. Cardan's land he saw the fairy fair. It was held on the path so he had to approach it. When he came nearer he could hear the buying and selling quite distinctly and when he came within a stone's throw of the fairy fair someone shouted, "Here comes Micky Culkin, let him pass". They immediately made way for Micky and he passed through undisturbed and he himself did not interfere with them. Farther on he saw a man sitting at a table and a light and pack of cards on the table. When he was he asked Micky to have a game. Micky couldn't refuse. He sat down and they played all night. Micky won every game and when it was coming near morning Micky a fine stack of gold on the table beside him. When daylight began to appear one of the coins fell on the ground beside Micky's chair. When he bent down to pick up the gold he saw the cloven feet of the man opposite him. Then he realised that it was the Devil he had been playing with. He then put all the money he won during the night in his pocket and set off home. He didn't mind what Devil he had been playing with as long as he had won. He went to bed that morning satisfied with himself. When he woke later he put his hand in his pocket to show the gold to his wife and what should he find but a pocketful of hawthorn leaves. When Micky saw this he

burn the hayrick over him. Jordan decided to come out. Now Jordan always carried with him while on the run a big bar of iron and he came out, battered all round him with the iron bar and escaped. He now thought it was better to leave the country as he made his way for Dublin. When he came to Dublin he came in contact with a Captain and his crew throwing a hammer over a bar. Each man was stripped to shirt and trousers. When one of the crew made a record throw the Captain defied anyone in the audience to beat it. Now Jordan stood opposite where the Captain & Crew were throwing and he threw back the hammer to them without any trouble. When nobody came forward the Captain asked Jordan if he would take a throw. Jordan agreed if he would get fairplay. The Captain guaranteed fairplay. Jordan prepared himself threw the hammer and not only did he beat the best throw of the Crew but he threw it out into the sea where it could never be found again. The Captain was going to America and he agreed to take Jordan with him.
Years afterwards a legacy came to Fenton to be divided among Jordan's friends and relatives. When Fenton's wife heard of the legacy she said why give such money to the Irish Savages. The result was that Jordan's friends & relatives only got a trifle of the money. That was the last heard of Henry Jordan.

burn the hayrick over him. jordan decided to come out. Now Jordan always carried with him while on the run a big bar of iron and he came out, battered all round him with the iron bar and escaped. He now thought it was better to leave the country as he made his way for Dublin. When he came to Dublin he came in contact with a Captain and his crew throwing a hammer over a bar. Each man was stripped to shirt and trousers. When one of the crew made a record throw the Captain defied anyone in the audience to beat it. Now Jordan stood opposite where the Captain & Crew were throwing and he threw back the hammer to them without any trouble. When nobody came forward the Captain asked Jordan if he would take a throw. Jordan agreed if he would get fairplay. The Captain guaranteed fairplay. Jordan prepared himself threw the hammer and not only did he beat the best throw of the Crew but he threw it out into the sea where it could never be found again. The Captain was going to America and he agreed to take Jordan with him.
Years afterwards a legacy came to Fenton to be divided among Jordan's friends and relatives. When Fenton's wife heard of the legacy she said why give such money to the Irish Savages. The result was that Jordan's friends & relatives only got a trifle of the money. That was the last heard of Henry Jordan.

long." Yes" said the Tinker. "I have the tongs in the fire to remedy that defect." When the three young men heard that they jumped and away with them out the front door and down the avenue as fast as they could. When the old Gentleman saw this he fell dead with the fright he got. The Tinker now bent over him and robbed him of his money and jewels and went off. This was one of his profitable days.

to gain admittance. The Tinker fixed the fee at £5 and after the young man paid him the money he let him in. Not long after another man knocked at the door and asked admission. The Tinker said he would let him in for a fee and seeing how easily the first man parted with the £5 he decided to raise the fee to £10. This the second man agreed to pay and was admitted. Now a third man appeared on the scene and asked admittance and the Tinker decided to raise the fee still higher, to £20. This the third man paid without hesitation. Some time afterwards the Tinker heard the rumbling of the Owner's carriage coming up the avenue. He called the three men and they asked what they would do. "Well" said the Tinker "strip off and stand with your backs to the wall as if you were statues. They had no other option. They stripped off and stood with their backs to the wall and the Tinker placed some cans of paint in front of them. The Gentleman knocked at the door and he let him in. He asked the Tinker did anyone disturb him or anyone try to gain admission. The Tinker said no one came in or left the house until he came into it. "Well" said the Gentleman "how are you managing with the painting". "Fine" said the Tinker "come in till you see some of the statues I am after painting." He brought the Gentleman in to the room where the three young men were. The Gentleman viewed them and then delivered judgment. "They are very well done but would you not think that the pinus of the middle statue is rather

to gain admittance. The Tinker fixed the fee at £5 and after the young man paid him the money he let him in. Not long after another man knocked at the door and asked admission. The Tinker said he would let him in for a fee and seeing how easily the first man parted with the £5 he decided to raise the fee to £10. This the second man agreed to pay and was admitted. Now a third man appeared on the scene and asked admittance and the Tinker decided to raise the fee still higher, to £20. This the third man paid without hesitation. Some time afterwards the Tinker heard the rumbling of the Owner's carriage coming up the avenue. He called the three men and they asked what they would do. "Well" said the Tinker "strip off and stand with your backs to the wall and the Tinker placed some cans of paint in front of them. The Gentleman knocked at the door and he let him in. He asked the Tinker did anyone disturb him or anyone try to gain admission. The Tinker said no one came in or left the house until he came into it. "Well" said the Gentleman "how are you managing with the painting". "Fine" said the Tinker "come in till you see some of the statues I am after painting." He brought the Gentleman in to the room where the three young men were. The Gentleman viewed them and then delivered judgment. "They are very well done but would you not think that the pinus of the middle statue is rather

A Tinker once decided to turn painter. He believed painting was better paying than his own job. He got a few cans of paint and a few brushes and in order to advertise his trade he put some spots on his clothes. He was coming along the road one day very downhearted. So far he had not succeeded in getting a job and was thinking of once more returning to his old trade. On the road he met a Gentleman who halted him. He asked him would he be able to do some painting for him. The Tinker said certainly that he would be able to do anything he wanted. The Gentleman said to him, "I am in a hurry into town now and cannot go back to show you what to do but here is the key of the house and you can have a look round yourself till I come home. Now you must not let anybody in or out of the house till I come home". The Tinker agreed and set off in good spirits now for the house. He entered the house and locked the door after him. Inside he found three girls whom he found to be daughters of the Gentleman. He told them his business and told them what their father had said. Now he did not know the first thing about painting but he decided to take a look round. He was not long in the house till he heard a knock at the door. He came down, looked out a window and saw a young man standing on the doorstep. He asked the Tinker if there was any chance of getting in. "yes" said the Tinker, "but you must pay a fee." The Gentleman asked how much would he have to pay

go so Felim decided to go himself. When he came near the fort he saw that the fairies were playing "Thart a bhróg" so he slipped in among them. When the rope came his way he stuck to it and did not pass it round. The fairies after some time began to grumble and ask that the rope be passed round. One of them said "Maybe Felim Waters has slipped in amongst us and has the rope. See how he codded ye last year taking the girl from ye." "Yes " said another "but he doesn't know yet that if he pulls the pin out of her head she will be able to speak". Felim had now heard enough. He stood up and made off with the rope with the fairies in hot pursuit. When the fairies were coming too close on him he threw back the rope to them. They returned to their fort and Felim returned home. When he came home he told his mother what the fairies said. She told him to go and see for himself. He entered the girl's room and searched in her hair for the pin. Good enough he found it and pulled it out. The first thing the girl did was to kiss Felim. She then thanked him for the way he treated her during the year and told him she was a Princess and that next day they would go to her father's house. Next day the two set off for her father's house. When they came to the gates of the palace she told Felim she would remain at the gates and he was to go to her father and say "your daughter is at the gates. Come down and see her." Then he was to run as fast as he could back to her as her father might kill him. He did as he was told and hurried

Long long ago there lived a man named Felim Waters. He was not afraid of "Man or the Devil" and was acustomed to visit a neighbouring fairy fort and watch the fairies playing or sometimes join them in their play. The Bonfire night came and Felim Waters went as all the neighbours to the bonfire. There they performed the usual or customary rites. It was the custom when coming home to take a coal out of the fire and throw it into the field of potatoes. This was supposed to keep away anything that would damage the yield of the crop. On the way home with a coal on the top of a stick (the usual way of carrying the coal home) Felim stood up near the fort. He was not long there when four black men came before him and placed a coffin on the ground before him. When they placed the coffin on the ground Felim threw the coal at them and they immediately vanished. He now opened the coffin and found in it a beautiful girl dressed liked a Princess. He caught her hand and raised her up out of the coffin. He saw that she was alive but he found to his surprise that she could not speak. He took her to his home and told his mother how he found her. They treated her as best they could and made her content. The girl could not tell them anything. She remained with them for a year. When the Bonfire night came the next year Felim went to it leaving the girl and his mother at home. When coming home he asked one of his friends to accompany him to the Fairy Fort and join in with the fairies. He refused to

The Basket maker agreed. The Gentleman decided on the following plan. He made baskets and wove the name of the Red Haired Girl in them. He went out with them and tried to sell them in the village. The girl happened one day to see him and also saw her name woven in the baskets. She became interested in this man. She approached him and offered to buy one. She found to her astonishment that it was her husband. He told her not to create an alarm as the Captain may find out who the Basket Seller was. They made an "A.P." for the next night in a secluded place and then gave full vent to their emotions. There they discussed how they would get back and how the Captain would be got out of the way. They decided to go to the mayor of the village and tell him the whole story. Next day they visited the mayor and told him what happened. He ordered the Captain to be arrested and to be burned in a barrel of tar in the Market Place. Next day the Captain was burned in a barrel of tar and the whole village rejoiced at the reunion of the Gentleman and his "Red Haired" Wife. The mayor sent them in a special ship to their native land. They both went back to the Gentleman's residence and there lived happily ever after.

the sea without being seen, now he had no further rival. Still Fate was on the side of the Gentleman. When he was thrown into the sea a big fish came his way and swallowed him without putting a tooth in him. He was so large that the Gentleman had plenty of place to walk round inside the fish's stomach. It is believed or known that when one of these big fish is about to die he makes for the shore and generally has expired when they reach the shore. The Gentleman had a big knife in his belt and he immediately thought of a plan. He took out the knife and stuck it deep into the fish's heart. Then he began to rip the fish's stomach with the knife. When the fish began to lose blood and to gradually expire he headed towards the shore. The fish reached some unknown shore and the Gentleman cut his way through the fish and went ashore. After walking for days he came to a village and got work there in a basket maker's department.
Now we must return to the Captain and the Red - Haired Girl. They sailed on for days and after weeks on sea they landed at the same part the Gentleman was making baskets in. She, needless to say, was not happy in the company of the Captain - yet she hoped that her lover would be saved. While The Gentleman was out walking one day in the village whom did he see but his wife "The Red Haired Girl". She did not know him. He went home to the Basket maker and asked him to let him sell the Baskets in the street instead of another man.

the sea without being seen. Now he had no further rival. Still Fate was on the side of the Gentleman. When he was thrown into the sea a big fish came his way and swallowed him without putting a tooth in him. he was so large that the Gentleman had plenty of place to walk round inside the fish's stomach. It is believed or known that when one of these big fish is about to die he makes for the shore and generally has expired when they reach the shore. The Gentleman had a big knife in his belt and he immediately thought of a plan. He took out the knife and stuck it deep into the fish's heart. Then he began to rip the fish's stomach with the knife. When the fish began to lose blood and to gradually expire he headed towards the shore. The fish reached some unknown shore and the Gentleman cut his way through the fish and went ashore. After walking for days he came to a village and got work there in a basket maker's department.
Now we must return to the Captain and the Red - Haired Girl. They sailed on for days and after weeks on sea they landed at the same part the Gentleman was making baskets in. She, needless to say, was not happy in the company of the Captain - yet she hoped that her lover would be saved. While The Gentleman was out walking one day in the village whom did he see but his wife "The Red Haired Girl". She did not know him. He went home to the Basket maker and asked him to let him sell the Baskets in the street instead of another man.

the gentleman. "we will begin as soon as we reach home."
The gentleman worked hard & quickly learned how to make baskets of all kinds. The he returned to the smith's forge where he found himself & the daughter at work as on his first visit. He very soon proved to the smith that he could make baskets & make them well.
Then the smith agreed to the marriage & they were married a week later. Where was the Honeymoon to be spent. She had never been from home before & he decided he would show her some of the world before settling down in their home. They set out on a sea voyage from the nearest port. After some weeks on sea the Captain of the ship fell in love with the young wife & seeing no other means of getting possession of her except by throwing her husband overboard on the first available opportunity he watched for his chance & one night finding him standing by the railing alone, he heaved him into

delivered his message again. The smith's reply was the same as before - He said he could not have his daughter when he had no trade - but he would make this concession to him that if he came back to him within a year & proved to him that he had learned a trade in the meantime he would agree to give him his daughter. The coachman went back to his Master & delivered the answer he had got - He said it was no use talking further to the Smith - if he was anxious to have the lady he would have to learn a trade.
"Have you any trade," said the gentleman to the coachman. "Before I became coachman I was a basket maker by trade" said the coachman.
"Do you call basketmaking a trade?" said the gentleman. "Yes," said the coachman, "& as good a trade as any other & if you wish I shall teach you the trade as I learned it myself." "All right" said

coachman at first seems unwilling to carry out the order. He was too surprised but on being told a second time to go he hesitated no longer. He went back to the smith & delivered his message. He was rather surprised to see that the smith was not in the least elated with the proposal. The smith's reply to the proposal was - "Has your master a trade". "Oh no" said the coachman, "he needs no trade - He owns lands & wealth & everything he can wish for. He has no need to work at a trade or anything else." The smith said he did not mind about his wealth & riches but he could not have his daughter when he had no trade - The coachman more surprised than ever returned with the answer. The gentleman sent him back again to the smith to tell him who he was & to let him know what an important person he was & how he had more wealth than he would ever be likely to spend. The coachman came back &

One day a gentleman was on a journey in his carriage: He discovered that one of his horses had lost a shoe. He pulled up at the first forge he saw by the roadside. He went in & askes the smith if he would put a show on his horse - The smith said "Certainly." The coachman took the horse in while he walked around & looked about him. Looking into the forge he was surprised to see a girl sledging for the smith. He inquired who she was & found out she was the smith's daughter. Now he became very interested in the girl & watched her every movement as she hit the hot iron, blow after blow. He admired the skill & ease with which she did her work. Soon the shoe was on & paid for & the gentleman proceeded on his journey. He has not gone far when he told the coachman to stop & go back & ask the smith if he would give him his daughter in marriage. The

Long ago in Co. Sligo when people intended to build a house they selected the site - marked out the rectangle on which it was to be built & then stuck a cipín about six inches long at each corner - These cipíní were left so there during the night or perhaps for two nights - At the end of that time if it were found that the cipíní were pulled up & thrown aside - the people believed that the fairies objected to the building being put up there - The site was what they called 'contrary' & if a building were put up there it would be unlucky for those who would live in it. They would not proceed with the erection of the house & another site would be selected with the same ceremonial.

Then I experienced a grasp
The grasp of an honest man
For he hit two blows upon my nose
I feel it to this day
And as out I flew, he kicked me too,
And the parrot said "Good Day."

I wandered by a cottage door
And the parrot said "Come in
The door was open and I came in
And saw sitting there a maiden with a dimpled shin,
And combing down her hair,
A sweet surprise came in her eyes
And yet she did not frown
And as I smiled on that dear child
And the parrot said "Sit down,"
I sat down on that cottage chair
And the parrot said "Kiss her"
And as the maiden didn't speak
"Be Jove," said I, "I will"
The blush that mounted to her cheek
Made her more lovely still
And soon in haste I grasped her waist,
She cries out "No No"
As she looked so nice, I kissed her twice
And the parrot said "Bravo"
Her father then came rushing in
And the parrot said "Sneak out"
Her father's voice was like a rasp
And swearing he began

himself of his clothes he swam towards the island. He tested the strength of the place and came back - Letting his wife & family know of his intentions he formed a boat with a tow at either end & got his sister, her husband & family along with his own & and landed on the island. This island stands four miles from Dromore West in the townland of Owenbeg, a good land mark. When peace was proclaimed & the troubled storm in the nation ended, this 'hero' came back to his own residence, respected we must say by the people & they who ruled the nation.

than words - it was nearly all action with a few commanding words &as nearly every flock has a black sheep - someone told the English authority (Fenton of Castletown, Easkey) that they were getting pikes made & this man was well informed who made the pikes & spears & sent for him at once & questioned him - Our hero said, "Yes, I made both."
"Well," said this officer (Fenton), "Only that I respect the truth I would hang you now." "Straight business," said out hero,
"you say you will hang me & others will kill me if they don't have pikes and spears." There were no aeroplanes in those days but he flew from both parties - After getting clear of any "Carey" work (spies) our genius wandered through the mountains with his dog.
Observing a lake with an island upon it he consulted himself & said to himself that if he could get on that island it would be a new Jerusalem to him & divesting

Once upon a time there lived a very useful man of the farming class. He was, too, a mechanic & very skilful to either man or beast, and acted the good Samaritan, as it were, on his line of march to attend & give relief.
Time rolled on till the French nation thought of taking Ireland from the grasp of England. Of a fine morning in Killala Bay a small fleet of French war ships bore down on the western coast. The English army flew to arms - So did the Irish in aid of the French, & in a struggle for liberty some of our own Irish fellows flew to our "Hero" (Mike's great grandfather) at night & put him off his bed to make them pikes & spears as he was a smith. All able men were ready for the fray - Well he made all the war material he could and done it with a will as Ireland for the Irish was his motto.
As actions speak louder

the geese- You did not buy the ganders & I have brought you all the geese that were in the flock yesterday -"
"Clever fellow," said Dan "You win this time", & he laughed heartily at being caught so badly.

Daniel O'Connell was coming from Cork to his home in Cahirchiveen in his carriage. He met a boy driving a flock of geese.
Dan thought he would like a goose for the Christmas. He asked the boy if he would sell him the geese - The boy said "yes" and they agreed on a price & he paid him there & then - the boy to take him the geese the next day.
Next morning the boy got up & picked out the ganders which he kept for himself & drove the geese to Dan's home.
Dan was told the geese had arrived &he at once noticed that the flock was smaller than it was the day before. He counted them & then he was certain that they were not all in it. He asked the boy where were the rest of the flock - Did he not buy so may from him on the previous day -
"Oh no, Mister, you bought only

Daniel O'Connell was coming from Cork to his home in Cahirchiveen] in his carriage. He met a boy driving a flock of geese.
Dan thought he would like a goose for the Christmas. He asked the boy if he would sell him the geese - The boy said "yes" and they agreed on a price & he paid him there & then - the boy to take him the geese the next day.
Next morning the boy got up & picked out the ganders which he kept for himself & drove the geese to Dan's home.
Dan was told the geese had arrived &he at once noticed that the flock was smaller than it was the day before. He counted them & then he was certain that they were not all in it. He asked the boy where were the rest of the flock - Did he not buy so may from him on the previous day -
"Oh no, Mister, you bought only

Now, Three Colonels in three distant ages born
Scotland, England, Ireland did adorn
The first in majesty of thought surpassed
The next in grandeur and in both the last
The force of nature could no further go
And to beard the first she shaved the latter two.

Daniel O Connell was a member of the British House of Commons.
One day, three Colonels, one Scotch, one English & one Irish, got up one after the other & abused Dan to their own satisfaction & to the satisfaction of other English members. When the third had finished Dan stood up & asked if he could reply & he was allowed. He replied in the following manner =
"The last three speakers remind me of three great poets, Homer of Greece, Virgil of Italy & Milton of England when are described in the following verse -
Three poets in three distant ages born Greece, Italy & England did adorn
The first in majesty of thought surpassed The next in grandeur & in both the last The force of nature could no further go And to make a third she joined the former two,
(I forgot to say that the Scotchman wore a beard & the other two were clean shaven)

Daniel O Connell was a member of the British House of Commons.
One day, three Colonels, one Scotch, one English & one Irish, got up one after the other & abused Dan to their own satisfaction & to the satisfaction of other English members. When the third had finished Dan stood up & asked if he could reply & he was allowed. He replied in the following manner =
"The last three speakers remind me of three great poets, Homer of Greece, Virgil of Italy & Milton of England when are described in the following verse -
Three poets in three distant ages born Greece, Italy & England did adorn
The first in majesty of thought surpassed The next in grandeur & in both the last The force of nature could no further go And to make a third she joined the former two,
(I forgot to say that the Scotchman wore a beard & the other two were clean shaven)

Daniel O Connell was a member of the British House of Commons.
One day, three Colonels, one Scotch, one English & one Irish, got up one after the other & abused Dan to their own satisfaction & to the satisfaction of other English members. When the third had finished Dan stood up & asked if he could reply & he was allowed. He replied in the following manner =
"The last three speakers remind me of three great poets, Homer of Greece, Virgil of Italy & Milton of England when are described in the following verse -
Three poets in three distant ages born Greece, Italy & England did adorn
The first in majesty of thought surpassed The next in grandeur & in both the last The force of nature could no further go And to make a third she joined the farmer two,
(I forgot to say that the Scotchman wore a beard & the other two were clean shaven)

Daniel O Connell was a member of the British House of Commons.
One day, three Colonels, one Scotch, one English & one Irish, got up one after the other & abused Dan to their own satisfaction & to the satisfaction of other English members. When the third had finished Dan stood up & asked if he could reply & he was allowed. He replied in the following manner =
"The last three speakers remind me of three great poets, Homer of Greece, Virgil of Italy & Milton of England when are described in the following verse -
Three poets in three distant ages born Greece, Italy & England did adorn
The first in majesty of thought surpassed The next in grandeur & in both the last The force of nature could no further go And to make a third she joined the farmer two,
(I forgot to say that the Scotchman wore a beard & the other two were clean shaven)

Daniel O Connell was a member of the British House of Commons.
One day, three Colonels, one Scotch, one English & one Irish, got up one after the other & abused Dan to their own satisfaction & to the satisfaction of other English members. When the third had finished Dan stood up & asked if he could reply & he was allowed. He replied in the following manner =
"The last three speakers remind me of three great poets, Homer of Greece, Virgil of Italy & Milton of England when are described in the following verse -
Three poets in three distant ages born Greece, Italy & England did adorn
The first in majesty of thought surpassed The next in grandeur & in both the last The force of nature could no further go And to make a third she joined the farmer two,
(I forgot to say that the Scotchman wore a beard & the other two were clean shaven)

Daniel O Connell was a member of the British House of Commons.
One day, three Colonels, one Scotch, one English & one Irish, got up one after the other & abused Dan to their own satisfaction & to the satisfaction of other English members. When the third had finished Dan stood up & asked if he could reply & he was allowed. He replied in the following manner =
"The last three speakers remind me of three great poets, Homer of Greece, Virgil of Italy & Milton of England when are described in the following verse -
Three poets in three distant ages born Greece, Italy & England did adorn
The first in majesty of thought surpassed The next in grandeur & in both the last The force of nature could no further go And to make a third she joined the farmer two,
(I forgot to say that the Scotchman wore a beard & the other two were clean shaven)

Daniel O Connell was a member of the British House of Commons.
One day, three Colonels, one Scotch, one English & one Irish, got up one after the other & abused Dan to their own satisfaction & to the satisfaction of other English members. When the third had finished Dan stood up & asked if he could reply & he was allowed. He replied in the following manner =
"The last three speakers remind me of three great poets, Homer of Greece, Virgil of Italy & Milton of England when are described in the following verse -
Three poets in three distant ages born Greece, Italy & England did adorn
The first in majesty of thought surpassed The next in grandeur & in both the last The force of nature could no further go And to make a third she joined the farmer two,
(I forgot to say that the Scotchman wore a beard & the other two were clean shaven)

over trick & trick over & above.- He certainly did this & it was the trick over & above that the pupil learned that caused the death of the Master.

foretold. When she threw the ring into the fire the master & his companions turned into thirteen hammers. They pulled out the fire with the hammers and then began to beat & batter the ashes - The ring was reduced to ashes - except one little bit. This little bit jumped out of the ashes & into a heap of wheat which was at the end of the house & then changed into a grain of corn. Now the Master & his companions changed from hammers into thirteen turkey-cocks. The turkey cocks began to eat the wheat & when they had nearly all eaten, he (the simpleton) changed from a grain of wheat into a fox & before the turkey cocks could change their shape he had snapped the heads off them. He had now nothing further to fear so he went back to live with his father & be a comfort to him in his old age.
When his father handed him over to his Master, the Master promised to teach him trick

himself into a pigeon & set off.
It was not long till the Master found out he was gone & he & his twelve companions in the shape of pigeons set out after him. After a time they were coming closer on him. He saw a girl counting rings in a garden, as he changed himself into a ring & dropped into her lap amongst the other rings. After he changed into a ring he told the girl that his master and twelve companions would come to her father & ask him to hand out the ring which fell into his daughter's lap. "Your father will grant his request & he will appoint a time on the next day for the Master to come for the ring. You sit beside a fire - Have the rings in your lap. Take up each ring in turn & say "Is it this one? Is it this one? & so on till you come to me. He will know me & say "It is". Then you throw me into the fire & say - "So and look for it now."
All happened just as he had

All happened as he was told & this time he gave him the bridle. The Master went home - delighted with his bargain - & more delighted still that he had the bridle. He locked the horse in a stable - & gave him neither to eat nor drink. He then went into his house to have his dinner. He ordered the servants that on no account were they to go near the stable -
While the Master was at his dinner a servant girl came into the yard with a pail of water. The horse asked her for a drink - but she said she had been ordered to give him neither food nor drink.
He then asked her to throw a few drops of the water under his door & the Master would never notice it & would never know about it. She took pity on the horse & threw a few drops of the water under the door & went off. This was all the horse wanted. He changed himself into an eel, wriggled out under the door - then changed

All happened as he was told & this time he gave him the bridle. He locked the horse in a stable - & gave him neither to eat nor drink. He then went into his house to have his dinner. He ordered the servants that on no account were they to go near the stable -
While the Master was at his dinner a servant girl came into the yard with a pail of water. The horse asked her for a drink - but she said she had been ordered to give him neither food nor drink.
He then asked her to throw a few drops of the water under his door & the Master would never notice it & would never know about it. She took pity on the horse & threw a few drops of the water under the door & went off. This was all the horse worked. He changed himself into an eel, wriggled out under the door - then changed

buy him. He told his father to sell him but for no consideration was he to part with the bridle. All happened as the son told him & when the master asked for the bridle the old man said "You only bought the horse - you did not buy the horse & bridle." The father returned home with the bridle - The master walked off with the horse - but when the father reached home the son was there before him. The son now told him there would be Races again the next day & that he was going & would win every race as on the previous day.
The Master will come again to buy me, but this time he will offer twice the money for me. You sell me as before - but again keep the bridle.
All things turned out as he had said & when returned home he found the son before him again. He now told him that there would be Races again the following day - He would win all - The Master would come to buy him - offer three times the money & this you will give him the bridle.

other pigeons & myself. He will ask you to pick me out & if you are not able to do it, I am lost to you for ever. He will throw some corn on the floor & call us towards it - All the pigeons will fly towards the grain & all will begin to eat except myself. I will not eat but I will ruffle my feathers & peck at the other pigeons - In this way you will know me. Before picking me out say "He was ugly when I knew him & I suppose he is ugly still." Then make your choice." The pigeon then left & all things happened as he had said. The old man picked out his son & they were again united.
The son now told the father that they had not finished with his Master yet - that he would make repeated efforts to win him back. Next day he said there would be Races not far away & that he was going to them in the shape of a horse. He said he would win every race during the day & in the evening the Master would come to

other pigeons & myself. He will ask you to pick me out & if you are not able to do it, I am lost to you for ever. He will throw some corn on the floor & call us towards it - All the pigeons will fly towards the grain & all will begin to eat except myself. I will not eat but I will ruffle my feathers & peck at the other pigeons - In this way you will know me. Before picking me out say "He was ugly when I knew him & i suppose he is ugly still." Then make your choice." The pigeon then left & all things happened as he had said. The old man picked out his son & they were again united.
The son now told the father that they had not finished with his Master yet - that he would make repeated efforts to win him back. Next day he said there would be Races not far away & that he was going to them in the shape of a horse. He said he would win every race during the day & in the evening the Master would come to

after parting with his simpleton son he was having his mid-day meal of potatoes & salt when a pigeon alighted on his window sill. The pigeon spoke and said, "That is a poor meal you have old man." "Yes, it is," said the old man, "but I have seen better days. There was a time when I had plenty. I had broad acres & everything I wished for. I had three sons, for one of whom i had not sufficient respect - Since I parted with him I have never seen a day's luck -" Then he told the pigeon the whole story of his parting with his simpleton son. The pigeon asked him if he would recognise his simpleton son if he saw him. The old man said he believed he would know him that he could not have changed so much in a year.
The pigeon then told him that he was his son & he jumped in on the floor. "Now," said he, "the year & a day will be up tomorrow & my Master will come here with twelve

after parting with his simpleton son he was having his mid-day meal of potatoes & salt when a pigeon alighted on his window sill. The pigeon spoke and said, "That is a poor meal you have old man." "Yes, it is," said the old man, "but I have seen better days. There was a time when I had plenty. I had broad acres & everything I wished for. I had three sons, for one of whom i had not sufficient respect - Since I parted with him I have never seen a day's luck -" Then he told the pigeon the whole story of his parting with his simpleton son. the pigeon asked him if he would recognise his simpleton son if he saw him. The old man said he believed he would know him that he could not have changed so much in a year.
The pigeon then told him that he was his son & he jumped in on the floor. "Now," said he, "the year & a day will be up tomorrow & my Master will come here with twelve

for him. On the way he met a gentleman & after some conversation with him he told him that the reason for his journeying was to find a position for his son. "You are in luck," said the gentleman, "I am your man. Just now I need a boy very badly & my purpose on the road was to find one. If you and he are agreeable I'll take him on & I'll teach him trick over trick & a trick over & above." All were quite satisfied. The gentleman now made a further proposal & said, "If after a year & a day you are able to recognise your son, you can have him back again." The man parted with his son & returned home & the simpleton & his new master went their way -
In less than a year the two 'gentleman' sons had squandered all their father's means. The old man, grown grey with trouble & worry, was obliged to part with his lovely home & farm & live on potatoes & salt in a poor cabin. Just a year

for him. On the way he met a gentleman & after some conversation with him he told him that the reason for his journeying was to find a position for his son. "You are in luck," said the gentleman, "I am your man. Just now I need a boy very badly & my purpose on the road was to find one. If you and he are agreeable I'll take him on 7 I'll teach him trick over trick & a trick over & above." All were quite satisfied. The gentleman now made a further proposal & said, "If after a year & a day you are able to recognise your son, you can have him back again." The man parted with his son & returned home & the simpleton & his new master went their way -
In less than a year the two 'gentleman' sons had squandered all their father's means. The old man, grown grey with trouble & worry, was obliged to part with his lovely home & farm & live on potatoes & salt in a poor cabin. Just a year

V
A big farmer had three sons, one of whom was a simpleton. Now this simpleton was a a slave to the other two brothers. He had to do the work while they went about enjoying themselves. They did not want him to mix with their friends or their friends to know him - They felt ashamed of him. One day they came to their father & told him they were disgraced by their simpleton brother & that he would have to get rid of him.
The father thought over the matter & decided that the two sons would be a greater honour & a greater benefit to him than their simpleton brother - so he decided to send the simpleton away. He went to the simpleton & explained matters to him & told him how sorry he was to part with him but that there was nothing else left for him to do. The simpleton, on hearing the story, said he was delighted to leave & that he need not make any apologies.
Next morning the father set out with the simpleton to find a position

A big farmer had three sons, one of whom was a simpleton. Now the simpleton was a a slave to the other two brothers. He had to do the work while they went about enjoying themselves. They did not want him to mix with their friends or their friends to know him - They felt ashamed of him. One day they came to their father & told him they were disgraced by their simpleton brother & that he would have to get rid of him.
The father thought over the matter & decided that the two sons would be a greater honour & a greater benefit to him than their simpleton brother - so he decided to send the simpleton away. He went to the simpleton & explained matters to him & told him how sorry he was to part with him but that there was nothing else left for him to do. The simpleton, on hearing the story, said he was delighted to leave & that he need not make any apologies.
Next morning the father set out with the simpleton to find a position

very excited except the two brothers. They were seemingly quite indifferent as to what might happen. The Princess stepped forward - She ordered the brothers to go outside with their respective stock one was to stand outside one door with his stock & the other was to stand outside another door with his. When she called each with his stock was to come through the door at which he was standing, towards her into the palace in front of the King & courtiers. Then she said she would make her selection. The two brothers did as they were told & when she called both came in. She knew at once which was her husband by the gold chains on the necks of his stock.
She walked over to Billy & embraced him & said ‘You are my husband.' The Riddle was solved - Billy & the Princess lived happily together ever afterwards - Jack & his stock set out on the road of adventure again. Nothing ever afterwards happened to disturb the peace of their lives.

began - The brothers were so much alike that the princess was unable to distinguish which was her husband - Jack said to her, “If you cannot pick out your husband we, Billy & Jack, start again on the road of adventure as we began.” The poor Princess was in a terrible state - She began to think of peculiarities she had noticed in her husband & then she said Jack may have the same peculiarities - so that was of no use. At last a bright thought struck her. She remembered that on the day Billy rescued her from the dragon & while he lay asleep with his head on her lap, she put a gold chain round each animals’ neck & that in all probability the chains were on the animals’ necks still. If they were she could then pick out her husband. That evening she examined the animals & sure enough the gold chains were on the neck of four of them. Next morning when she was to make her choice - there was Billy & there was Jack & all their stock mixed up together. There also were the King & courtiers to witness the proceedings. All seemed

himself & food for his stock. He then proceeded to the King’s castle. He was met on the avenue by the King’s daughter who mistook him for Billy & greeted him as she would greet her husband.
Jack informed her that he was not Billy but his brother Jack but that he felt that Billy was in grave danger & he wished to know where he was. She then told him of the hunt & of his not returning. Next day they organised a hunt again. Jack & his stock joined in the hunt.
About mid-day the same witch crossed their path & all pursued her. After some time Jack found himself alone in his chase of the witch. When the witch reached the same tree she climbed it to the top & there sat on a branch. Jack ordered her to come down - She said as before, “If you tie up your stock I will.” Jack ordered her to hand down her wand first. She did so & when Jack got the wand he changed the five stones back to their original forms. He then slew the witch & Jack & Billy & their respective stocks returned to the Princess amid great rejoicings. Now the trouble

About the middle of the day a witch crossed their path. Everyone engaged in the hunt pursued her - After a little Billy found himself alone with his stock in his chase of the witch. When they were very near her she climbed up a tree & sat on a branch looking down on them. Billy ordered her to come down - She said she would when he tied up his stock. Billy agreed - but no sooner were the stock tied than he & his four animals were turned into five stones by the witch.
During all this time Jack & his stock had travelled far & were miles & miles distant from Billy. One night Jack felt that Billy was in danger - so he returned as he had been told to the tree at the crossroads where the two knives were stuck.
He examined the knives & saw that Billy’s knife was only rusted — then he knew that he was not dead but in danger. He set out on the road that Billy first took & after much travelling he arrived at the public house which Billy first visited. He went in, called for a drink for

Now he bet with the publican if he sent for the King’s coach he would get it. The publican thinking this surely impossible asked that the wager should be doubled. This was done & this time the bear was sent on the errand to the palace. It was not long till the King’s coach drew up outside the publican’s door - Billy had his wager again & he & his stock got into the coach & drove to the palace.
Here they were met by the Princess who presented Billy to her father & told him the whole story of how he had saved her from the dragon & not the butler. The King on hearing the story ordered that the butler should be burned in a barrel of tar & offered the princess to Billy in marriage. Next day Billy & the princess were married & great were the celebration in the town. Billy & the princess lived happily for a year & then Billy said to the King they should have a hunt some day. The king was delighted & preparations were made for a hunt on the following day. Early on the following morning the hunt began

meaning of the decorations in the town - which was in mourning just a year before. The publican told him that next day the princess was to be married to the butler who had saved her from the dragon. On hearing this Billy made a bet with the publican that if he sent for the King’s walking stick he would get it. The publican laughed at him & the bets were posted. Billy gave orders to his fox to go to the palace & take him the King’s walking stick.
The princess had heard a rumour that Billy & his stock were in town & this rumour was confirmed when the fox came for the walking stick. She willingly gave him the stick & he returned in quick time to his master with it. Billy had won the wager. Now he bet with the publican that if he sent for the King’s overcoat he would get it. The bets were posted again & this time Billy sent the badger to the palace to fetch the overcoat. He was met at the door by the princess who willingly gave him the overcoat. The badger returned with the coat to Billy & the wager was his again.

daughter safely back & willingly agreed to her marriage with her rescuer. The girl asked that the marriage should not take place for a year & a day - This was agreed to by all. She hoped & expected that Billy, the real saviour, would turn up before the end of that time.
The fox, seeing his master lying beheaded on the ground, ordered the hare to go at once & fetch a bottle of water from a certain well. The went & returned with the bottle of water. Now the four animals set to work & with the aid of the water joined the head of their master to the body again - Billy was then as well as ever.
Now he & his stock set off & after a year reached the same town from which Billy set out to save the Princess from the dragon. This time the town was not in mourning but beautifully decorated as if for a festival. Billy called to the same public house which he had visited just a year before. After ordering a drink for himself & food for his stock he asked the

went some distance further & then sat down to await the arrival of the dragon. Billy laid his head on the lap of the Princess & told her he was going to sleep & not to wake him till they were both in grave danger. Before going to sleep he sent the hare off for a bottle of water to a certain well. When the dragon came near, the girl woke Billy & here comes the hare at the same time with the bottle of water. The dragon when he came near them, began to belch out fire - Billy took the bottle of water from the hare & quenched the fire with it. Then he drew his sword & killed the dragon. “Now,” said Billy, “you are safe & we can return to your home.” On the way home they caught up to the butler who immediately drew his sword & cut the head off Billy. The butler now set off home with the princess & when he arrived at the Palace he told the King that he had slain the monster & now as a reward asked for the hand of the Princess in marriage. The king of course, was overjoyed at having his

with their followers in different directions.
Before nightfall Billy & his stock reached a city. He noticed that the city was in mourning. He went in to a public house, called for a drink for himself & food for his stock. He then asked the proprietor why the city was in mourning & was told that next morning the King’s daughter was to be given to a dragon as a peace offering. Billy asked if nothing could be done to save her & he was told No. He then asked if he would be admitted to the ceremony & the proprietor said certainly. There were no restrictions.
Next morning the King’s daughter accompanied by the butler & a big crowd set off to the home of the dragon. As they came along Billy & his stock fell in - the butler walked on one side of the princess & Billy & his stock on the other - the crowd followed behind. Gradually the crowd fell back till there was no one left but the butler & Billy & his stock -princess in the middle. After another little bit the butler halted & returned - Then Billy & the princess

father ordered them to return home with him. When they reached home he said to them that they had now reached manhood & besides had broken their agreement with him - therefore they must leave & make out for themselves. Before leaving he gave each boy, as a parting gift, a fox, a hare, a badger & a bear, and a peculiar kind of knife. He accompanied them to a crossroads, at which a tree was growing. He told each boy to stick his knife to the haft in this tree. The boys did as they were told. ‘Now,” said he, "you will always remember each other no matter where you are. Each will know when the other is in trouble or in grave danger - or seriously ill. When one of you feels that the other is in danger or ill, come to this tree, examine his knife & if the blade is rusted only - he is in danger. If the whole knife is rusted - he is dead. He also told them that they would find their animals very useful to them. They said Goodbye to the man & thanked him for all his kindness to them. He returned home & Billy & Jack set off

with the two children but this time Billy had only a crust of bread by which to leave a track to guide him home. As they went along he dropped the crumbs from the crust of bread. When left in the wood by the steward they tried to get home. After they followed the track for a short distance, no more crumbs were to be seen. The birds of the air had them eaten. They wandered about through the wood for some time - Then they met a man in the wood to whom they told their tale. He said he had no children of his own & would be very glad to adopt them if they would agree. The only condition he would impose was that they were to obey him implicitly. The two boys were glad to agree to any conditions & went home with the man. They boys lived happily with the man & his wife for years. Even when they were full grown he demanded strict obedience from them. When they went shooting they dare not fire even at a rabbit without permission. One day they were out hunting & one of the boys fired at some game without permission. Immediately their adopted

Billy & Jack were brothers. Their mother was dead & their father had married again. Their stepmother had no love for the two boys & wished to get rid of them in some way. She ordered the steward to take them out to a wood & leave them there to die. One day the steward took the two children to a wood, but Billy, before he left home, filled his pockets with little white stones & dropped them as he went along so that he would find his way home again. The steward left them in the wood & disappeared but to the surprise of stepmother & steward the two boys arrived home almost as soon as the steward. The stepmother reprimanded the steward for carrying out her orders so slovenly. She ordered him to take them away again to the wood & if he did not do his work properly this time he would be steward no longer. He set off to the wood again

III
A big farmer offered a handsome salary to a man who would help him on the farm, teach his wife to speak Latin & his cat to teach Irish. After some time a boy came to him & offered to do what he asked.
He was not long in his new employment till he found out that the farmer's wife was 'carrying on' with a young man in the district in the absence of his husband. When the farmer & he went out to work this young man used

the cat speak Irish & now you hear your wife speaking Latin but I will not tell you what she is saying. My reward sir!"
He got his reward & went his way.

when he only meant to be kind to him. However, he & the boy sat down & ate a hearty meal & thought no more of the incident. A short time after this, this neighbour of theirs fell sick & the mistress suggested to her husband that she should call & see how he was. The husband agreed that is was only right & neighbourly to do such a thing - They went off to their work & she set off to visit her friend.
They had just come home from work when she arrived back from her visit. When the woman was kissing Good-bye to her friend he bit off the top of her tongue. Now when she came into the house the farmer asked her how their neighbour was - or was he improving - & she could only mumble indistinctly & unintelligably. The farmer opened his eyes in wonder & turned towards the boy & said "What is she saying." The boy stepped forward & said, "Now sir, my bargain is completed - When I took service with you I promised for a certain reward to teach your cat to speak Irish & your wife to speak Latin - You heard

when he only meant to be kind to him. However, he & the boy sat down & ate a hearty meal & thought no more of the incident. A short time after this, this neighbour of theirs fell sick & the mistress suggested to her husband that she should call & see how he was. The husband agreed that is was only right & neighbourly to do such a thing. They went off to their work & she set off to visit her friend.
They had just come home from work when she arrived back from her visit. When the woman was kissing Good-bye to her friend he bit off the top of her tongue. Now when she came into the house the farmer asked her how their neighbour was - or was he improving - & she could only mumble indistinctly & unintelligably. The farmer opened his eyes in wonder & turned towards the boy & said "What is she saying." The boy stepped forward & said, "Now sir, my bargain is completed - When I took service with you I promised for a certain reward to teach your cat to speak Irish & your wife to speak Latin - You heard

a King. "We will never be able to eat all this," said the man. "Better invite our neighbour who is working in the next field." He bade the boy to go for him. The neighbour happened to be the wife's lover. Before going the boy happened to abstract from the basket a number of boiled eggs, & as he went towards where the man was working he dropped them one by one. When he reached the man he talked to him but did not invite him to the dinner. After a little he returned & said that the man refused to come on his invitation, but if the farmer, himself, went - he would come. "All right", said the farmer & off he set. On the way he saw the eggs & he picked them up one by one as he went. The young man seeing him stoop down & pick up the eggs thought that he was picking up stones & that he meant to attack him. (result of a guilty conscience) He fled as fast as he could leaving his horses after him. The farmer returned to his own field & seemed puzzled to know why the young man had run away.

a King. "We will never be able to eat all this," said the man. "Better invite our neighbour who is working in the next field." He bade the boy to go for him. The neighbour happened to be the wife's lover. Before going the boy happened to abstract from the basket a number of boiled eggs, & as he went towards where the man was working he dropped them one by one. When he reached the man he talked to him but did not invite him to the dinner. After a little he returned & said that the man refused to come on his invitation, but if the farmer, himself, went - he would come. "All right", said the farmer & off he set. On the way he saw the eggs & he picked them up one by one as he went. The young man seeing him stoop down & pick up the eggs thought that he was picking up stones & that he meant to attack him. (result of a guilty conscience) He fled as fast as he couldleaving his horses after him. The farmer returned to his own field & seemed puzzled to know why the young man had run away.

their work in the fields. This was a narrow escape for the mistress & young man & she was afraid to bring him to the house for dinner after this. Instead she brought him his dinner to the field where he was working. He had two white horses & when she saw these white horses she knew where to go with the dinner. The farmer's boy found this out & in order to get the good dinner for themselves he put two white sheets on his own horses.
The mistress mistaking these horses for those of her young man never found out her mistake till she was actually in the field & then she was too late to turn back. She came up to where they were working & laid down the basket
The farmer was surprised & asked why she had brought them the dinner that day anymore than any other day. She said the day was so fine that she thought it would be pleasanter for them to have dinner in the open than in the house.
"Perhaps you are right," said the farmer, "best sit down & eat it." Down they sat - opened the basket - & sure enough there was a dinner good enough for

to visit the house & be entertained by his mistress. One day about noon when he knew that the young man was in the house he told his master that they had been signalled to for dinner. The farmer said "It is best to go in & have dinner." They loosed the horses & went in. The farmer sat down in the kitchen while the boy moved around & in doing so managed to stand on the cat's tail. The cat 'me-owed' & the farmer asked what did he say. The boy said "He spoke in Irish & said there was a fine young man in the parlour." After a little he managed to stand on the cat's tail again. The farmer asked again what he said & the boy answered "He spoke in Irish & said there was a fine dinner ready in the parlour." "Better go & eat it" said the farmer.
The farmer & boy went to the parlour & sure enough there was the fine dinner laid out for two - but there was no young man. The young man had been there but got out the window while they were in the kitchen. They sat down & ate the dinner & then returned to

to visit the house & be entertained by his mistress. One day about noon when he knew that the young man was in the house he told his master that they had been signalled to for dinner. The farmer said "It is best to go in & have dinner." They loosed the horses & went in. The farmer sat down in the kitchen while the boy moved around & in doing so managed to stand on the cat's tail. The cat 'me-owed' & the farmer asked what did he say. The boy said "He spoke in Irish & said there was a fine young man ibn the parlour." After a little he managed to stand on the cat's tail again. The farmer asked again what he said & the boy answered "He spoke in Irish & said there was a fine dinner ready in the parlour." "Better go & eat it" said the farmer.
The farmer & boy went to the parlour & sure enough there was the fine dinner laid out for two - but there was no young man. The young man had been there but got out the window while they were in the kitchen. They sat down & ate the dinner & then returned to

A big farmer offered a handsome salary to a man who would help him on the farm, teach his wife to speak Latin & his cat to teach Irish. After some time a boy came to him & offered to do what he asked.
He was not long in his new employment till he found out that the farmer's wife was 'carrying on' with a young man in the district in the absence of his husband. When the farmer & he went out to work this young man used

ready to pay £10 to get back your child. You once paid £10 for me & now here is your child back again to you & my debt is paid. The black man then disappeared & the parents were left speechless looking at each other.

ready to pay £10 to get back your child. You once paid £10 for me & now here is your child back again to you & my debt is paid. The black man then disappeared & the parents were left speechless looking at each other.

spoke and asked, "What would you give to have your child back again"
"Anything I possess" said the sailor.
Would you give £100." Yes.
Would you give £50." Yes.
Would you give £20." Yes.
Would you give £10." Yes and 50 tens" said the sailor.
After a moment's pause the black man spoke & he asked if he remembered ever having done a good deed to a man who was in danger. The sailor said, "I don't remember but I may have." "Do you ever remember seeing a man tied to a stake with a crowd around ready to put him to death, because he could not pay a fine of £10." "Yes" said the sailor, "I remember that". "Well I am that man. I saw you when you were thrown overboard & when you climbed on to the rock. I asked as a special request from God that I would be allowed to save you, because you once saved me. That request was granted to me. You have agreed that you are

spoke and asked, "What would you give to have your child back again"
"Anything I possess" said the sailor.
Would you give £100." Yes.
Would you give £50." Yes.
Would you give £20." Yes.
Would you give £10." Yes and 50 tens" said the sailor.
After a moment's pause the black man spoke & he asked if he remembered ever having done a good deed to a man who was in danger. The sailor said, "I don't remember but I may have." "Do you ever remember seeing a man tied to a stake with a crowd around ready to put him to death, because he could not pay a fine of £10." "Yes" said the sailor, "I remember that". "Well I am that man. I saw you when you were thrown overboard & when you climbed on to the rock. I asked as a special request from God that I would be allowed to save you, because you once saved me. That request was granted to me. You have agreed that you are

spoke and asked, "What would you give to have your child back again"
"Anything I possess" said the sailor.
Would you give £100." Yes.
Would you give £50." Yes.
Would you give £20." Yes.
Would you give £10." Yes and 50 tens" said the sailor.
After a moment's pause the black man spoke & he asked if he remembered ever having done a good deed to a man who was in danger. The sailor said, "I don't remember but I may have." "Do you ever remember seeing a man tied to a stake with a crowd around ready to put him to death, because he could not pay a fine of £10." "Yes" said the sailor, "I remember that". "Well I am that man. I saw you when you were thrown overboard & when you climbed on the rock. I asked as a special request from God that I would be allowed to save you, because you once saved me. That request was granted to me. You have agreed that you are

spoke and asked, "What would you give to have your child back again"
"Anything I possess" said the sailor.
Would you give £100." Yes.
- - - £50 - "
- - - £20 - "
- - - £10 - " and 50 tens" said the sailor.
After a moment's pause the black man spoke & he asked if he remembered ever having done a good deed to a man who was in danger. The sailor said, "I don't remember but I may have." "Do you ever remember seeing a man tied to a stake with a crowd around ready to put him to death, because he could not pay a fine of £10." "Yes" said the sailor, "I remember that". "Well I am that man. I saw you when you were thrown overboard & when you climbed on the rock. I asked as a special request from God that I would be allowed to save you, because you once saved me. That request was granted to me. You have agreed that you are

& did not intend to tell her if he could help it - but she kept asking & asking & asking what was the matter with him & at last he was forced to tell her. When she heard the story she took the thing quietly & said "Oh! never mind God will send us another to take his place."
Next day, the day on which the promise was to be fulfilled the man, his wife & two children dressed in their best proceeded down the garden path to the spot where they were to meet the black man, each carried a child. When they reached the appointed place the black man was there before them. "Well" he said to the sailor "I see you are a man of your word." "Yes," said the sailor, I have always tried to keep my word - no matter what the sacrifice." "Are you ready now to fulfil your promise" "Yes, although it is hard." Mother & father then kissed the child & the father handed him over to the black man. The black man next

& did not intend to tell her if he could help it but she kept asking & asking & asking what was the matter with him & at last he was forced top tell her. When she heard the story she took the thing quietly & said "Oh! never mind God will send us another to take his place."
Next day, the day on which the promise was to be fulfilled the man, his wife & two children dressed in their best proceeded down the garden path to the spot where they were to meet the black man, each carried a child. When they reached the appointed place the black man was there before them. "Well" he said to the sailor "I see you are a man of your word." "Yes," said the sailor, I have always tried to keep my word - no matter what the sacrifice." "Are you ready now to fulfil your promise" "Yes, although it is hard." Mother & father then kissed the child & the father handed him over to the black man. The black man next

town & the rejoicings were held next day not for the marriage but for the return of the man who had really brought back the lost girl & restored her to her father.
In the course of time the sailor & his wife were blest with twins. There were rejoicings again but there was one person in the party who was troubled in mind & that was the father of the twins. He now thought of his promise to the black man but still he thought he had a year & a day before his promise - the handing over of his first born child - was to be fulfilled. He hoped against hope that something might happen in that time to free him from what he had undertaken to fulfil.
A year passed & nothing happened but the day before he was to fullfil his promise his wife noticed that he was very troubled. She asked him what was the matter but he refused to tell her. Now he had never told her at any time of his promise to the black man

how this man had saved her life & was really responsible for bringing her back to him. The sailor was ragged, unwashed & unshaven & looked, rather a miserable sight after his year's wandering. The father thought he was not worthy of his daughter & proposed that they should reward him & let her marriage with the Captain take place as had been arranged. The girl said "No where he goes, I go." The father, seeing what his daughter thought of this man, began to think that there must be more good in him than there appeared to be & consented to give him back his daughter as his wife. The sailor asked what was to be done with the captain & the father said they would burn him in a barrel of tar. The sailor said that since he had come safe & since all was well & since he had been reunited with his wife he wanted no revenge. He proposed that the Captain should be allowed to go free. This was done. The story spread throughout the

how the man had saved her life & was really responsible for bringing her back to him. The sailor was ragged, unwashed & unshaven & looked, rather a miserable sight after his year's wandering. The father thought he was not worthy of his daughter & proposed that they should reward him & let her marriage with the Captain take place as had been arranged. The girl said "No where he goes, I go." The father, seeing what his daughter thought of this man, began to think that there must be more good in him than there appeared to be & consented to give him back his daughter as his wife. The sailor asked what was to be done with the captain & the father said they would burn him in a barrel of tar. The sailor said that since he had come safe & since all was well and since he had been reunited with his wife he wanted no revenge. He proposed that the Captain should be allowed to go free. This was done. The story spread throughout the

you promise to give me your first born child."
"That is impossible because I have no child, but if I ever have I promise to give him to you."
"That's a bargain" said the black man & told him to get into the boat.
He brought him safely to land & then bade Good-bye to him. The sailor now set out to find the port for which he had sailed from Sligo, hoping to find tidings of his wife there. A year later he reached the port & found it & found it decorated as if for some festival. He asked the reason for the decorations & signs of rejoicing & was told that the Harbour master's daughter was to be married next day to the Captain of the ship. He inquired where the bride-to-be lived & when he found out where her house was situated he went towards it. She was sitting at a window & saw him approaching the house. She ran out to meet him, greeted him & welcomed him & took him into the house. There they met her father. She told him what the captain had done & then told him

you promise to give me your first born child."
"That is impossible because I have no child, but if I ever have I promise to give him to you."
"That's a bargain" said the black man & told him to get into the boat.
He brought him safely to land & then bade Good-bye to him. The sailor now set out to find the port for which he had sailed from Sligo, hoping to find tidings of his wife there. A year later he reached the port & found it & found it decorated as if for some festival. He asked the reason for the decorations & signs of rejoicing & was told that the Harbour master's daughter was to be married next day to the Captain of the ship. He inquired where the bride-to-be lived & when he found out where her house was situated he went towards it. She was sitting at a window & saw him approaching the house. She ran out to meet him, greeted him & welcomed him & took him into the house. There they met her father. She told him what the captain had done & then told him

you promise to give me your first born child."
"That is impossible because I have no child, but if I ever have I p;romise to give him to you."
"That's a bargain" said the black man & told him to get into the boat.
He brought him safely to land & then bade Good-bye to him. The sailor now set out to find the port for which he had sailed from Sligo, hoping to find tidings of his wife there. A year later he reached the port & found it & found it decorated as if for some festival. He asked the reason for the decorations & signs of rejoicing & was told that the Harbour master's daughter was to be married next day to the Captain of the ship. He inquired where the bride-to-be lived & when he found out where her house was situated he went towards it. She was sitting at a window & saw him approaching the house. She ran out to meet him, greeted him & welcomed him & took him into the house. There they met her father. She told him what the captain had done & then told him