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Hallow Eve Stories
Hallow Eve
Several stories are told about the fairies fire and dances on Hallow Eve night. I heard a man describe a big fire he saw in his meadow which was between two forths, He was coming home off his ceilidhe about 10 p.m. when the great light of the fire attracted his attention. Then he heard the sweetest music imaginable, and when he drew near the meadow he saw hundreds of the "little folk" dancing in rings around the fire. He passed on his way and paid no attention to them, but the following

At the harbour mouth of Sligo there is a little desert island called "Coney Island." It was near this island this story happened.
There were two men and they were going out fishing one night. They forgot it was Hallow Eve night. They cast out their nets after they had that done they sat in the boat and had a chat till the time came when they were to pull in their nets. They were still talking when suddenly one of them saw another set of nets beside theirs. The nets began to come closer to theirs and they taught they would foul. They pulled in their nets and as soon as they had that done the other nets disappeared. They put out their nets the other nets appeared again and began to foul with theirs. The two men pull in their nets again. They had barely got their nets out of the water when the other nets disappeared. They put out their nets for the third time and the same thing happened again. They immediately pulled in their nets again and put them in their boat and made for home. Before they reached home about a mile from home a storm overtook them and they were nearly washed over board. When they got home they said

The following stories and superstitions were all collected by the children and by myself. They are told at the firesides of Donegal on winter's nights.Superstitions relating to Hallow Eve Night
(1) On Hallow Eve night if you go to a quarry after midnight and throw the end of a ball of yarn down into the quarry you will find the devil holding on to the yarn.
(2) If you look into to a mirror after midnight you will see the man you are going to marry looking over your shoulder.
(3) If you go out to the fields in Hallow Eve night you will see the fairies swinging on the "ben weed" (ragwort).
(4) If you go outside with a green jacket on on Hallow Eve night, the fairies will take you away.
(5) If your house is build on a rock you will

and asked what he wanted. He says, I want my wife and three children.
Know you, my Lord? I could have killed you and ninety times as much men if you had them but I spared you.
The king said, I thank you. I will give you your wife and children and I will build a small palace for you and them and give you half my dominion for a living and I will keep you for a life guard and never again will I feed a soldier to protect me.
Instead of being a fool the man from Croghan became the greatest statesman in Scotland.

Hallow Eve is a joyous time for the children for on that night they get plentiful supplies of apples and nuts. According to superstition the fairies be out that night and they would take you away with them if you were out at that evil time. It is also said that the devil comes round that night and shakes his budges on the haws and turns them black and according to the old people if you eat a haw after Hallow Eve night you will have no luck and you will die young.
I know a man myself named Patrick Cavanagh who when a boy was herding cows on Hallow Eve and on lossing one of them stayed out to look for it. Whatever way he got delayed he was out to twelve o'clock and as he was calling the cow "Branny" "Branny" around came the fairies and took him away with them. His own people and the people of the neighbourhood missing him away went out to look for but no matter where they searched high or low they could find no trace of Patrick.
After the lapse of a few days Patrick came back and told them what happened and was able to tell them

same position but one burns out before the other it shows which of them will die first. It one of the nuts jumps away, the two will not be married.
Four plates, one empty, one with a ring, one with clay and one with water are placed on the table. Each person is blindfolded and the one who puts his hand into the clay will die first, the one who touches the water will cross the sea first, the one who touches the ring will be married first and the one who touches the empty plate will always be single.

On this night apples and nuts are eaten. One nice rosy-cheeked apple is chosen and the skin is taken off it without breaking it. Then the person who took off the skin throws it over his or her shoulder and it forms the initials of the person he or she is going to marry. Nuts are burned, one standing for a boy and one for a girl. If the two remain in the

is destroy the fruit on this night.

This is a night of great amusement. The children here look forward to it with great delight. They have barm-brack with the ring for supper. Diving for apples and snap apple are played. The old trick of the three saucers with ring, clay and water is common in the district. Nuts are burned too. When the amusement in the home is over some of the boys go through the village and throw cabbage stalks at the doors. I don't know what is the origin of this last trick. The púca is supposed

Fifty or sixty years ago there were a great many Hallow Eve stories and customs in this perish which are almost now extinct.
At that time it was believed that if a man washed his shirt after sunset in a south running stream on a Hallow Eve night in the devils’ name, and left it on a chair before the fire to dry his future wife would come and turn it at twelve o’clock.
A certain man named John Mc Cafferty who tired in Ballintra, a village in this parish, always claimed that this belief was nonsensical; that he at least would never believe it until he would put it to the test.
Accordingly after sunset on a Hallow Eve night, he took his shirt and went to where he knew there was a south running stream. He washed and wrung it in the devils name. He came home and the left it aside until bed time. At that time there was what was called an ‘outshot’ bed in every house. That was a niche left in the wall for a bed in the kitchen convenient to the fire.

hands tied behind backs, try to get a bite of the apple and loud is the laughter when somebody gets a mouthful of candle instead. Alum was used in the same way as the nuts.
Eating an apple before a mirror at midnight - supposed to see your future husband
Going to a limekiln at midnight alone throwing in a ball of worsted and winding the other end of it, your future husband was supposed to hold the yarn.
Stealing Cabbage:-
Boys go out and steal cabbage, especially the cabbage of some cranky old miser and kick it along the roads. Girls go into some cabbage garden blind-folded and pull a head of cabbage, if the stalk is crooked they will have a crooked husband.

A Boxty cake was made in every house with a ring in it. After dividing the cake and eating it, the youngsters went "ducking" in a tub of water for apples. Then they roasted nuts on the hot hearth. Two nuts were placed on the hot hearth named after a certain boy and girl who were friendly. If the nuts hopped towards each other, the pair got married, but, if they hopped away from each other, it indicated "nothing doing?
A cross was hung from the ceiling, and an apple and a lighted candle are put on each alternate point of the cross. The cross is set in motion, and the children, with

the kiln and asked who holds my skein. This gives rise to a great many tricks. On one occasion when a girl asked the question she got as answer: "The Devil" because her brother had found out she was going there, had gone before her, and was ready waiting below when she let down her yarn.
Another trick was for a girl to go into a neighbour's house before had time and try and steal a shirt belonging to a young man of the house. She put the shirt under her pillow and was supposed to dream of her sweet heart.
If a rosy cheeked apple is peeled without breaking the peel, and if this peel is thrown over the left shoulder it will form the initial letter of the sweetheart's name.
Three saucers are put on a table one containing a ring, one water, and the third clay. A person is blindfolded and led towards them and whichever he chooses decides his fortune-the clay foretells death, the water emigration, and the ring marriage.
It was the custom long ago to pull up all the cabbages in a neighbourhood and break them against the houses

On Hallows Eve night many tricks were played over 50 years ago. I remember seeing boys and girls melting lead in a pot and pouring it through the eye of a key into a bucket of water. The shape of the lead was supported to foretell the failure of whoever poured it into the water. For instance if any of the lead poured in by a girl had any resemblance to a ring she was to get married. If a boy's lead came out in a long thin piece it was supposed to resemble a sword and he would be a fighter etc.
At sundown a boy or girl went to a field, pulled a bunch of yarrow and hid it in some convenient place and then at twelve o'clock he or she put it under their pillow after repeating first
Good morrow fair
Thrice a good morrow to thee,
Before this time tomorrow,
I hope to see my true lover whoever he'll be,
The colour of his hair, the clothes he will wear,
And when he'll be married to me.
(The boy of course changed the word to suit hair-as colour of her hair)
After the yarrow was put under the pillow no word could be spoken or the spell would be broken.
A girl got a skein of yarn and went to a limekiln Here she let one end of the yarn down into the

On Hallows Eve night many tricks were played over 50 years ago. I remember seeing boys and girls melting lead in a pot and pouring it through the eye of a key into a bucket of water. The shape of the lead was supported to foretell the failure of whoever poured it into the water. For instance if any of the lead poured in by a girl had any resemblance to a ring she was to get married. If a boy's lead came out in a long thin piece it was supposed to resemble a sword and he would be a fighter etc.
At sundown a boy or girl went to a field, pulled a bunch of yarrow and hid it in some convenient place and then at twelve o'clock he or she put it under their pillow after repeating first
Good morrow fair
Thrice a good morrow to thee,
Before this time tomorrow,
I hope to see my true lover whoever he'll be,
The colour of his hair, the clothes he will wear,
And when he'll be married to me.
(The boy of course changed the word to suit hair-as colour of her hair)
After the yarrow was put under the pillow no word could be spoken or the spell would be broken.
A girl got a skein of yarn and went to a [?]
Here she let one end of the yarn down into the

This night is one enjoyed by young and old. The children dive for money in a tub of water . They had not silver as now a day. They dived for coppers. They hung an apple of the ceiling and tried to get a bite without catching it with their hands. They had three plates, a ring in one, clay in another. Then each child was blind folded with a cloth and walked to the table and put his hand into one of the plates. If he put his hand into the water he would cross the ocean, if he put his hand in the clay he would be the first to die, and if he put his hand on the ring he would be married. Each child got his turn.

Halloween night a crowd of young men were [coming?] from the twon. That same night the [fairies?] were out dancing and playing great music. One of the young men was a good dancer and he started to dance to the music of the [faries?]. He danced for a long time and then the fairies took him away from the other men. [?] was a year before that man turned up again. The next Halloweve night he was seen [dancing?] on the spot and the men went to him and took him home.

Many games are played on Halloweve night such as:- A girl when eating her supper leaves three parts of her supper 1st part, middle part and the last part. She must leave them on a plate along with a knife and fork. She must go to bed without speaking a word. While she is asleep a shadow of her intended appears in a dream.
Another one is:- a girl goes to a place where a briar grows. She must go under the briar three times. She then cuts the briar and puts it under her head and she must sleep on it and she will dream. Sometimes a good dream and sometimes a bad one.

Three saucers are placed on a table; one full of water, the second full of earth, and a ring in the third. A person is then blindfolded and made stick his hand into one of the saucers. If a person sticks his hand into the one full of water he is to travel across the sea, if he puts his hand into the one full of earth he is supposed to die soon, and if he puts his hand into the one full of with the ring he is supposed to marry within twelve months.
At the supper on this night also a barm brack is eaten which contains a cross, a stick, a piece of rag, a pea, a bean, and a ring. The person who gets the cross is either to become a priest or a nun. The person who gets the stick is supposed to beat his future wife, or in a girls place her future husband. the person who gets the piece of rag is supposed to become a tailor, and the person who gets the

great custom to go to where two townlands met and make a lath of rushes and take it home and not speak to anyone in the house and go to bed and leave the lath up against the bed and during the night the person you would be married to would appear on the rushes.
Another trick was to go to some river and take a stick and mark the stick at the height of the water and if the river would rise during the night the price of food would rise (during the) that year.

played on that night was to take a mouth-ful [sic] of water and go and stand at someone's door and listen and the first name mentioned inside would be the person to whom you would be married.
Another very common trick that girls used to play if they wanted to know who would be their future husband was to stand between two doors in a barn riddling oats and this trick was supposed to be done in the name of the devil and it is said to have been done in this locality.
Another trick was to get an ivy leaf and steep it in water and if the leaf would be holed in the morning you would be dead before that day twelve months.
Long ago it was a

There used to be a lot of tricks and customs associated with Hallow E'en night. Long ago the grown up people used to take a lot of interest in this festival but it is only a children's feast now.
One very common trick that was

apple and without breaking the skin to throw the skin across your shoulder and you will get the initials of the name the person you are going to marry. Another very old trick that girls would play was to riddle oats between two doors in the name of the devil and if anyman came and took the riddle out of the riddlers hand that would be the person she would be married to. If you sweep a street in the name of the devil and somebody takes the brush off you it indicates the same as in the case of riddling the oats.

oftentimes would take wheels off carts and set them rolling at the top of a (wheel) hill or throw them in old shoughs or in dams.
There are costoms for amusing young boys and girls and a lot of girls play them One of them is to hang a cabbage stalk over the kitchen door and the man who comes in on the door first in the morning will be the person to whom the girl will be married or to a man of his name.
Another trick is to pour melted lead through the key of the door into a bucket of cold water. If it comes out in the shape of a nail it signifies nails for a coffin, or death. if any other thing shapes out such as rings, keys, and so on it is a sign the person will be rich. There is another trick and it is done by peeling an

There are a lot of customs connected with Hallow E'en. Long ago the young people used to play a great variety of tricks on this night. There are not many tricks played nowadays but long ago the young boys would go around and take gates and hide them, tie doors and stuff chimneys. They

departed friends might call to show that they are welcome.
It is usual to have a great selection of nuts and apples for this occasion. People also have champ made and they generally put a ring in it and whoever gets the ring is supposed to marry first.
Children also have a great selection of games on this night some of which are biting an apple from the ceiling, dipping for a sixpence, cracking nuts and the trick of the three saucers.

It is said that the Holy Souls are released from twelve o'clock on Hallow E'en till twelve o'clock on All Souls Night and are regarded by some people as ghosts. Young people do all sorts of tricks on this night and pretend that it si the ghosts that do them. Many people have a custom not to remain out late this night because they wish to give it to the Holy Souls.
Young boys and men gather in bands and go through the country playing tricks on this night such as removing gates, tying doors, stuffing chimneys and pulling heads of cabbages.
People used to leave a dainty meal set, in case that any of their

outside he sometimes made it uncomfortable if not dangerous for those playing the trick.
the taking of gates and carts from one place to another - putting the second where the first was taken from + vice versa - was another trick. This trick was often played on people known to be anything but friendly disposed towards each other. At other times a varient of this was to hide the articles in such places as they were unlikely to be found for a long time - indeed sometimes they weren't found by their owners ever after-wards.

Some of our Hallow eve customs around here were tying doors, stuffing chimneys, taking carts and removing gates.
The door of the dwelling house was usually approached noiselessly from the out side, and the boys playing the trick securely tied the door unknown to those inside. Then those outside hit the door with a turnip, cabbage head or something to make a noise. The people inside usually made a rush for the door to find it securely fastened and as the windows on most country houses were small there was no exit. The boys outside laughed, cheered and greatly annoyed those they had imprisoned.
Another trick was stuffing chimneys. The door was first securely tied from the outside. Then the boys procured a ladder or other means of reaching the top of the house. Bags or other materials were requisitioned and with these the chimneys were tightly stuffed. When the smoke could not get out by the chimney it went through the house Causing the inmates much annoyance. However if the owner or one of his sons happened to be

Hallow Eve occurs on the 31st of October. This night is also called "Snap Apple Night." On that night there is great fun and merriment in every house. An apple is hung from the ceiling and each person has his hands tied behind his back, (1) and then they try to catch the apple with their mouths.
A tub of water is also placed in the middle of the floor into which is put an apple. Each person's hands are tied behind his back and he tries to catch the apple with his mouth. Another game is also played on that night, A saucer of wine, a saucer of earth, and a saucer of water are got. Then each person is blindfolded and he who puts his hand in the wine will remain at home, the person who puts his hand in the earth will die soon, and he who puts his hand in the water will cross the sea.
It is customary to have on that night a barm-brack into which are put, a ring, a stick, a rag, and a pea. It is said that the person who gets the ring will be married the first, she, or he who gets the stick will beat their life's partner, the rag is for poverty and the person who will get the pea will be an old maid.

into the saucer with the ring in it they say that he is going to be married They also put two nuts into the fire and put the name of a girl and a boy on the two nuts. If the two nuts hop together it is said that them two person are going to be married. If one hops it is said that one of them will be married If neither of them hops neither of them will be married. There also alot of stories told on that night about the leprecaun. If you were out on that night it is said If you caught the leprecaun and would not let him go he would give you a bowl of gold. The puca is also said to be out on Hallow E'en night he is a big thin horse. He would tell you to get up on his back and he would give you a ride. If you got up on his back he would keep running all the night and take you over the whole country. It is also said that the puca puts a spit on every fruit after that you could not eat it. The children are also afraid to go out on that night in case they would see the leprecaun or the puca.

Hallow E'en falls on the 1st of November every year. Hallow E'en is one of the greatest feasts in the year. There is always great enjoyment on Hallow E'en. There are also alot of old customs carried out on that day. On that day the people eat fruit such as nuts, oranges, and apples.
The children also have customs of their own. They get a tub of water and throw a penny or a sixpence into the tub and see which of them succeeds in getting the money out of the tub with their teeth. The people also go out on that night and take gates and throw them into rivers. Another old custom around her is the woman of the house gets three saucers. Put clay in one saucer and put a ring in another and put water in another. Then she blindfolds some person and leads them to the table. If that person puts his finger into the saucer with the water in it they say that he is going to cross the ocean. If he puts his finger into the saucer with the clay in it they say that he is going to die. If he puts his finger

went out and sat in it and she half naked Not much time elapsed till the shouts and screams of Mary mingled with the cheers of the men could be heard About a mile from her home the men halted and she was left in the cart to return home.
The fires are left lighted, bread butter, knives, cups, tea and a tea-pot are left on the table so that should the poor souls be hungry or cold the could take a meal and warm themselves It is said that whatever point the wind blows from that night it will blow likewise for three months Everyone brings in water and does everything before night because if you are out late on that night you will meet a spirit.

The feast of Halloween is kept with great reverence in my district. Great preperation is made for the great day. Every street and yard in the neighbourhood is swept. The houses are cleaned interiorly also. In reality all these preparations are made because the holy souls visit their old homes this, according to the (night) people
On this night young and old alike join in playing games Some of these tricks are not very pleasing but some are very harmless and full of fun. The young men of the district go about stealing gates and bringing them to some "seogh" about a mile away and hiding them there. Many a goodly old dame or a meloncholy old gentleman stood up to guard the only gate on their farm lest it should be stolen. Other articles as well as gates are hidden.
A true story is told of how an old woman, called Lizzie Greenan who lived in Drumnatrade stayed up during the night to guard the cart lest it should be "lifted". At about midnight she heard the boys coming and thinking she would save the cart she

On Halloween it is a customs that nobody should go out after twelve o'clock in the night because it is said that the fairies are out after that time.
On Halloween the people go around with holy water and they shake it on the cow houses because it is said that a hare goes around on that night and milks all the cows.
Halloween is a very pleasant time especially for young people. On Halloween the people put a bath in the middle of the floor and they put an apple into it and they put water into it and each one is hand coffed and they try to get up the apple with their mouth. They put two nuts beside the fire and if the nuts move from one another that boy nor girl will not marry from life.
For supper mother makes a barn brack and she puts a ring or a piece of match into it. Then everybody looks to see what he will get. Who ever gets the ring will be married the first and who ever gets the piece of match marries a tailor.

Until very recently, it was customary in the district of this school, when people were out late at night, they met a rider on a certain road coming galloping at great speed.
So frighttened were they, that they left the way and watched well to see who it might be.
Soon they recognised him and met him time and again.
Next morning, one of the horses in the stable of his former household was always found in a lather of sweat.

Near Coolderry (Coille Dearga) lived a man and his wife. They carried on labour and hired a servant boy and girl. When Hallow-E'en came, the girl thought she'd go and play some tricks.
She told her Mistress, she was going out to the barn to riddle some corn but not to tell the Master.
The girl stole out and started to sort when soon, the Master took the riddle out of her hand.
Angry at this, the girl ran in and said her Mistress was too clever and she might not have told.
The Mistress assured her, she did not tell.
The girl returned to work.
The same thing happened.
She went in and returned.
Each time, the Master took the riddle out of her hand, tho' he never left the fire all this time.
Soon the Old Lady died, and after a time, the Master claimed the young girl as his bride.

Hallow'een comes every year on the eve of the feast of all saints. the people in this country celebrate it by having a great feast and playing tricks The children eat a lot of apples, cakes, sweets, apples cakes, They also burn nuts on the bars of the grates. Some people put a coin or an apple in a tub of water and try to lift it in their teeth without touching it with the hand, or tie an apple on a string hanging from the ceiling and catch it with the mouth when their hands are tied behind their backs.
The grown up people go out at night (at night) and tie doors, carry gates away and leave them at neighbours' houses and sometimes take a donkey or cart, or take a wheel off a cart and hide it. Many a time people are searching for days to until their things all collected again. Hallow'een comes this year on Sunday and the next day being the feast of All Saints and it will be a school holiday The following day is the feast of all souls and three

man's name and a girl's name on each of them and put them into the fire, and if the burst and if fly together they will be married but if they go apart to will not be married.
Another saying is you cannot eat sloes, or blackberries, or apples, because it is said that the fairies has something thrown on them. Another belief is to get a basin of flour and make a cake and put a ring a nut a sloe and a thimble in it. And whoever gets the sloe will die the first. Whoever gets the nut will will cross the water, and whoever gets the thimble will get married to a tailor and whoever gets the ring will get married first.
Another custom is melting lead in the fire and see what would would come out of it the people say that it is for good luck And another belief is to throw a ball of wool into a limekiln, and then the wool would say something

yarrow,
Thrice good-morrow to thee!
I hope before this time to-morrow
Thou wilt show my true love to me."
This remaind us of the old custom of burning nuts together on that night when the lads and lasses sat round the fire on hallowe'en night.
Another custom is to get three cups and three saucers, and put water under the first cup, clay under the second cup, and a ring under the third. The person has to have a blindfold on their eyes. Whoever gets the ring will be the first to be married. Whoever gets the water will be the first to cross the sea. Who ever gets the clay will be the first to die.
Another custom is to tied an apple out of the ceiling and whoever would catch it would have it to eat Another saying is if you were passing by a forge you would hear the fairies singing and whistling. Another belief is to get a lot of nuts and write a

I shall describe hallowe'en night. November day is on the 1st, of November. The people have great fun on that night. The young people go around with bags of cabbage throwng it at everyone's house. The young people do be ducking for apples in a large tub of water.
In olden times it is said that at twelve o'clock on November night the young people used to go out and gather the yarrow each pulling ten stalks, nine of of the the stalks were put under the pillow at night and the tenth thrown away. The sleeper was then supposed to dream of future wife or husband. At the pulling of each stalk the following verse was recited
"Good-morrow, good-morrow fair

A large deep basin or tub is placed on the floor. Water is poured into it until it is about nine inches in depth. Apples are then put into the water. They float on the top of the water. Each person gets a chance to catch one of the apples with his teeth and take it out of the water. Hands are not to be put to the apple.
Sometimes a sixpence is put into the basin. The sixpence sinks to bottom of the water and stays there. Each person then gets a chance to take the sixpence out of the water with his teeth. This is called Ducking.

the company is put on one and a name of a boy on the other. The nuts are watched carefully.
If the boy's nut leaps quickly away from the girl's nut the boy will not conscent to marry (to n) the girl. If the girl's nut leaps away from the boy's nut the girl will not consent to marry the boy. If both leap there is a complete (misunderstain) misunderstanding on both side. If the remain as they are put on the hearth they will both consent to marry each other. The nuts must be put very near the five so that there is strong heat upon them.
Sometimes for this game grains of wheat are used instead of nuts.

is a sign that he will be dead before next November Night. If he puts his hand his hand on the water it is a sign, that he will cross the sea within a year. If he put hand on the ring it is a sign that he will be married within a year.
An apple is got and put hanging from the ceiling by means of a piece of twine so that it is about four feet above the floor. Each person then tries to take a piece out of the apple with his teeth without putting his hands to the apple. Sometimes the apple is put swinging and the person must stop it with his mouth before attempting to take a bite out of it.
Two nuts are put on the hearth about an inch from each other. A name of a girl in

November night is regared as a very special night. It falls on the night of the thirty first of October.
The young people are afraid to go out on that night. They believe there is a spirit to be seen. They call it the Pooca. They say that he spits on the black-berries on November night. It is very dangrous to eat the black-berries (after) after the Pooca spits on them.
On November night the young people collect into a house and play alot of games. When they get tired of one game they play another one. During the night the Barm Brack is eaten and tea drank and the usual fun of looking for the ring in the Brack is in dulged in.

the apple with their mouths and the person who succeeds finally gets the apple. Sometimes they have to go around a tub which is placed on the middle of the floor and strike the tub for every round up to 20 or 30, or 50 and then at the last round they have to bit the apple with the stick In doing this they sometimes are so dizzy that they cannot even see it If they hit the apple it is theirs.
The apple is sometimes placed in a tub of water and the children have to dive for it. If they bite it under water it is theirs. Many more games like this are played with the apple.
Other games are played with beans - which are placed on the heated flag of the hearth near the fire. The 2 beans are supposed to represent a boy and girl. If they remain on the heated flag without "jumping" - they will get married but if one of them jumps it means he or she will not marry the other.
Three saucers are placed on the Table - earth in one water in the other, and a ring in the 3rd. A person is then blindfolded and led to the table where the saucers have been changed and if he puts his hand into the water it is said he will "cross the sea", if in the earth "he will die soon, if in the ring he or she will get married soon.
Not least of all the games is the eating of the barmbrack which contains a ring (marriage), a bean (wealth) pea (poverty) a stick (to beat your life's partner), rag (nun or priest) Everybody eats a bit. Sport in finding out who gets each separate thing.

This falls on the 31st Oct. or the eve of "All Saints Day" It marks a time when all the crops are stored in and when sport is to be had in every house: It was also an old pagan festival.
Games were played by young and old but it is only children who now play these. Amongst these may be mentioned "snap apple". This game has given the name of "snap-apple night" to this night.
An apple is suspended from the ceiling and the children's hands are tied behind their back's - They then try to catch

Hallow E'en falls on the thirty first of October. It is a great night of fun for the children. There is always a bairm breac made for the tea in the evening into which is put a ring, a piece of wood, a piece of cloth, a thimble and some money. When the bairm breac is being divided everybody searches his own piece to see what he has got. The person who gets the ring is said to be the first to marry. He who gets the piece of wood is the die. If it is a girl who gets the thimble she will a tailor and the person who gets the money will be rich.
After the tea a tub of water is placed in the centre of the floor and in it are placed five or six apples. the children then have great fun trying to catch an apple with their mouths without putting their hands (n) into the water. Sometimes a sixpence is put into the tub then the children have great fun dipping their heads trying to

"The Faggot" Omen". The maidens who wanted to know the kind of man they would marry, would go at midnight to the woodstack and draw out the first stick that comes to hand, then if it was straight, the husband would be very kind and gentle, and if the stick is bent, the husband will be an elderly man.

in the future would come together, and each having taken an apple would continue to pare it. The peel should not be cut, otherwise the spell is broken. Then while wishing to know the name, each should take one end of the paring and twist it round her head three times, casting it finally over her left shoulder on to the floor where it would have formed a letter which is the initial of her future husband.
Another amusing custom was "The Cabbage Test." Three maidens who whished to find out what kind of man they would marry should go to-gether into a cabbage garden. At the gate they should catch hands and walk backwards to a cabbage bed and with hands behind their backs they should pull a cabbage by the roots. If the root is gnarled the husband will be eldorly and if straight he will be young and handsome.
Another amusing custom was

Long ago the customs which were carried on in Hallowe'en were differant to the customs carried on nowadays, for instance the custom of boiling the eggs was very entertaining.
The marriageable women would boil the eggs hard, and remove the yolk, then fill the cavity with salt and eat the whole of it shell, white, and salt and then go to bed without speaking or drinking anything. A dream would be the result, should the lover bring them water to cool their thirst he is faithless.
Another custom was the "Apple Paring", all the maidens of a house-hold who wished to have an idea of what name they would bear

The games the children play on Hallow E'en are hanging an apple to the roof and trying to take a bite out of it without putting your hands to it.
Another game is ducking for apples. You get a bath of water and put about seven apples in it. Then put your head in as far as you like till you catch an apple with your mouth without putting you hands in.
Another game is getting a bath of water and putting apples in it and getting a fork and dabbing it in to see if you can get an apple without taking the apple to the bottom and without putting your hands to it.

and filled the house with smoke.
Another of their tricks was to get a wet bag and put it on the top of the chimney and not let out the smoke or get a lot of kale stalks and try to keep as much clay on the roots as possible and throw them into the people's houses or hit the doors with them.
Sometimes they tied the door with wire and then they shouted at their loudest and knocked at the door and when the people of the house tried to get out they could not because the door was tied and so they had to stay inside.

Long ago the people used to do a lot of mischief one one another at Hallow E'en. One of their tricks was to get a kale stalk and cut a hole up the inside of it and put tow in one end of the stalk. Then they dropped in a red cinder and put more tow in the other end then the held one end to the keyhole and blew through the other end

Hallow E'en is on the 31st October.
The children generally spend the night eating nuts and apples and playing games.
They usually have a cake with a ring button, thimble and a threepenny piece in it. If you get the ring you will be married first. If a boy gets the button he will be a bachelor. If a girl gets the thimble she will be an old Maid.
They have other cakes too but the special ones are barm bracks, apple-cakes and apple-dumpling.

Hallow E'en is on the 31st October.
The children generally spend the night eating nuts and apples and playing games.
They usually have a cake with a ring button, thimble and a threepenny piece in it. If you get the ring you will be married first. If a boy gets teh button he will be a bachelor. If a girl gets the thimble she will be an old Maid.
They have other cakes too but the special ones are barm bracks, apple-cakes and apple-dumpling.

The people believe that it is not right to throw out ashes on Novembers Day because they (believe) think the ashes would another the fairies. They do not throw out any water on that day because the fairies are about the house and they might wet them. If they were wetted they would perhaps get vexed and steal a child or a good looking girl and bring her with them. They are heard and seen dancing and singing on this night. If any water is thrown out the people say, "chuga chuga uirge rakich." while doing so.

it is his apple. They play this game for a considerable time.
This is another game played. Three saucers are left on the table. Water is put in one, soil in another and a ring is placed on the third. Each person in turn is blindfolded and puts his on one of the saucers. If he puts his hand on the ring he will marry first.
This is another game that is played on this night. A number of boys goes into a man's cabbage garden, they pull some heads of cabbage and bring them around to every house hitting the door. They select a house where the man of the house is a bit contrary. They hit the door a few times and then he comes out and hunts them. Sometimes he sets the dog on them or fines a shot to frighten them. At times it is serious because he might throw something at them and hurt one of them. Besides no man likes to see his cabbage broken or destroyed.
It is said that blackberries should not be eaten after September 29th because the devil spits on them and the púca comes on them. The people

The last day of October is called hallowe'en. The children play many games on this day. This is one of them. It is called "ducking". A basin is placed on the middle of the floor with water in it. Then apples are put into it. First someone comes over to the basin and tries to take out an apple with his mouth. When he puts his mouth on it, it sinks. Sometimes he gets wet all over trying to catch the apple. Each person takes his turn at trying.
"This is another game played." An apple is tied to the end of a string which is suspended from the rof roof or ceiling. Each person takes his turn at catching the apple. It is very difficult to do. When a person puts his mouth on the apple it swings away from him. If anyone succeeds in biting it with his teeth

will be the first to get married.
After the tea they all sit round the fire and the man of the house tells stories about fairies and ghosts. Then they sing and dance until about ten o'clock and they have fun Then they prepare to go home and they thank the woman of the house for the great time they had during the night.

that he is going to cross the water They say that if he leaves his hand on the clay that he will not live a long life If he leaves his hand on the money they say that he will be rich while he lives It is said that he will join the religious (fr) life if he leave his hand on the rosary beads. All the children say that he will be the first to get married if he leaves his hand on the saucer containing the ring. This game is continued until each child is blindfolded
While the children are still playing these games the woman of the house makes a nice cake and puts a ring in it When it is baked she makes the tea and she divides it amongst all the children. Whoever gets the ring they all say that he

all her future husband holding the end of it
The children get a basin of water and leave it in the centre of the floor Then they put an apple into the water Each child endeavours to catch the apple with his mouth. If he succeeds in catching it he gets it as a prize.
They get another apple and hang it from the ceiling. They put it oscillating and each child tries in turn to catch it When all have tried there skill the apple is presented to the winner
Then they get five saucers and they place them on the table They put respectively water, clay, money, a ring and a rosary beads in them They blindfold a child and lead him to the table and they change the saucers If he leaves his hand on the water they say

the fairies on this night and they could not be eaten afterwards.
The old people do not like to throw out water on this night because they believed that a fairy would be passing and if they struck him with the water he would bring the strongest person with him and leave another weak person in his place.
Long ago the people believed that if you got a blade of oats and put it under your [?] when you were going to bed that you would dream of your future partner.
Some of the old people that if you got a ball of thread and if you went to a lime-kiln and wound off the thread that you would see the person whom you would marry They say that if it was a girl that she would

Long ago the people believed that the fairies were going from fort to fort on November night on that account the people were afraid to go out on that night.
The people also believed that the blackberries were destroyed by

person goes alone to a well for a can of water it is said the[?] the can will be filled with gol[d?]
All the foregoing customs and tricks are very interesting and playful for the young people, but it is said that if the wind changes when they are taking part in them, something evil will most likely befall them.

the dead.
To dream of my true-love whom I wish to see,
And in his old clothes I wish him to be."
If a girl looks into a mirror at 12 o'c on November's night while eating an apple, she will see there her future husband.
If a girl goes to where three baronies meet, and washes her under-garments there on November's night; then takes them home and puts them on a chair to dry before the fire; then goes to bed without saying a word, it is said that her husband-to-be will come and turn the clothes during the night, and that she will see him in her dreams.
On November's night if a

This night who shall my true love
Who he is, and what he wears,
And what he does all months a[nd?] years."
A girl will dream of her lover if on November's Night before going to bed she places a ring in her left shoe, and then with both shoes makes the form of the letter T, and while doing so repeats the following:-
"St. Agnes, who to lovers is kind, Come, ease the trouble of my mind."
A girl will also dream of her lover if on November's Night she puts seven leaves of ivy under her pillow, and while doing repeats these words:-
"I place seven leaves of ivy under [?] head,
To dream of the living, and not

the saucer containing the soil, it is a sign of death before marriage.
If a party of girls goes to the nearest limekiln on November's Night, and if one of them throws in a ball of yarn, and then begins winding it up again, it is said that she will be prevented from doing so by an unseen being in the kiln who will catch hold of it. If she shouts - "Who is pulling my thread", a voice will come from below repeating his own name. This person is then supposed to be the girl's future husband.
A girl will dream of her future husband, if on Hallowe'en, she goes to a stile when the sun is setting; turns her back to it and repeats the following:-
"Come fairy-folk, reveal to me,

The youth of to-day are not so superstitious or do not take part in the customs and tricks connected with Hallowe'en as much as the people of long ago. The following are some of the modern customs in which we take part.
Three saucers are got; clean water is put into one, a ring into another, and soil into the third. the people taking part in this are each blindfolded in turn, and allowed to put his hand into one of the saucers. If he touches the saucers containing the ring, he will be first in the group to get married. If [?] touches the clean water he will be married to a boy or girl with good character; and if he touches

form. While it is in liquid form it poured through a key-hole into a buc[ket?] of water and it is said that it then forms into the initials of the person the performer will marry.
A head of cabbage is tied to the ceiling by a girl and it is said that the first man who [?] in in the morning will be the husband of the girl. None of those a[re?] done nowadays as ducking is their usual pastime.

that she will marry a widower, if she puts her hand into the saucer containing the beads she is going to be a nun, and if she puts her hand into the clean water she is going to cross the sea to a foreign country.
Long ago the people used to get a ball of wool, go to a lime-kiln and unwind the ball of wool, call the devil three times and run as fast as possible to the house. It is said that if the person is not at the house before the devil's knife is stuck in the door it would be stuck through him.
It is also said that if a girl peels an apple before the mirror and while she is peeling it if she looks into the mirror she will see her life-partner standing behind her.
A ball of lead is taken and melted on the fire into liquid

future husband.
In olden times the people used to spend Hallowe'en throwing heads of cabbage at the doors of the house and drinking whiskey.
We place two nuts on the hearth, the name of a girl on one and the name of a boy on the other. If they jump together they will be married.
We get two wisps of straw and we place them under our pillow when going to bed. We sleep on our right side and we do not speak a word till we go to sleep. Our future spouse will appear to us in our dreams.
We eat an apple before a mirror at midnight. Our future spouse will be seen peeping over our left shoulder.
We make a barm-brack and put a ring, a medal, a button and a nut in it. Whoever gets the ring is the first to be married. Whoever gets the medal will be a religious. Whoever gets the button will be an old maid, and whoever gets the nut will be the first to die.

letter will be turned up in the morning will be the initial of our future spouse.
We get a ball of wool and go to a lime-kiln about twelve o'clock that night and throw in the ball holding the end of the thread in our hand and then start to wind it back again saying "Who holds my wool?" and a voice will answer. It is said that he who speaks will be our future husband.
Some people get a head of cabbage and hang it on the latch of the door. Whoever comes in first will be their future husband.
Some fill their mouth with wheat and go to the door and listen. If a boy's name is mentioned he will be their future husband.
We get an apple from some person and if we dream about anybody he will be our

forms will be the initial of your future spouse.
Get a tub of water and throw sixpence into it. Each person ducks for the coin.
It is a common belief that if we look in a mirror at twelve o'clock on that night we will see our future spouse.
Another trick that is played is, to get a red apple and ten pins, you cut the apple in ten parts and put a pin in each. You throw away the tenth part and put the nine under your head in your stocking and dream on them. You are supposed to see your future spouse coming and picking out the pins.
We melt lead in the fire and pour it through a key-hole into a bowl of water and it forms all sorts of shapes.
We get a bowl of water and cut out all the letters of the alphabet and face them down on the water and whatever

people had this custom. When going to bed at night they used to leave a sixpence at the back-door, and turn the harp side up, and if it would be turned or shifted from its place it foretold that they would have plenty of money for the year.
We put down a blazing fire on the hearth. Then we get two nuts and put a boy's name on one and a girl's name on the other. If they hop together they will be married and if they do not they will never be married.
If you eat a salt herring in three bites and not speak after eating, it, is a favourite trick. Whoever will be your future spouse will come with a drink to you in your dream.
Another favourite trick is to get an apple and peel it without breaking the rind. Then throw the rind across your right shoulder and whatever letter it

rush in and out through the hole. It makes a cry like a banshee.
Another trick they play is to take the linspin (lynchpin) of the cart and when you pull out the card the wheels fall off.

In the morning people looked to see if there was any footstep on the hearthstone. If the step went towards the door it was the trace of a coffin and someone in the house would die soon. If the step did not go towards the door it was all right and a good omen. It was considered very unlucky to interfer with or cut down a lonebush as it sheltered some poor soul who was spending a term of penance there for some thing it had not atoned for in this life. Hence something very bad or death would come to anyone who interfered with such bushes. If you met a coffin or funeral on the road you should go back three steps with the funeral.
If a person was going to the fair with a faulty animal he would put a red rag hidden in its tail and it was supposed he would surely meet a good buyer. If a person had a valuable animal in the fair he did likewise to keep the animal from being "overlooked". Another Superstitious belief was held by the people, that a person could bring about the death of another. A sheaf of oats was got and in each ear of corn a pin was stuck. A certain prayer was said and the sheaf buried. The person or persons sat up all night for nine nights round the spot waking the sheaf. According as it rotted the person whose death was intended was supposed to rot

Om May Day people throw May flowers about the doors.
On St. John's Night people light big bonfires and dance about them. When the fire is nearly quenched someone jumps across it.
On St. Martin's Day people think it unlucky to work machinery. Some people spill blood.
On Halloween night there is a big feast in every house. people eat all kinds of nuts. The children lift money and apples out of a basin of water with their mouths. There is a special cake made and several things are put into it. There is a ring, a nut, a button and a thimble put in it.

One Halloween night there were a lot of people rambling in a house. Five or six of the boys went out and they arranged to go to a garden to steal cabbage.
The left the house the were rambling and went away stealing cabbage. They waited till the people of the house went to bed and that was about half-past nine.
As they were approaching the garden one of them saw a round lump rolling before him. The them thought it was some one trying to frighten to them. They went a far as band and turned back again. They went home and did not go near the garden.

One Halloween night there were a lot of people rambling in a house. Five or six of the boys went out and they arranged to go to a garden to steal cabbage.
The left the house the were rambling and went away stealing cabbage. They waited till the people of the house went to bed and that was about half-past nine.
As they were approaching the garden one of them saw a round lump nothing before him. The them thought if was some one trying to frighten to them. They went a far as [?] and turned back again. They went home and did not go near the garden.

When the giants were living in Ireland, a giant was standing on Croghan hill. He saw a witch on the Curragh of Kildare. He threw a stone at her. The witche's, dog saw the stone coming, he ran to meet it. He met it, in a field near Clonbullogue. He stopped it with his paw. It is said that the mark of the dog's paw is on one side, of the stone, and the man's hand on the other side.

The Blessed Virgin's Well
In Ballyheshill a holy well is found it is called the Blessed Virgin's Well. There are many superstitions regarding this well which was at one time supposed to be situated on the top of a hill called "Wakleys" There lived a woman beside it who used it for house hold purposes. When she went out next morning the well had vanished and it sprung up a few fields away from the hill. There it remains to be seen to the present-day.
Some years ago people made processions

wheels and they hide them. And the owner has to look for them until he gets them. And they tie cord to knockers of doors and then the hide and when the are hid they pull the and then it knocks the door and when the people come out whoever knocks the door they, is far away. Some people make an apple cake. And some people, leave the fire lit all night on Halloween night for the Holy Souls. I heard this from my mother. Tessie Farmer Emyvale.

On St. Stephen's Day we put on old coats, old shoes and false faces and go from house to house collecting money with a dead wren. At every house we sing the wren song:-
"The wren, the wren, the king of the birds,
St Stephen's Day she was caught in the furze
Small as the wren is, her family is great.
Rise up young lady and give us a treat.
Put your hand to your pocket, from that to your purse.
If you don't give me money you'll have the wren's curse
Up with the kettle and down with the pan.
A penny or twopence to

(to) bury the wren."
That night the money is divided. The next day we go to town and spend it. Good Friday is a Fast Day. It is the custom to take down everything that is hanging up. There is a silent hour kept between 2 and 3 o'clock.
Ash Wednesday.
We go to mass on Ash Wednesday to get blessed ashes on our foreheads to remind us that we will go back to dust when we die. Long ago it was a black fast day and the people only took one meal, namely their dinner, of potatoes and gruel.
Easter Sunday.
The custom of Easter Sunday is to get up early about six o' clock to see the sun and moon dancing. We eat more eggs on that day than any other day in the year.

In the evening we boil our "cludog" in the field. First we gather whins and light them. Then we put turf around them and boil the eggs. Then we eat our "cludog". Some children in this district go to Killenkere Hall. At breakfast I eat two eggs, two to my dinner and two at the "cludog".
St. Patrick's Day.
We wear the shamrock on St. Patrick's Day because it was with the shamrock that St. Patrick taught the True Faith to the Irish. The men go to the Public house for a bottle, or as they say themselves to wet the shamrock on St. Patrick's Day.
May Day.
On May day we tie a red ribbon and a piece of a round berry bush on the cow's tail to keep her from being overlucked.

placed behind their backs. the apple is set in motion swings to and fro like a pendulum. The player endeavours to get a bite of the apple as it swings. This game is called snap apple.
There is also a custom of burning nuts. Two nuts are placed on the bars of the grate which is almost red hot. These two nuts are supposed to represent the players sweetheart herself. If the nut representing the girl falls off she will not marry the boy with whom she is in love at present. If the one representing the boy falls off he is supposed to be unfaithful to her.
The single man who washes his own shirt in the neighbouring stream and dries it at his own fire is supposed to have a vision of his future wife in a dream on Halloween night. Girls who stands before a mirror or looking glass at midnight in this night are supposed to see the reflection of their future husband looking over their left shoulder.

slug in and it will leave a mark in the flour like the first letter of your future wife's or husband's Christian name.
Games.
1. On Hallow eve one of the custom in Skerries is to leave a fire lighting going to bed and to leave a table and a chair beside it with some food. If a door is left open the food is supposed to be eaten by the spirits, for whom it is left out.
2. When the barm brack is being eaten, everybody in the house must be at the table when it is being cut, which must be done by the youngest in the family, next the second youngest and so on.
Some people hang up a cabbage, with a sixpence, a threepence and some buttons concealed in the leaves. Persons put in their hands and draw out something, which they must keep.
Alan Owens
6, strand st, Skerries, Co Dublin

The following are some of the games that used to be played.
Two pieces of board would be nailed together thus [illustration] and suspended from the ceiling by a piece of cord. A lighted candle on one side an apple on the opposite side a piece of soap and a potato on the other two sides. this would be spun around and each person would make the attempt to catch the apple in his or her mouth. Usually

On St Stephen's Day, boys go out all dressed to hunt the wren. These are called, "Mummers," or "Wren boys,". This is the song they sing.-
"The wren, the wren the king of all birds.
On St Stephens day he was caught in the firs.
All though he was small his family was great.
So cheer up old lady and give us a treat.
Up with the kettle and down with the pan.
Give us a copper and let us be gone,."
The wren-boys go about from house to house and they dance and sing and they get money.
Bon-fires are lit on St Peter and Paul's night. The child-ren play this game on Ash-Wed-nesday. They get papers and fasten them to each other unknown. These are called Ashy bags.
People play various

When the sheep are gathered together in the shelter it is a sign of rain. Another sign of dry weather is when the frog is black. When the distant hills look near it is a sign of rain. What ever way the wind blows on Halloween it will blow that way the whole Winter round. If the frogs croak or if the donkey bawls and stands under the hedges it is a sign of rain.

The old people used say you should never throw the water in which feet were washed close to the door as you might throw it on some Holy Soul passing by. This was believed especially about Hallowe'en and November night.

other story, fun that goes on before bedtime. Many tricks are played on this night also. My grandmother told me of a custom practised in Boyle. Sprinkle ashes from the hearth to the hall door. In the morning there will be tracks in the ashes. If they face the door some one will go away or die, and if they face the hearth someone will come to the house or some one will be born. My uncle told me a story also. One Hallowe'en night he was out looking after his farm. After trying the cows for the night, he retraced his footsteps for home. He was accompanied by the farm hand. They walked home by the railway, as it was a shortest way. (The land adjoining the railway as it was the shortest way, The land adjoining the

When St. Patrick came to Ireland he destroyed many of its Pagan Customs, but this one still remains.
Halloween is celebrated on the 31st of October and in my district especially it has always been a night of joy and merriment. Here is houw it is spent in my district.
About seven o'clock or so a gathering of people assemble in a certain house. The woman of the house generally has a barm brack for supper. The cake is then divided and for a time (and for) everybody

There are many old tricks still carried on in Irish homes on the great festival of Hallowe'en. The sport begins with the supper for which a rich barmbrack is made. A ring a sixpence a thimble a button and various other things are put in it. The person who gets the ring will soon be married and whoever gets the sixpence will be rich and so on.
This is another game. Three cups are laid on the table. One is filled with dirty water another with clay and a third with clean water. A handkerchief is tied around the person's eyes and he lays his hands on some of the cups. If he touches the clean water he will soon be married and if he touches the dirty water he will never be married. If he touches the clay he will die before the year is out.

stocked the cattle on it were in poor condition at the end of the year.
At the end of the grazing term the priest took his two cattle to the local fair of Ballintogher to sell them. They being in poor condition he did not get much demand for them. Towards the end of the fair the landlord came to him & asked how much he wanted for the cattle. "No," said Fr. McGovern, "I will not (lel) sell you the cattle. You have starved them with the bad grass you gave." The landord went away & got some strange man to buy the cattle for him. When the sale was complete the landlord went back to the priest & said, "you would not sell me (the) the cattle & now I have them in spite of your teeth." "They might not do you much good" said the priest in reply
The landlord put back those two cattle on the land & according to the old people the two of them at twelve o'clock in the day used to know their tails over their backs, start to run & the rest of the cattle on the land used to follow them, cross the fences & get on the County road & never halt until they would land in

he was appointed Parish Priest of Killinumery Co Leitrim. He took up residence in the half-parish of Killery which is attached to the principle parish and lived in the town-land of Rathmoney. Co Sligo which is in view of the old castle of Drumcondra.
It was outside the walls of this old ruin that he put the ghost of Lennox to rest. The story of which I am informed is already in the hands of the folklorists.
The bigger part of the land in this country in those days were all large farms & it was so in this locality. The townlands of Cartontaylor & Drumcondra were one big farm at that time & it belonged to a land-lord who lived in the vicinity of Dromahair Leitrim. He took in grazing cattle for the Summer months on it, at so much of a charge per head. Fr. McGovern sent two cattle to graze on it for the summer months some time after he came to the parish. The landord gave bad grass this particular year as he took in a good deal too much cattle. On account of the farm being over

would see what the future held in store for them. He and other play mates were said to be thinking about doing a trick on this particular night and the form of it was to go round a stack of turf three times and repeat certain words each turn and (N) in finishing the third time the player would see what the future held for him. The young boys went to where a stack of turf was built and the particular young boy mentioned went around the stack to have a look at it and according to the story told he saw an altar with candles lit on it. He and his other boy friends returned home immediately without playing any trick. It is said he was sorry for having any wish to take part in the trick (prescribed.) described. A short time after this he felt he had a vocation for the holy priesthood.
It is told he went to France and entered a monastery there and went through penetential exercises and prepared himself for the sacred calling. His garb was of a long gown woven and made of hair. On completing his studies he was ordained priest. He returned to Ireland and having spent some years in the sacred ministry in other parishes

catches it with their mouth is the winner. Get a basin of clean water and put a sixpence into it and try to catch it with your mouth. Whoever catches it can keep it. Get three saucers and put clay in one, water in another, and a ring in the other, Then your eyes are covered and if you put your hand in the water you will cross the sea. If you put your hand on the clay you will die first and if you put your hand on the ring you will be married. A girl peels an apple without breaking the skin and she hangs it on the door. Whatever man comes in first will marry the girl. There is a ring put in a pancake on that night and who ever gets the ring will be married the first.

83
bed on that night. There are many games played in this district on Halloween night. One of the sports is to tie an apple from the ceiling, and the first to take a bite of it without putting their hands to it gets the apple for himself.
Another game which the grownups play is to put two chestnuts on the bars of the grate and if the two chestnuts jump up together they will be a marriage and if they jump one after the other they will not be married.

The customs halloween night long ago were people used to go out and watch the people going away and then they would go in and bring carts into the rooms and put the cups on the floor and so on. They used to tie the doors of the houses with ropes and do a lot of damage.

The customs halloween night long ago were people used to go out and watch the people going away and then they would go in and bring carts into the rooms and put the cups on the fllor and so on. They used to tie the doors of the houses with ropes and do a lot of damage.

10th November 1938
Halloween
In Ireland Halloween is observed by some especially the people by prayer for the family dead. Candles are lighted in the home one for each relative departed and the belief is that the first candle to burn out, the soul it was lighted for goes to heaven first. The prayers for the dead usually consist of the family rosary

It is said that he will be drowned. If he puts his finger into the one with the clay it is said that he will soon die. Everyone in the house is blind-folded and doe's the same thing.
Another custom is that some silver coin is put into a tub of water and the person that gets it with his tongue, keeps it.
Told by -
Name - Mr. M. Gilligan, Age - 84
Add:- Raheen,
Ardrahan,
Co Galway.

get a small bush and they decorate it with flowers. They put this bush some place near the house and this is called the "May Bush". people in this district have "bonfires" on the 29th June. People never work a mill on St Martin's Day.
The young poeple in this district always have great fun on Halloween night. They play a lot of games. The young boys go out stealing gates or cars. They hide them for fun. They are got next day. People buy a cake with a ring in it and they cut the cake up in slices on the Eve of Halloween; the person that gets the rign is said to be married first. On Christmas Eve people decorate the house with holly and ivy. On Christmas Eve night people put a lighted candle in every window in the house. On St Stephen's Day the young boys

Halloween Customs On Hallow E'en night the children have great sport and fun. They play games and tricks. They get an apple and hang it from the ceiling. Then they tie their hands behind their back and try to catch the apple with their mouths. It is usual to have a cake with a ring in it, for tea hallow e'en night. This is called a bairin breach.
There is great excitement especially with the children, for it is said who-ever gets the ring will be married first. There is also another game played with. three saucers. Clay is put on one saucer, water on another, and a ring on the third. Then some person is blind folded, and brought to the three saucers. Then if he leaves his hand on

and feathers.
The cuckoo comes in April. She sings her song in May.
In the middle of June She changes her tune And then she flies away.Hallowe'en Customs
Sunday is Halloween. Long ago the people played a lot of tricks, They would put water in a basin, clay on a plate and they would have a ring. also.
And (wo) whoever would thouch the water first would cross the water and whoever thouches the clay will die and whoever thouches the ring will get married, first Some people put a ring in a cake and who-ever gets the ring the would get married (also) first. In some places the young lads tie the doors of the

and feathers.
The cuckoo comes in April. She sings her song in May.
In the middle of June She changes her tune And then she flies away.

The swallows come to boot Ireland early in the summer and they leave in the end of Autumn. They build their nests of hay in the eves of thatched houses.
The robins never leaves Ireland. They build their nests of moss, hair and hay in the ditch. The lay about five eggs. each.
The blackbirds builds (her) their nests high up in a tree. They make them of sticks, clay and hay.
The corncrake comes to Ireland and she only stays a few months. She builds her nest in a meadow. She builds it of hay, no moss,

girl" we often hear the old people say ha[s?] no sense at all, yet one c[an?] hardly imagine her stan[ding?] before a mirror at midnight combing her hair and eat[ing?] an apple while waiting [for?] a face to appear.

Hallowe'en charms. A favourite game of theirs was to light a candle to represent each person, whichever candle went out the first foretold who would die first. In the same manner they had three saucers one containing clay another water and another ashes. Blindfolded one felt around for these and the one touched told one's fate. Clay foretold an early grave, water a voyage and the other a marriage.
We are often told of the wisdom of our ancestors but they must be gullible indeed if they believed in any of these. "The modern

each nut, if both burn brig[ht?] together it signifies a happ[y?] marriage while if they bu[rn?] and fly apart no marri[age?] at all will take place.
If an apple is peeled thinly but care taken th[at?] the rind is not broken, a[nd?] if at midnight this rind [is?] thrown over one's left shou[lder?] it forms the initial of one future husband or wife. Ano[ther?] old charm is to eat an apple before a mirror [at?] midnight while combing one's hair. It was believed that the face of the per[son?] whom one would marry wo[?] appear in the mirror.
Even the old people s[?] to have great belief in the

innocent, others were harmful and superstitious, as they involved the use of charms by means of which those who played them hoped to bring certain things to pass. Today the destruction of cabbage and the soaping of doors and windows are about the only survivals of harmful games connected with this night.
Love and marriage seem to be the chief topics on which information is sought various games are played to discover something about the person one is to wed. the most common of these is to place two nuts side by side in the fire silently naming

Nowadays people celebrate Halloween by going to dan[ces?] or parties. They still keep the old custom of having rosy-cheeked apples and nu[ts?] on this night. The children enjoy themselves by ducking for apples and nuts and t[?] have not much interest in [?] barm-brack or in getting [?] ring or the thimble which [?] hidden in it.
Formerly it was belie[ved?] that the spirits walked abr[oad?] on this night and that if certain tricks were perfor[med?] one could find out what the future had in store for hi[m?]
Some of these tricks were

Tlachtyha:- A hill near Athboy, in the barony of Lune, County of Meath. Mr Hardiman, in his Statutes of Kilkenny, states that this is now called the Hill of Ward, between Athboy and Trim. It is stated by O'Flaherty that a fire temple of the Druids stood here in the time of paganism, and that in the reign of Tuathal Teaghtmar, monarch of Ireland

Trim Athboy and Ceananuus[?] Mhor are generally regarded as having been the frontier towns of the Pale. The obvious inference would be that none of the present Co Westmeath was included, and that these places were situated in a rigid line of demarkation between the land acquired by the Normans, and that occupied by the Irish. Standing on the Hill of Ward - where in 1935 greyhounds from many parts will strive to win "The Collar of Gold," and where two thousand years before Patrick's coming Tlachta held court - and looking towards Uisneach where the five provinces of Ireland were supposed to have met one wonders how those war loving Norman Knights did not pale in some of this rich country to the west. There was indeed "The Ditch of the Pale" but the entent of foreign sway varied as the fortunes of war between the invaders and invaded...The Ditch of the Pale can still be traced at Newton, Trim, at Tremblestow Castle on the right bank of the Athboy River between Trim and Athboy and about 1 1/4 mile from Kildalkey; near Frayne Castle and on to Mullingar following the line of the old main road and keeping Delvin on the right. This "ditch" was probably made some time after the fatal meeting of O Rourke and De Lacy on the side of Tlachta. It also [?] the ententes of the English stewardship in 1644 for tradition has it that Owen Roe having taken Athboy from Col Moore after about two hours fighting entrenched part of his force in Danescourt

There was a fair held in the Hill of Ward about two hundred and fifty years ago. Cattle were not sold in it It was held every year and would last five days. They used to have races with chariots. men used to run races on horseback.
There was a field fair two miles this side of Navan town. It was held in a field. That time which was about two hundred years ago people could

Then there came to Ireland the Druids or Pagan Priests. My father said that they made an altar of the stones. They used three for this purpose and left the other there. On this the Druids had their service. About sixty years ago these rocks fell. The position they are now in is. The one to the right fell first, and the one to the left fell on top of it. Lastly the one on top fell on the other two. My grandfather was alive, and he heard them falling.
There is a stone similar to these in a field not far away from them. There are many more stones in this field, they are ruins of his house I think.
This stone is standing up straight. It is about 7 ft high. There is a very high wood beside it called "The Screen Wood". There are many rocks peeping up in the wood. My father said that they are there from "The Ice Age". There are many markings

chiefs. Had not the invasion come then it would in all likelihood have come later. Before Diarmuid Ne Norrogh crossed the Irish Sea Henry II "had" his eye on Ireland. A strong And Rí would have cleared the country of the Normans in a short time. Rory was anything but that.
The Normans were of Celtic stock. They had invaded England and imposed their civilization on the Saxons. With regard to some families of the Normans at least the reverse was the case in this country. "They became more Irish than the Irish themselves" we are told. This was said of the princely Geraldines; it could also be said of the Plunketts of Rathmore. The Meath Antiquarian Society published a book entitled Rathmore and Its Traditions in 1880. This little volume (In MemoRiam) of 32 pages is a reprint of an article in The Dublin University Magazine of 1854. It tells the story of Mary Cruys and of Sir Thomas Plunkett.* Sir Thomas died in 1471. In the churchyard of Athboy is a sculptured tomb without date or inscription but bearing the effigies of a knight and a lady: it is said to be the monument of Sir Thomas Plunkett and Mary Cruys. Then comes a very detailed account of the history [inserted: "symbolism"] and Architecture of Rathmore church. The church

Her husbands people lived in a little house just beside the Raheen. Every night the bean-a ughe left a candle lighting in the window to please the fairies.

Mrs Holten tells that on Halloween night it was customary to leave a large plate of colcannon on the table with spoons stuck in it for the "good people".
Also. The house ie the kitchen was left clean especially the hearth and a clear passage was left from the door to the fire. All chairs etc were put back against the walls. Oaten bread baked on Xmas Eve and also on Halloween and eaten with colcannon. This oaten bread was baked on a stand before the fire.

stop running until she came to Ceannuighrhe. When the people saw the mare with the Englishman on her back they thought he had killed Dómhnall and they put him to death. The place where he is buried is called Uaig an tSasanaig.
Dómhnall came home to Ceannuighrhe when the war was ended and he lived to be a very old man. It is said that when he was in bed dying a couple in the wall was falling in and there were five or six men trying to shove it out with a stick. Dómhnall asked them for the stick and he shoved it out.

When the night of Hallow Eve comes. First we take a basin of water and put an apple or a six-penny bit into it. Then we take off our coats and put our heads into the basin of water and who ever gets it can keep it. Secondly we take an apple and tie a rope out of the ceiling and then on to the apple. Then we put our hands behind our backs and try to catch it in mouths. Thirdly we get three saucers and put water on one, clay on the other and a ring on the other. Who ever takes the clay they are supposed to die before the next year. In some places they put a prayer book on the saucer instead of a ring who ever gets it will be a nun or a monk before the next year and whoever gets the water will go across the sea. Fourthly my father told me that he and a companion used to tie a rope out of the knockers of the doors and go.

Look into a mirror at 12 o'c and you will see your future husband.
Throw a ball of yarn into a limekiln or gravel pit. If it is caught or held in any way during the process of winding. Ask who holds my yarn? The answer will be the name of your future husband.Head of CabbagePull a head of cabbage blindfolded on Hallowe'en. Hang it on the door. The first who calls next day will be your future spouse.Yarrow"Good morning, fair Yarrow, good morning to thee
Before this time tomorrow, you'll tell me who my true love will be"
Address to the yarrow.
It is pulled on Halloween put into a stocking which is put under your pillow and slept on. You may not spek once it is pulled or if so the spell is broken.
It is supposed to bring dreams of your future husband or wife as the case may be.

Hidden Treasure
The ruined church of Ardmulchan which is surrounded by a graveyard is situated on the southern side of the Boyne about half way between the town of Navan and Beauparc. It is one of the most beautiful sights along the banks of the Boyne.Local tradition tells us that at the time of the Reformation the bells of this church were thrown into or hidden in the Boyne. Some stories tell us that during the attack the bells were thrown into the Boyne by the soldiers. Others tell us that the Monks themselves hid the bells in the Boyne for safety till more peaceful times would come.Many years ago when a salmon weir was being built near Ardmulchan one of the workmen whose name was Reilly from Stackallen said he saw the bells wedged between two rocks in the bed of the river. he kept the matter secret for the time being intending to recover the bells later on in the hope of reward

gravel pit at Cardiffstown.
There is also a cave or tunnel which runs from Bective Abbey under the road about 50 or 60 yards, the Navan side of the River Boyne The trace of this cave can be seen on a dry summer showing that it runs in the direction of Trim. The grass over the tunnel becomes withered and dried up as the moisture drops into the tunnel. The hollow sound too when traffic crosses the spot can be easily heard.
N.B: Would it be worth having that Tara cave explored?

Some years ago a groom employed by Major More Brabazon, Tara Hall, found in a field on the estate the opening of a Cave or tunnel. The place where he found it is called The Glen. He enlarged the entrance intending to enter it, but was afraid to do so. Mr. Sheridan, or Mr. Walsh, who still live at Tara can point out this cave.
Another cave or tunnel runs under the road at Cardiffstown, about two miles from Cannistown School on the Kilmessan road. This tunnel leads from an old ruined Castle at Riverstown in the direction of Tara. The hollow sound can be heard as cattle or horses walk over the cave which is about 25 or 30 yards the far side of the

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We started away to the fair town of Cavan
The green hills of Creewood were left far behind
Enjoying the trip on the bus we were having The voice of our rivals been still in our minds The first team to rally were the boys from the Sally,
Number one Leaby we first had to meet.
The coach then his flag did sway, One "hip" and a walk away,
For its two pulls to nil and the Leaby no more.

Creewood tug-of-war team. Loudly the voice of the
Leaby is swelling, As on by the Sally to
Cavan they go, Proudly the clan to us
have been telling When they would meet us there they would
do so and so.
Come; now ye Sally boys Fear not the Leary's
noise,
Gargan and Springen and Wall brothers two Maguire Flood and Reilly and Rock we prize highly,
We'll show them to day what the Sally could do.

reminder of the tragedies of ninety eight.
Beside us is a wood called the Mullagh wood and there is a sad history connected with it. During the rebellion of ninety eight three crappies were hanged in this wood. Mr. Maurice Hopkin owned Tankardstown at this time and he erected an angle on which to hang them in his own wood. The holes are still to be seen where the angle was erected.
Here is a quotation of a song about

eighteen forty seven many people emigrated to America when there was nothing but misery at home for them.
The land is fairly hilly but still it is good arable land. A river called the Devlin flows through Creewood. It rises in McKenna's field in the parish of Rushwee and flows onward till it meets another river called the mattock and it flows into The Boyne. On the banks fo the Devlin, are three crappies' graves, a

the district who are over seventy. They are Mary Halligan Annie Farrell, Dick Farrell, Alice Leonard, Katie Madden, Abbie Reilly, Michael Keelan, John Reilly all of Creewood, Slane, Co. Meath All of those can tell stories very well in English chiefly about olden times and the changes that has taken place since then.
Houses were very numerous long ago but the number has decreased since then. During the famine of eighteen forty five +

have been repaired and tiles and slates have taken the place of the thatch.
In former years people of the name of Criochans owned a castle in Creewood (locally called Creehood) and some old people say that is how Creewood got its name. The field where this castle was supposed to be is presently owned by Bridget Reilly. No ruins can be seen at the present day.
There are some old people in

Creewood is my district. It is the parish of Grangegeith and in the barony of Slane Lower. There are thirty three families living in it and the population is one hundred and twenty five people. The most common family name is Farrell. The majority of the houses are slated. In late years the houses

For our poor forsaken country a friend is raised at last
Brave James McCann he is the man that hoist the flag not he mast.
"Ireland for the Irish" is the word we all must say
And no more Emigration for at home we now can stay
Just take a run to Navan town to see this terrified
A splendid Bacon Factory along the Boyne's sweet side.
A hum of work and business there well pleased is every man
And we owe this to our worthy friend the member James McCann.

Yes, you tell the story well
Of Ireland's saints, of shot and shell.
To gaze on you, you say quite plain
"Great Irishmen", sweet Hill of Slane.
IV.
A warm spot there is in my heart,
For you sweet Slane. Why did we part?
But fate alas! has deemed it so
But still no matter where I go
I've one hope left, my heart does burn
But once again I will return,
And wander up that narrow lane,
To the lonely ruins of the Hill of Slane.
V.
And, as The Boyne goes rolling on,
To mingle with the sea at last,
So, like The Boyne, time rolls for me
When I shall gaze once more on thee,
And mingle with the loved one's there
Then I'll feel free from every care,
And when death comes to end all pain,
Just let me rest, sweet Hill of Slane.

Thomas Weldon, Crosslane, Grangegeith, emigrated to America and died there.
He sent home the following verses about the Hill of Slane.
I. The Hill of Slane. \God be with you, Hill of Slane
Where we played many a childish game,
Where holy Patrick's fire had burned
And Pagans unto Christians turned.
The same old hill you are today
As when Saint Patrick came that way,
Tho' far from you across the main
I love you still, sweet Hill of Slane.
II.
And from that summit one can view
The Hill of Skryne and Tara too.
I love your ruins, your buildings all
Your tree so green, your ivied wall,
Your little graveyard by your side
Is the resting place of my friends who died,
That's the reason that it gives me pain,
I love you so, sweet Hill of Slane.
III.
With the little town of Slane so near
If you could only speak 'would hear
Yet in silent words you speak the past,
A Story that will ever last

the mail - coach used to let one wheel rest against the stone to rest the horses.
The Coghalstown Road connects the Nobber-Boyne Valley - Dublin road with the Navan - Kingscourt road Wilkinstown. This road went out of use when the mail - coach stopped going it and a road called the "New Line" was made from Ladyrath Crossroads to Wilkinstown Station. Coghalstown Road was used only by the owner of the estate up until a year ago when the estate was divided and the road was into use again.

There are only two old roads in the paris of Rathkenny namely the Horistown Road and the Coghalstown Road both of which are also called old coach roads.
The Horistown road connected the Kingscourt - Drogheda road with the Dublin - Carrickmacross road and leads up a steep hill past Simpson's Mountain which is 563 feet high and Hussey's Gorse which is 601 feet to "White's" where it meets the Dublin - Carrickmacross road. It is said that Queen Maeve went this road when she went to Cooley to claim the Black Bull. This is quite probable for in that time marching armies kept as much as possible to the heights to have a view of the surrounding country and of any enemy that might wish to ambush them. There is also a fo[] covert here called "Hussey's Covert" or "Hussey Gorse". At one point of the hill there is a stone called the "Resting Stone." because

on, this road will bring us to Castletown Cross where we meet the main Navan - Kingscourt road. Here the road to the left brings us to Navan past the Racecourse at Proudstown. If we go straight on at Mullakeely Cross we enter the "Old Road" or Coghalstown Road which leads to the village of Wilkinstown.
About a hundred yards above Scottstown Cross on the road to Gormonlough is a road to the left which brings you past "Mullach Chorce", Roachestown and Shalvenstown till it meets the road from Tankardstown Cross to Slane.

Ar na nGaedheal, straight to Knock, Castletown and Nobber. A road to the left at Ar na nGaedheal leads through the bog, to Manus's Cross and straight through Luggage to George's Cross where it meets Kingscourt road.
The fourth road leading from Rathkenny leads up a very steep hill on the top of which is situated Rathkenny New School, then past a turn called the "Caimlín" and on to Mullakeely Cross. The road to the right here leads to Ladyrath Cross already mentioned. The road to the left leads through Mullagha and to Scottstown Cross. If we go straight on we come to Gormonlough where we meet the main Kells - Drogheda road. If we follow this main road it brings us to Stockallen, Slane and Drogheda. Straight on at Gormonlough we cross the Drogheda - Navan road and come to The Boyne Valley at Stackallen Bridge across The Boyne. Here the scenery is very beautiful. If we turn to the right at Scottstown Cross we again cross the Drogheda - Kells road. If we go straight

Time, distance, death cannot impair
My love, Blest Maid, Ad Dieu

'There bliss to hold some mountain pass
With Spirits bold and free
As those and thine, Leonidas,
Who held Thermopylae! -
The heart is more than walls of brass
To those who would be free. And Freedom yet has votaries
On many a distant strand.
And Stars and Stripes share sympathies
With each down-trodden land.
While tyrants quake when Freemen rise
At Liberty's command-My Soul is with one gentle maid
Whole angels "called away"-
Such destined call must be obeyed-
She went to Heaven one day.
Still sweetly fresh and undecayed
Her memory clasps me aye! Yes, Emma, of the Virgin air,
And eyes of hazel hue,
Rose-dimpled cheeks, and wavy hair,
Though love the vaulted blue

are all covered with ivy. It was founded in the fifth century by St. Trena, a roman bishop. St. Dympna lived in the monastery. She was a catholic and her father was a protestant. It was burned by the Danes about the ninth century and there is a round tower beside the monastery which was also burned by the Danes. A priest that lived there got the tower built in the fifth century.

following. General Ones attacked it in the year sixteen hundred and forty seven. There is also a small cemetery beside the church called the beautiful cemetery of Trimblestown.
There is an old Castle in Moyrath and it is a very old one. It was built by the Normans and Norman Kings ruled in it. There was a battle fought in it by the Irish and the Normans. The King was killed but the soldiers succeeded in beating the Irish. The castle is in the barony of Lune. The castle is in use yet and people by the name of Collins live there. Cromwell put a widow woman out of the castle and her children that were living in it. People say that the castle is haunted and at night you would hear footsteeps in it. There were people killed in the Castle and their sculls and bones are found under the flag stones.
There is an old ruined monastery in the Cemetery. Kildalkey. The walls

There are about three or four old ruined castles in the school district There is a castle in Frayne which is in ruins since the time of Cromwell It was knocked by Cromwell from the Hill of Ward. The names of the people that lived in it were Plunketts and they were killed also. There is a castle in Moyrath which was built in the ninth century and it is partly in ruin now. There is another castle in Trimblestown and it is in ruins. There are no stories told about these castles. Some of them are very old.
There is an old castle in Trimblestown and there is a small Church situated beside it. Long ago it was the residence of the Barnwall family. The castle is situated about a mile from the river Boyne.
Trimblestown castle was fortified during the war of sixteen hundred and forty one and for the ten years

amunition of the boys who were "on the run".
There is a lone bush a couple of hundred yards away and it is said that there was an emergency entrance under it.

On the Stackallen (round) road there is a wood named "Coyle's Wood" and at one time it was a burial ground. There was also a hospital there at one time and when the people had the "Cholera" they were treated in it. When they died they were (planted) buried where the wood is now, and those trees were planted to keep the peoples bones from being rooted up and to hinder the spread of the disease. There was a mill on the side of The Boyne at one time and it was used to grind corn.
A man named Mr Carney that owned it and the ruins are to be seen still. There was another mill down there and the ruins are also to be seen.
A man named Mr Dowdall that owned it and some of the wheels of the mill are there yet.

It happens there is only one forge in the parish. The smith that owns the forge is Muldoon. They have been smiths for many years The forge is situated at Rosnaree on the roadside.
The forge is situated in a very convenient place near Rosnaree Chapel and is not very far from the River Boyne.
The forge is roofed with timber and is covered with a kind of felt. The forge door is very wide but it is not made of any particular shape There is but one fireplace in this forge and it is a very big fireplace. The bellows is made of iron, wood and leather.
The smiths shoe horses, and they also repair harrows, ploughs and many other farm implements. There is a local belief about the forge. Sometimes sparks fly from the fire in the forge. It is said, when these sparks fly there is an army of soldiers coming.
It is not known whether gifts are ever sent to the smiths or not. The smiths were always known to be strong, healthy people. People do not gather round the forge for storytelling.

The local roads are chiefly by-ones except the main Dublin road. The Dublin road runs from Dublin, through Slane and on to Monaghan and other Northern towns. In its course to Slane it is considered one of the straightest roads in Ireland. Other local roads are known as :- The Skinassey, Bor-Snonnaigh, Knockcommon, Bog and Navan roads. The Bog road, it is thought got it name from the Irish world "bother" meaning road. The bog road is part of the Dublin one, but as it is built on an old bog it got the name of the Bog road. The Navan road received its name because it is leading to Navan.
The oldest road in the district is the Old Dublin one, which runs parallel with the present day one, and is traced from Slane up to Fennor, turning East, and then South crossing the present Cullen road, up through Duryers, Carneys and Bennetts land. Then again crossing the Knockcommon road, running through Donnelly's and Mullen's fields and entering the Dublin road at

they sprinkle the blood in every corner of the kitchen to keep away bad luck for the coming year.
On Hallow Eve the fairies are supposed to be out. The children play a great many tricks on that night such as burning nuts and ducking for apples. On Christmas night there is a candle lighted and the door is opened so that Our Blessed Lady would see the light and come into the house
On St Stephen's day the young men and boys gather together and go from one house to the next singing the wren song. Sometimes they bring the wren with them. The first lines of the song are:-"The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
On St Stephen's day he was caught in the furs
Up with the kettle and down with the pan
Give us as much as would bury the wren (wran)The people give them money and they divide it among themselves.
On New Year's day the people put nothing out but they bring in all they can because if they put anything out on that day they will be pulling things out for the coming year. If anything unusual happens on New Year's day it will happen every day for the coming year. The Epiphany, January 6th is

also called "little Christmas".

they sprinkle the blood in every corner of the kitchen to keep away bad luck for the coming year.
On Hallow Eve the fairies are supposed to be out. The children play a great many tricks on that night such as burning nuts and ducking for apples. On Christmas night there is a candle lighted and the door is opened so that Our Blessed Lady would see the light and come into the house On St Stephen's day the young men and boys gather together and go from one house to the next singing the wren song. Sometimes they bring the wren with them. The first lines of the song are:-"The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
On St Stephen's day he was caught in the furs
Up with the kettle and down with the pan
Give us as much as would bury the wren (wran)The people give them money and they divide it among themselves.
On New Year's day the people put nothing out but they bring in all they can because if they put anything out on that day they will be pulling things out for the coming year. If anything unusual happens on New Year's day it will happen every day for the coming year. The Epiphany, January 6th is

Chalk Sunday also called Rice or chaff Sunday is the first Sunday before Ash Wednesday. On that day the blessed ashes is given out to the people in, the church.
On good Friday the people made buns and put crosses on them. On Easter Sunday in olden times the children hid eggs and had a feast in the open air.
On Whit Sunday people do not go near water lest they would be drowned. The fairies are supposed to be out on May day. Another old custom is that if you wash you face in the dew on May day you will not get sun-burned for the year. The old people say that if it rains on St Swithin's day it will rain for forty days. On St John's night bon-fires are lighted. The farmers bring a coal out of the bon-fire and throw it into their tillage so that they will have a good crop for the year.
The Assumption August 15th is also called "big lady day". In olden times the young people wore a flower in their button-hole on that day. On St Martin's day the people kill some fowl and

and this ground on both sides of the river is known locally as "The Battlefield" of the Boyne where King James and King William fought and where Schomberg perished. The woods of Townley Hall on the left are picturesque and the wooded Hill of Donore where James pitched his camp can be seen in the distance to the right. the road from here brings us straight to Drogheda and here the memories of bloodshed and slaughter in the time of Cromwell crowd in upon us. If we turn to the left at "Lacken" we are now on the "Old Road" leading to Clogher, so called to distinguish it from the "New Road" leading from Rathkenny Church to Clogher also. This former village of Rathkenny past "Kenny's Fort" with its ruins of an old castle, and ascends the "Miller's Hill" where it meets the "Old Road". Hence thought the one-time "populous village of Clogher till meets the main Dublin-Carrickmacross road at Parsonstown. At the foot of the "Miller's Hill" there is a road to the left down the "Scalp" to Milltown of the famous corn mill, and straight on to the former residence of Baron

In writing about the local roads we will start at Rathkenny Church because here there is a four-crossroads.
From here one road runs south-east and east through the townland of Lacken and Horistown and on to Tankardstown Cross, straight to the four-crossroads of Sally Gardens. Here is crosses the Dublin Carrickmacross road and straight on to Grangegeeth, Tullyallen and Drogheda. Turn to the right at Tankardstown Cross and the road brings you past College Hill to Gernonstown. At Harbinstown Bridge it meets to the Dublin- Carrickmoss road and a hundred yards further on at Bolton's Cross it meets the Drogheda-Kells road. Go straight on to the Castle of Slane turn to the left an through the village of Slane to Rossin and you meet the Boyne at the bottom of Marron's Hill. Now we are in the historic "Valley of the Boyne"

Mrs McQuillan, Dowth told the teacher that the Dowth well was never known by any name only Shanaghans well.
Miss Elcock whose father had been evicted in the Dowth Eviction case, and who is now living with Mrs. McQuillan told the teacher that a woman washed tripe in the well and at midnight that night the well was seen moving down to the Boyne surrounded by twelve candles. The following is the copy of a letter, in which he refers to the well, written by John Boyle O Reilly to Mr Elcock of Dowth a granduncle of Miss Elcock, and kindly lent by her tot he teacher:-
(Above well is named "St Brendan's well" on the Ordinance Survey Map. I have enquired among the oldest inhabitants [?] knew, or even heard of any name but "Shanahan's Well. John B. O Reilly in following letter refers to it by that name.)

Dear Mr Elcock
I beg to introduce to you my most particular friend Hon. P.A. Collins of the Massachusetts Senate who is going on a tour to Ireland. I have been bragging here of the beauties of the Boyne and Mr Collins is anxious to see the river. I've been telling him of the Moat, the cave, the obelisk at Oldbridge and especially of The Valley of the Boyne between the woods of Farm and Dowth where the Shanaghan's well used to be.
I hope all your people are well. Mr. Collins will tell you how I am getting on. Your brother and his family at Quincey are very well, and your brother is a regular Elcock even to the laugh. I'd know him if I met him on a prairie.
Give my love to your brother and to all the Morgan family. Good Bye.

because rushes grow in that field. There is a bank in Mr. Delaney field called the furry bank. It is so called because there is furies growing there. We pass by a place going to school we call it the big stone. The reason it is called because there is a stone there. The stone is out in the Mattock river. King William's is the m. name of a place at Oldbridge. It is called that because King William with his soldiers came through that glen in doing battle with King James.

field which Mr Lamb owns called the sand-hole because there is a sand hole in the middle of it. There is a big field along the Dowth road called the race park because long ago there used to be races in that field. There is another field belonging to Mr Gradwell called the Boynemeadow because it I situated beside the river Boyne.
There is a field called Ann Keirn, it got name because a person of that name lived there There is another field in Kellystown called the crooked acre because there is so many hills in it. There is another field called the Moat field because there is a little hill in a valley. The people used to say that a tinker and his wife was buried there. There is a field which Mr Boylan owns called the pan Field. It is so called because it is in the shape of a pan There is another field he owns Called the lessers. It is so called because it is the smallest of all the [?] fields. He has another field called the rushes. It is called that

There is an old bush down in a field near the Boyne and it is called the rooks bush because the rooks are always sitting on it. There is another old bush down on the Dowth road and it is called the beggars bush because when a beggar is passing by he always sits on that bush.
There is another bush at Croggcross and it is called Peggy Fox's bush. The reason it is called that because an old beggar woman that name used always sit in that bush for a rest every time she would be going that road. There is a field we have called Hoey's field because Hoey's lived there long ago. There is another we have the middle is the name of it. It is so called because it is between two fields. There is a field at the back called the moat field. It is so called because there is an old moat in that field. It is Mr Clarke that owns it. There is a field in Dowth and it is called the bush field because a few thorn bushes grows in the middle it. There is another

Once upon a time there was a School Master in the North of Ireland and he was a wizard. He used to turn the children into cats, dogs, cocks and geese and they would fight amongst each other. When the children went home they did not know what happened them. So one day the parents of the children went to the school and saw what was going on. They waited awhile and the master changed himself into a black pig. Then they let a big dog into the school and out ran the pig pursued by the dog. It came on South by Drogheda and the Boyne and on the banks of the Boyne the dog killed the pig. After that it is called the "Valley of the Black Pig". It is said that the Protestants will follow the Catholics from the North the same way as the pig and dog ran and a big battle will be fought at the Boyne and the Catholics will be beaten.

High King in Tara about four miles from Navan. It touches five counties South, Monaghan, Cavan, West-Meath, and Dublin. The largest river in Meath is the Boyne. The road from Cavan town to Dublin is one of the main roads in Meath.

My native county is Meath. It is one of the richest counties in Ireland. The principal towns in it are Trim, Navan, and Kells. The people in Meath go in for fatten cattle. They don't keep many cows. The

The weather in this district is not too severe, but when the big storms come they are fairly bad.
In the year 1826 there came a terrible drought for ten months. All the rivers and wells dried up. That year my grandfather saw the water of the Boyne flow through a bucket for nearly two months at the town of Navan. The farmers had to pull their oats, because it was not long enough in the stalk to cut and their cattle died through eating the roots and sand off the oats and people died too from the same cause.
The Big Wind came on 6th Jan 1859. No-one in this district remembers it now, but there are stories about it. It came quickly. The evening was dead calm, but about 9 o'clock it began to blow. It kept on till the next morning, then it began to abate but the weather was rough after it.
Before the storm came there were strange signs in the sky and during the storm the town of Kells was burnt down.
There is a big house in this district named Bumfer Hall. The roof was blown off that night and it was never put on again. The fires were blown about and that was how Kells

while they were talking in the house it flowed over and nearly flooded the house, but a little bridge got broken and let a little more water out.
In another house the water drowned the hens hatching. There was a barrel of lime in the house and it went on fire in the barrel, the fire being caused by the water on the fresh lime. They managed to get it outside the door before it did any damage.
Many people suffered in this flood.
Another place that was nearly washed away in the flood of 1919 was a cottage situated on the side of a hill. The water came rushing into the house. It washed out a hen and chickens and meal and everything except the heavy furniture. They had a bad time for they lost a lot of stuff. A windstorm came over fifty years ago. It did a lot of damage; When people wakened in the morning all their hay and oats were blown away and big and little houses were blown down.

was burnt. A bad snowstorm came on the 14th March 1864. The snow was ten feet high and many lives were lost. The animals suffered badly. It lasted from 17th March till June.
A bad windstorm came on the 22nd Jann 1884. It lasted four or five hours. My father was putting a wheel of a cart on a rick of hay and a gust of wind came and blew him and the wheel off the rick. A terrible frost came about forty-one years ago. It froze for eleven weeks. The lakes were frozen so hard that heavy things could cross them. A little lake called Breaky Lake got frozen and a sheep got in on it and was not able to move until a man took off his boots and went in after her and carried her out. The year after that was very dry and the crops were very dear; hay was ten shillings per cut. A flood came in 1919. A man was going to a well to get water. It was raining and thundering so hard that he went into another man's house to wait till it was over. A small river ran by the house. It filled up and

The weather in this district is not too severe, but when the big storms come they are fairly bad.
In the year 1826 there came a terrible drought for ten months. All the rivers and wells dried up. That year my grandfather saw the water of the Boyne flow through a bucket for nearly two months at the town of Navan. The farmers had to pull their oats, because it was not long enough in the stalk to cut and their cattle died through eating the roots and sand off the oats and people died too from the same cause.
The Big Wind came on 6th Jan 1859. No-one in this district remembers it now, but there are stories about it. It came quickly. The evening was dead calm, but about 9 o'clock it began to blow. It kept on till the next morning, then it began to abate but the weather was rough after it.
Before the storm came there were strange signs in the sky and during the storm the town of Kells was burnt down.
There is a big house in this district named Bumfer Hall. The roof was blown off that night and it was never put on again. The [?] were blown about and that was how Kells

The following verses were penned by the poet on the event of Catholic Emancipation and sung by the people at weddings wakes and other social gatherings
You patriots of this fair isle
That long has borne the penal chain
In spite of tyrants bare and vile
Our long lost rights we will regain
When we'll obtain an equal share
In friendship we will all agree
The claims we ask are just and fair
Happy homes and Altars freeOur noble friends are all combined
To free us from the grinding laws.

They weighed the balance in their minds
And meditated on the cause
Their friendly council we will take
From Justice we will never flee
With prudent strength the yoke will break
For Happy Homes and Altars free. When Lawless into Cullen came
We hailed him with unceasing cheer
Roused by an ardent generous flame
Regardless of all panic fear
We saw those frantic bloodhounds hide
The speakers heinous Committee
Then with one voice we loudly cried
For Happy home and Altars freeThis filthy faithless orange train
Its badness I cannot describe
Its badness I cannot describe
Its deeds are foul with many a stain
And every vice they all abide
These brawling murmurs soon must cease
They are blood-wading to the knee
We will have freedom love and peace
With happy homes and Altars free.

These Bible-reading saints you know.
(Man's private judgement can't be real,
From town to town in groups they go.
Their gloomy doctrine to reveal.
Their doggrel preachers we disown
That spend their days in brutal glee.
Christ left but one true Church alone.
And it's fair Altars must be free. An act of Faith they cannot make
According to the Sacred Writ
My friends beware of this mistake
While truth and reason you'll admit
Incarnate Christ these words has said
To the end of time with you I'll be
He to the Church this promise made
And her fair altars must be free.No more in weighty Shackles bound
We'll toil like poor dejected slaves
In our own native Irish ground
We're tyrannised by artful knaves.
A day will come. I wish for that
A day that I e'er long to see.
When Erin's harp will loudly play at
Happy home and Altars free.

Poem on Election of Henry Grattan for MeathThe free men of Meath shall neer be forgotten
Their names are recorded in the rolls of fame.
For how they elected brave Henry Grattan
Though dog hearted tyrants did him defame.
To have him a member of the people assembled
And with him the prime of the country did join
A shame to the creatures who basely dissembled
When Grattan beat Blythe on the banks of the Boyne.
You paltry usurpers and tyrants take warning
Likewise you mean farmers who cringe to the great
A stain to your country that auspicious morning
When Liberty called Lon Lon slyly did wait
The dregs of the people still fail when required
Who barter their honour for interest or coin
The spirit of freedom within them expired
And faintly withdrew from the banks of the Boyne.
Some are delirious to hear the disasters
And grieve and regret when the tithes done away
Or what will become of the Deacon or pastor
They'll take an example from Lord Castlereagh.
Too long they have lived on the fat of our nation

Too long these vile creatures our rights did purloin. Down with oppression and curse extirpation
And she off your chains by the Banks of the Boyne.
Some brighter assailants did terror reform
And rave out their nonsense in the dying meal
But after a calm there comes always a storm
Such fictions and false hoods shall never prevail
Tis known these past ages how we have been treated
And Grattan declared with the heart of a lion
The wrongs of his country he loudly repeated
And bigots gave way on the Banks of the Boyne.

mill, to Rathmaneo, to the Black water at Kells and from Kells to Navan and on to Drogheda along the Boyne. Near Drogheda he went to swim across the Boyne and cut his throat and he is buried there.
It is prophesied that the Protestants from the north will have to go the same route and Ireland will not be free until that is done.

There was a school-master in Co Tyrone and every day at playtime, he would make a hare of one of the boys and three greyhounds of 3 other boys. Then he would make the greyhounds run after the hare to catch him. The children would be sick for a week after. One child's mother said she would stop him from that. She watched him next and listened to what he said. Then she turned the master into a black pig. She said "Go on now till you go to the Boyne and swim there till you cut your throat" The pig came on to the rock of Muff and hopped up on a stone and left the track of his knee on the stone and it is still to be seen. He came to the fort of Breakey and the cross of Cormeen and on to Cleice Dibh or "Martin's Hills in Ughty

Treasure is said to be buried in the ruined castle of Dunmoe. Several attempts were made to discover it but none were successful.
Some ten or twelve years ago a lady who returned from America wanted to buy the castle + the field in which the castle stands but Delaney would not sell. She stated that she wanted to buy it as it belonged to her ancestors. She was in possession of maps + plans of the castle and it was believed that she intended to make an extensive search for the gold.
It is said that about 70 years ago a tramp claimed to have discovered the opening of a vault beneath the castle. He claimed that it was dark at the time and slipping he found himself in a vault underneath the castle about six feet square. When he lit a piece of paper he saw suits of armour hanging from the walls. Some noise startled him + he fled from the place. He returned some time after in day-time but failed to locate the opening to the vault.
Note:-
There is a damp vault under the old church at Dunmoe. Only one wall of castle remains Other Particulars given in Boyne + Blackwater.

out you go in the morning." Darcy was the Landlord.
"I will not go far" was the old mans reply.
Telling the ancient recluse to have his mind made up before the morrow Darcy departed.
Next day the old man again refused to part with his sheep + was evicted + the sheep confiscated. But before parting with her he threw himself weeping on her neck + gave her a last pinch of Indian meal then rising he dashed for the Boyne (It ran beside his old procán) + threw himself in + was drowned. The sheep took convulsions + died. The Indian meal had been poisoned by the Sean dunne.

for intruding on his privacy.
Peering closer the old man observed his mistake + began to apologise stating he was out + did not know the dignity of his caller (his Landlord). "But" said Darcy "Some one asked me to set down when I came in + I was not aware that you had anyone living with you" "But how"- began Darcy. The old man cut in - "I suppose you came for the rent" "Ah no" said Darcy "I just called to have a talk as I went by" The old man threw some bposna on the fire a soon a blaze lighted up the humble abode. In one corner on a heap of straw lay an old sheep who blinked at the visitor. "Is the sheep sick" said Darcy "Ach no" said the old man + threw it a bite. Instantly the old sheep seized it and despite the old man's hurried "She" my brave sheep says "go pouch mairh agat." The cat was out of the bag now and the recluse reluctantly admitted that the old sheep could talk and after some persuasion the old man got his pet to say all it knew.
Darcy was enthralled + offered to buy the sheep at a very high price. Here we can imagine the pleasure Darcy friends would have if they had a talking sheep in their castle. Despite all offers the old man refused to part with his old sheep. On meeting this firm refusal Darcy then tried threats. "Give me the sheep" said he "or

There was once a recluse living on a little holding on what is now the Dunmoe Estate one owned by the Darcys. All he had was one old sheep + some goats. It was generally believed that the old man had taught the sheep to talk. Word at this reached the Darcys + one of them called to the house of the old man to investigate. The old man did not encourage visitors + his place was avoided.
When Darcy called the old man was out and the door was shut. Darcy raised the latch + entered + when he stood inside in the gloom a voice greeted him in Gaelic with "Bail o Dia art" + Darcy replied in the same tongue. Then there was a pause and the hidden speaker said "[?] scop". Before Darcy could do so the old man returned and broke into a torrent of abuse in Gaelic of the visitor/the old man

There are many old roads in various parts of County Meath. I know three, namely Newtown road which is outside Trim, Borallen which is about two or three miles beyond Navan, and the Bellinter road.
The Newtown road is only about three or four miles long. There are not very many houses to be seen on it. People come from far and near to drive round this old road and to see the ruins of a castle where King John lived, and to see also the old "Newtown Abbey."
The Borallen road is also a very short road. It is about two miles long, and is not a tarred road. When walking out this road you are sure to see dozens of gipsies camps and caravans pitched along its sides.
The Bellinter road is long. Part of it has been recently tarred. It leads on to the main Dublin Road. There are lovely woods on both sides of the road. The Boyne runs along one side for a long distance.

boys were bathing in the Boyne and Blackwater. Two Christian Brothers happened to be bathing the same day just outside the town. One of the brothers got into difficulties.
One young lad dived into the deep water and took up the body of Brother Ambrose and dragged it to the shore.
Medical aid was brought immediately but it was found that Brother Ambrose was dead. The brave young lad who made such an effort to save his life, is, the present Mr. Clarke of Cannon Rew.

It was about the 13th of July, 1930, that, as was customary, some

In Slane there stands an old ruin called "The Hermitage". It served as a monastery long ago. St. Erc was the abbot. It is said that every day St. Erc stood in the river Boyne up to his armpits for an hour as penance.
The Hermitage is on lady Cunningham's land. Some grand (carved) craved and inscribed stones of the monastery were taken by the Cunningham's to help with the building of the castle. A statue of St. Erc is still embodied in the pantry wall of the castle.
Along the Boyne at Barristown, Slane, stands a stately monastic ruin about fifty feet high. The outer walls of the building are still intact. There is an immense fire-place in it. The monastery was founded during the Golden Age and continued as a monastery until 1690, when it went on fire. There is a little stone structure on the river-bank from which the monks fished.

each morning they found it changed they returned it to its former place. But they soon tired of this as the building got bigger and left it where the fairies placed it, where its ruins are today.

Christmas Morn Mass
About a quarter of a mile (up the Bective Avenue) from Clady Church there was a house in which an old woman dwelt alone.
At midnight every Christmas Eve some one called the old woman. She went down to the ruins of Clady Church where there was a priest saying Mass. The Church looked the same as if it were whole, though it was in ruins. She assisted at Mass and then returned home.
Where Clady Church Is Built
It is said that when Clady Church was being built it was being built farther up away from the Boyne (it is on the banks of the Boyne where the Clady river flows into the Boyne). The Boyne is on one side of the churchyard and the Clady river on the other side. There is a back entrance into the burying ground. It is necessary to cross the river and there is a little bridge which is supposed to be one of the oldest bridges in Ireland over it.
Every morning the workmen would find whatever part of the building they were working at the previous day moved from the place they had built it to where it is now. Though

Bective Abbey which was founded in 1146 extended from where the ruins of it are on the banks of the Boyne about a quarter of a mile from Bective village to Bective Avenue a distance of about one quarter of a mile. The stones are still to be seen in small heaps in the fields where the building stood before it was knocked by Cromwell.
There is a hill on the opposite side of the river Boyne about a half mile from the Abbey and it is from that hill that Cromwell is supposed to have fired his cannon balls at the Abbey. No grass has grown on the hill since.
It is probable that Bective Abbey was connected with Clady Churchyard with an underground passage. There was a passage underground from the Abbey to Newtown Abbey Trim so that the monks could escape in time of danger.
There was said to be so many monks in the community, that when they were going by the underground passage to Newtown Abbey, (to take refuge from the soldier of Cromwell, who ordered them out of the Abbey) that the monk, who headed the procession of two deep, remembered on

day.
There were never any attempts made to get it out as they are supposed to be protected by the fairies, because lights have been seen there frequently by people passing.

About four miles from Trim in the Co. Meath stands the old ruins of the abbey of Bective on the banks of the River Boyne.
It was founded in the middle of the twelfth century by the King of Meath, and it is said that before Cromwell came to Ireland, the abbey was taken over by monks.
But when Cromwell came he began to destroy cities, and churches, and abbeys, and there is nothing to be seen in Bective at the present time except the old walls.
Yet, it is said that the monks made under ground passages, in which they hid all their treasures, and they are supposed to be there until this

one and so was Sherry's Now there is no one living in it but when they were living in it there were fourteen children alone
There also was a house belonged to Mary Gannon and the ruins of it are there yet. The river which runs through Iskaroon passes by Harrison's in Kilbride and goes into the Boyne at Bective. The drakeen divides Iskaroon from Tullyard. The land in Iskaroon is good.

Our downland is Iskaroon which is in the downland of Killride. The are in very few houses in the townland of Iskaroon infact the only house that is in use now is ours. Our house is a thatched

John Borcoran Kilmurray Trim. There were more houses in Kilmurray long ago. The ruins of those houses can be seen still. I do not know of any emigrants who left the downland. Some of the land is good and more is bad. It is good for grazing and tilling. There are four woods in Kilmurray. There are two small rivers in Kilmurray and they flow into the Boyne.

I live in Kilmurray. It is in the parish of Boardsmill. It is in the barony of Lune. There are eighteen families in Kilmurray. There are fifty-five people living in Kilmurray. There are seven thatched houses and eleven slated ones. There are old people but they do not speak Irish and they tell no stories. There are two old men in Kilmurray Patrick Fay and

song or story about Woodtown. The lands is hilly in some places but it is fertile. It is good for grazing and for tilling. There is four woods and a fox - covert in Woodtown. The woods have no special names. The "Black Lake" river drains the land and flows into the Boyne, and there is no story connected with the river.

I love in the downland of Woodtown, in the parish of Ballinor, and in the Barony of Lune. There are nineteen people living in Woodtown. It got its name because there is a lot of woods around it. There is one thatched house and one slated house in Woodtown. There is no old people in Woodtown. There are the remains of an old house in Woodtown. I heard no

story or song about my downland. Some of land is good and some of it is bad. It is good for grazing and tilling. There is no wood near Drinadaly. The river Boyne runs through Dinadaly and there is a big bridge over it.

I live in Drinadaly. It is in the parish of Boardsmill. It is in the Barony of Lune. It got its name from the wood of Daly. There are eight families in my downland. There are forty people in the lowland of Drinadaly. There are six slated houses and two thatched ones. There is one old man over seventy years. His name is Thomas Douglas Drinadaly Trim. The old people do not know Irish. They tell stories in English. There were more houses in Drinadaly long ago than now. The ruins of those can still be seen. I do not know of any emigrants who left my downland. I never heard any

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There are two old people over seventy. Mrs. Commons Moyfeigher Mr Tom Lewis Moyfeigher Ballivor They do not know Irish. They can tell stories in English. There were more houses in our locality long ago. The ruins of these can still be seen overgrown with grass. I do not know of any emigrants. I never heard of any song or story of the downland. The land is good and it is not hilly or boggy. It is good for grazing. There is a big wood and it is called Scarify wood. It contains about a hundred acres. It was formerly the propty of Lord Darnley. In it he had a shooting lodge. Many men were employed by him and the place was kept in perfect order. Now it is neglected and has been sold. Large numbers of trees have been cut down and sold. The Stoneyford river runs into the Boyne.

I live in Moyfeigher which is in the parish of Ballivor. It is in the barony of Lune.
There are six families in my Townland. There are thirty five people in my Townland. There are more slated houses than thatched houses. There are four slated houses one thatched and one galvanised.

There is said to be a treasure hidden about a mile from our house. It is a crock of gold One time a man from Westmeath dreamed about it, and in his dream he was told, that he would have to cross the Boyne and get the treasure, and be back across the river in a certain or two black dogs (which are said to be guarding it) would kill him. He came to the place but he thought the time too short and he did not risk his life.

There is a lot of gold hidden in Ireland. There is supposid to be a heap of gold hidden in the bank of the Boyne. If you try to dig it, you would have to have it dug before twelve o'clock. If you had not it dug before that time, two big greyhounds would come and kill you. there is hidden treasure in many places but do not know anything about it.

it burned a hole 20 ft deep in the ground and it may be seen to-day.

Finn and the Wizzard Prince.
Once upon a time before Finn was General of the Fionna Eireann he found a bag and a magic spear which belonged to his father. This bag was full of wonders for nine hours every day, three hours in the morning, three hours in mid-day and three hours in the night. On Hallow’eve night the King and all his nobles were in the Feasting Hall, better known as the Banqueting Hall in Tara. On one Hallow’eve Finn came to Tara. The door porter admitted him into the Hall. Tara was destroyed every year by a Wizard Prince named Aillin who lived in Sliabh-Na-Caillighe at Oldcastle. Finn offered to guard Tara. Late that night sweet music was heard. Finn took a torch out of his bag and his magic spear and went out.
He walked round the great rath once and went into the Hall again and found everybody from the King to the door-keeper asleep. Going out again he stood facing the Boyne. He heard the Wizard splashing through the water. Finn held his father’s spear to his head to keep the spell of sleep from him. When the Wizard was near Tara he blew three balls of fire out of his mouth. Finn caught each of them with the torch. Seeing this the Wizard turned to flee but Finn followed him and killed him. Finn cut off his head and brought it back to Tara when he was running after the Wizard he let the torch fall and

Everard's land and lane crossing the Knockcommon road, passing down Nulty's of Newtown lane, crossing the Cullen road and running on down over a ford at the Boyne.
The custom of crossroad dancing is not very common in this locality. This custom is trying to be revived by the local people in the Summer evenings at a cross road a half mile from Slane. There are no traces of mass paths in the parish.

Tully's, up through Skinassy and on up through the Somerville estate. St. Patrick on his journey from Slane to Tara came up through Skerrymount and Knockerk to Tara. Hence St. Patrick's well is in Knockerk and the mark where he knelt is to be seen on a stone at the well.
The ordinary roads were not made during the famine, but the railroad of the district was made during the famine as relief work for the people. The rate of pay is not known but it can well be imagined that it was very
Long ago the Boyne was crossed by fords. At the burial of King Cormac the pagans crossed the Boyne by a ford which was opposite Brugh.
"Then northward forth they bore the bier,
And down from Sletty side they drew,
With horsemen and with charioteer,
To cross the ford from Boyne to Brugh"
The Boyne was forded at the Battle of the Boyne, the places being Rosnaree and Oldbridge. Schomberg was shot when crossing the ford at Oldbridge.
Another old road ran through Dwyer's and

The custom of cross-road dancing was in the district some time ago, but is fastly dying. No mass paths were known in the district.
The Lougher road was one of the five roads from Tara, known as Slige-Mid-Luachra - Luachra being the genitive case of Luchair which means very rushy. My grandfather (Patrick Lenehan) got the greater part of Lougher drained when he went to live there.

the Irish word "Ross-na-Riogh" or the wood of the Kings.
There is one very old road in the district namely, "The Rocky road to Dublin". It is so called because it is rocky rough and narrow. Long ago this was the principal road of the district but it is not even in use now. Some times this road is called "Bor-na-Sionnach" from the road Boreen which means a road and was called Bor for short. "Sionnach" is the Irish word for a fox and in olden times there was a foxes' covert there.
None of the local roads were made in the famine period, but it is said that the railway was made as relief work for the people, but that the wage was not very much.
Long before bridges were made the River Boyne was crossed by fords. An interesting story is told about the burial of Cormaic Mach Áirt. When the King was dying he wished to be buried in Rosnaree instead of in "Brugh-na-Bóinne". When the bearers were carrying the corpse over the ford a flood swelled the river, and washed the body down to Rosnaree. Thrice this happened so that the people were forced to bury him in Rosnaree, where his grave is still to be seen.

Roads are included under the general name of highways, a highway being defined as a place over which a right of walking, riding or driving is enjoyed by the public.
The roads of the district are named as follows :- the Dublin Road which runs from Carrick-na-Cross to Dublin is the principal local road. The Slane road goes from Rosnaree Cross to Slane, and the Boyne or Drogheda road goes from the same cross roads too Drogheda. This road got its name on account of it running parallel with the Boyne.
The Lougher road runs from the Boyne road to the Duleek one. This road is said to have been made before the time of Oliver Cromwell. This is the road on which James 2nd fled from "The Battle of the Boyne". The Lougher road got its name from the Irish word "luchair" which in English means a rushy place.
The Rathdrina road got its name because in olden days a fairy queen had her dwelling there. The Rosnaree road got its name from

at Rosnaree, to bury the body of King Cormac in Brugh, found a fording place at Rosnaree. The Boyne was also forded at Oldbridge, because it was at the battle of the Boyne 1690 that Schomberg was killed when crossing the ford at Oldbridge.
This piece of poetry concerning the burial of King Cormac is as follows :-
Then northward forth they bore the bier,
And down from Sletty side they drew,
With horsemen and with charioteer,
To cross the ford of Boyne too Brugh. An old local custom connected with crossroads, is the crossroads dance. In some places this custom is still revised. Old Gaelic dances are taken part in and crowds flock to the crossroads. There are no mass paths in the district.

name from "Rath Draighin" or the fort of the Queen.
The Bor road received its name from "boreen" which means a little road. Hence it was afterwards called the Bor for short. The bog road which runs parallel with the bog lies between Mc. Gruders' cross and Mc. Gavisks bridge. This road was always called the bog road on account of the bot which was situated beside it. Roads were not made as relief work during the famine period, but the rail-road of the district was made the year after the famine, which is about 90 years ago. It is not known the rates of pay which the labourers received but it can well be imagined that the wages were not very high.
There are many old by-ways to be found locally and these are often used as short cuts. One of these byways is known as the Ark. This one runs through Tullys' land and is used as a by-way by Tullys themselves. It is not known how it derived its name.
Before bridges were made rivers were crossed by fords at shallow places. For example, when the burial of King Cormac was taking place, the pagans who ere endeavouring to cross the Boyne

The roads of to day differ greatly from the roads on which our forefathers trod. The two main ways of travelling in this locality are by rail and by road that of the road being the more common.
The roads of this locality are chiefly by ones for there is but one main road. Some of these are namely :- Dublin, Rathdrina, Knockcommon, Duleek, Rosnaree, the Bor, Lougher and the Bog road. the Dublin Road which runs from Dublin to Monaghan is the main road. Before this road was made, the old Dublin Road which runs parallel with the new one was then used. This old road can still be traced on its course up through Bennetts' fields on still through Mullens' land and enters the new Dublin Road at Tullys. this was always known as the "old road"
The Dublin Road was so called because it leads to Dublin. The Lougher road derived its name from "luchair" which means rushes, because it was said that rushes grew in abundance there. The Rathdrina road joins the Navan road and enters Navan. This road obtained its

married two of the guests would have horses and one would run for the bride and the other for the bridegroom and whoever would win the race would get a bottle of whiskey.

our jaunt must be put of to-morrow.

The Banshee

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How long did Cain hate his Brother?
As long as he was able.

The Round Tower of Kells is situated in Canon St, in the parish of Kells and in the barony of Upper Kells. Some people say it was built in the tenth century by the Danes, wen they came over to rob the Irish Churches of their treasures.
The old people tell many stories connected with it. They say there is a well under the Round Tower, and that one day it will spring up and drown Kells.
Another old man says that the Gobán Saor built the Round Tower in three days and three nights, and that his wife carried the stones in her apron to him.
They also say that a fairy built it in one day with an apronful of stones. There is also another small Tower over in the Abbey field. The old folk tell that a woman was hiding priests vestments up in the Tower when she saw Danes coming to attack her, and that she jumped from the top of the tower down and that her foot came upon a stone and left the mark of it on it. The stone is still to be seen in the Abby Field. The Round Tower is ninety feet in height now but

did not live happy ever afterwards. In wedding Kate Plunkett, the /english officer, who did then feel attachment to her cherished, tho later hoped that she might yet obtain the castle to which on failure of her brothers, she was heiress and might thus reach the whole part of her -------. In present parlance he could see his name over the door at Rathmore. Finding his hope vain, disappointment soured and changed him. He soon perceived fault on his wife to which he had previously been blind - not in her person - temper or disposition - they were above censure but in the native unpolished habits and manners which he complained she had contacted in her peasant life and from her plebeian companion - the poor old nurse. In this respect Mary Cruise had been more formidable for she had the advantage of the society of an accomplished mother. Kate Plunkett found it impossible to please him and although for their mutual peace sake they separate. A provision was however made by him to this woman of vicissitudes and whereas she ended her days let us hope it was in a quiet haven where she found consolation from one more just, more merciful and more ---- his ways than war.In 1649 Cromwell butchered the Plunketts - on his way from Drogheda. The banks of the Boyne in 1689 were again smeared with Irish blood when Seamus an Capall, as he is still referred to in Rathmore galloped to Powerscourt having shown the white feather. Like the bad ----- he was

Once there lived a very careless woman named Miss Dungan. She lived in Dunboyne, Co Meath. She arranged with some of her companions in a house next door to her to play cards with them. In the evening she went into the house in which they were playing the cards. After a while she returned home. Before entering her house she heard a queer noise inside. She ran back and told the people that the devil was in her house. She was as white as a wall with fear. The men got shovels and forks and went up to the house. They heard the same noise as the woman heard. They looked in the window and saw a monkey on the dresser throwing the delph on the ground.

"A house full,
A room full,
And cannot catch a spoonful"?
Smoke."As I went up Coddy Hill,
Coddy Hill was shaking,
I put Coddy in my pocket,
Afraid the ducks would ate him"?
A grain of corn."Riddle me riddle me now,
Two big eyes and cannot see"?
A scissors."Four stick standers,
Four gilly ganders,
Two lookers, two puckers,
And a wagger out"?

"Tink, tank under bank. Ten drawing four."?
A man milking a cow.

Eat a salt herring before you go to bed on Halloween You must eat it whole head, tail bones. Your future spouse will bring you a drink during the night.
This trick is supposed to be done in the name of the Devil.

Get half a can of ground oats and put it into half a can of water and leave it there for three or four days. Then take it out and strain through a cloth bag. Next boil the water that was strained and it gets thick like stir about; put on plates with new milk and eat it.

Once upon a time there was a man named "Collier the Robber." One day he went into this house and the woman was crying. He said to her "what are your troubles". She said "the landlord took her cows off her" "He said he would get the price of them back. The man went off and he met the landlord on the road and robbed him. Then he came back to the woman and gave her the money and then she was satisfied.

dog from the door of the sick room if the person is going to die.
A family named McKeon in the neighbourhood recently were obliged to remove the dog to a neighbours house + tie him on the day on which Mrs McKeon died.
The Banshee is heard for 3 days + 3 nights successively wailing outside the house of the person who is going to die.

shall make you go my good woman".Long ago there was a crowd of men who never went to Mass. They used to play cards in a field near the Church. One day they were playing cards and they priest came along. He went into the field and asked them why they were not at Mass.
As soon as the priest said these words, the cards went off in a blaze. The men said they would never miss Mass again.There was once a man who lived alone. He never went to Mass. One night a

An old woman named Brigid Hull lived in the Corballis about the year 1867. She used to go to mass every morning but she never went to mass on Sunday. One day she went to confession. The priest said "Why do you not go to Sunday Mass" "Is it because you are not bound to go on a week day that you go, and because you are bound to go on a Sunday that you do not go". "No" she said that is not the reason but the reason is she said "too many people would be looking at me". When she said this the priest was vexed with her. When she saw this she said Ah! well to please you I might go. The Priest said "I

acre. The grower who had even two acres was considered a large grower indeed. The growers in these days did not completely derive their livelihood from the raspberry production, as most of them had the weaving as other means of support. It was about this time that the adjoining village of Julianstown, and Gormanstown went into raspberry production. But the area under raspberries in Duleek was greater than these two villages, as they went in more for apples, gooseberries and plums. The fruit garden in these old days were all situated in the north bank of the Nanny river and in most cases sloped slightly to the north. The soil is of a very freeable nature and has a good depth on a gravelly subsoil in limestone.
The soil and situation in and around Duleek, Julienstown and Stamullen are claimed by experts to be the most suited for raspberry cultivation in Ireland.
The method of cultivation was as follows:-

Preparation of the Soil.
The holding intended for the planting of raspberries was trenched up to a depth of 12 inches with a spade, in the months of October or November. It was left in this state until

Local Heroes - Collier the RobberCollier, the Robber, was a native of the Hill of Bellewstown. When he grew up to manhood, he was a robber. He was brave and strong. He would rob the landlord and agent and give the money to the poor people. One time he was cauht and put in jail in Trim. The jail is along the Boyne.When he was in jail he had something that would cut iron and he cut the bars and tore the blankets and sheets that were under him and tied them together and then tied them to one of the bars. Then he slid down the rope he had made until he was far enough to jump into the Boyne. Then he swam across the river and escaped.Onetime he made a good lot of men with sticks and he made their heads with turnips and put guns in their hands and when the mail-coach was passing he walked out on the road and held it up. The people in the mail-coach thought the things along the ditch were men and they gave up all they had to Collier.Another time he saw a man going with the rent. He held him up and robbed him. When the man went home his wife asked him what did he do with the rent, did he go with the rent at all or did he gallop on the horse. Then he told her that he was robbed by Collier. They were very poor and they had not a bit to eat in the house. They were cursing

6. One time a man died in his gentleman’s house. The man’s name was W. Boylan, and he was from Hilltown, Bellewstown, and he loved the place. When he was dying he said he would like Hilltown better than Heaven. And then he died in sin. When he was dead the people in the house would hear noise every night. They sent [?] [?] that also

5. One time when my grandfather was a young boy, he was working in a farmer’s house down near the Boyne. The owner of the house was Mr Boylan. When my grandfather went to it first he was put into a shed that was haunted. One night when he was in bed there was a big collie dog with him. And a ghost came in. He could not see it but the dog saw it, when my grandfather put out his hand for the candle it was upside down. The dog began to sweat then – he ran under the clothes.

for the gold came back he found to his surprise that the hill was covered with privet sticks so that he did not know which one to dig under.

Situated near Athboy is the hill of Ward and inside this hill are fairy men guarding a crock of gold.
At one time a man by the name of Mr Collins, Freffans, Trim dug for the gold and as he was digging a little fairy caught hold of him and asked him what was he looking for.
The man said that if the fairy would not get him the pot of gold he would drown him.
As the fairy was getting afraid he leaped from the man's arms. The man kept on did not find the gold.
Again the fairy man appeared and told him to go home and bring back a small bucket and he told him also that he would leave a mark where the gold was then he told him also that the mark was to be a privet stick.
The fairy man stuck down the privet and as well as sticking down one he stuck down a great number so that he covered the moat with sticks.
When the man who was digging

during the winding he imagines somebody grips it that is the person he will marry and within the year if he does not he is not a true Irishman.

1 Colcannon; Long ago on November's night the people used to make calls. They used to make calls. They got onions and fried them and they got potatoes and boiled them and mixed them together with salt. If anyone of the family were absent during the feed, the people of the house would have to leave some for the fairies and if that was not gone in the morning there would be no luck in the house for the year.
2 Another custom is the men especially got a ball of thread and put it into a lime kill. Then they started to wind it out when it was all out they started to wind it again. Three times

can tell the future. If there is a bit of clay on it, he will get a rich wife. If it is a long straight stalk, she will be tall. If it is a short stalk, she will be small. If it is crooked then so will she be.
The owners of cabbage gardens have often to sit up all that night, watching the garden or all the cabbages would be destroyed.
Some of the old people are afraid to go out of their houses after dark on Hallow Eve Night, as they believe the Fairies are changing from one place to another, and they might take you with them, if you met them on the way.

Blind Man's Buff is also played at Hallowe'en. This is done by putting a cloth over someones eyes and he tries to catch a person. When he catches on he tries to make out that person's name. If he is right he takes off the cloth, and puts it on the person caught. If he is wrong he has to try again.
Three sausers are put on the hearth - stone, one holds water, one clay, one a ring. A person is blind folded and brought up to the saucers If he puts his hand on the clay, he will die soon. If he puts it on the ring he will get married. If he puts it on the water he will cross the sea.
On Hallow Eve Night the boys and girls go to somebody's cabbage - garden, and each one pulls up the first head of cabbage he meets, by this he

person who gets the ring will get married. The person who gets the nut will be a nun. The button is the sign of a batchalor and the bit of silver is the sign of riches. After the supper, apples, nuts and oranges are eaten
Then the games begin. The principal game is diving for apples in a tub of water. The person who is diving must have his hands tied behind his back. If he gets the apple in his mouth he may eat it. Sometimes we dive for money
A candle is tied out of the ceiling and an apple also. They are put on a cross stick. The candle is then lit, and the stick is twisted round. Each person tries to bite at the apple as it comes along but very often the candle is caught instead. The people trying this game should also have their hands tied behind.

1. On Hallow Eve if you dig three stalks of potatoes in the name of the Devil whoever you will be married to will come and pick them
2. Or if a man washes his shirt in the name of the Devil and leaves it by the fire, the girl to whom he will be married will come and turn it when one side is dry.
3. At Hallow Eve there is always a great supper in which potato cake is the principal dish. Another cake or barm-breac is also made with a ring, nut, and three-penny bit and a button in it. The

On November's night the people have a great many old customs. They make a cake and put a ring in it when the cake is sliced it is handed around at table to every member of the family. The member who gets the slice with the ring in it is supposed to be married the first. The children play a great many games. They play a game called the three saucers. There is clay in one saucer a ring in another and water in the other. One of the players is supposed to be blindfolded

the tall man disappear. They proceeded there on foot and walking carefully they entered the rushes at the spot indicated. In the middle of them, was found a sugar-bag but nothing to account for the scream.

railway was very marshy and large rushes grew in abundance there. They saw a tall man cross the railway and disappear in the rushes. He had a large bag on his back. Five minutes later a scream was heard coming from the rushes. Shortly after the tall man emerged from the rushes and laughed aloud. He then came over to my uncle and the boy and walked between them. They spoke to him and wished him goodnight but he never answered. He accompanied them for half of their journey. As he neared a turn on the railway, the tall man just turned and disappeared. When they reached home they became troubled about the scream. The following morning they determined to go to the part of the rushes at which they saw

other story, fun that goes on before bedtime. Many tricks are played on this night also. My grandmother told me of a custom practised in Boyle. Sprinkle ashes from the hearth to the hall door. In the morning there will be tracks in the ashes. If they face the door some one will go away or die, and if they face the hearth someone will come to the house or some one will be born. My uncle told me a story also. One Hallowe'en night he was out looking after his farm. After trying the cows for the night, he retraced his footsteps for home. He was accompanied by the farm hand. They walked home by the railway, as it was a shortest way. (The land adjoining the railway as it was the shortest way, The land adjoining the

on which, though the festivities were popularly retained, the Church fasted in preparation for the feast of All Saints and All Souls. Colcannon is made, for that is one of the essential dishes of the day. The other eatable that must [?] more be missed on that night, the pancakes on Shrove Tuesday is a barm brack with a ring in it. Who ever gets the ring will be married, of course, before the year is out if they are not married already. Another indispensable on on Hallowe'en night was a really good fire that was fit to roast apples and potatoes and pop nuts and had lots of griosach under it that would serve to tell fortunes. If the fire was good it would be proper light for story telling and all the

Two thousand years ago, when the land was still pagan, this was supposed to be the night when the dead, especially the evil and the wicked, were called back by the God of death. Then, as that belief grew older people spoke of fairies and mingled it with a harvest feast, when nuts and apples were eaten. Later still when the era of Christianity dawned, Oidhche Samhna became Halloween

he saw a man dressed in white and laughed at him. It was said that the true ghost came and killed the brother.

The following games are practised at Hallowe'en. When there is a new moon a person goes to a well with a mirror and holds it over the well. He counts the number of moons he sees with the mirror. The number of moons he sees will represent the number of years until he is married. Nine sprays of Green Arrow are brought to the house and left outside the door until bed-time. At bed-time they are brought in and put under the person's pillow. The person will dream of whom he will be married to. Several ghost stories are told about Hallowe'en and here is one. It was said that in olden times there lived tow brothers and the youngest was a great rambler. One night the elder decided to wrap a sheet around him and frighten his brother. When the younger brother was on his way home

the door and the fire on going to bed that when you go into the kitchen in the morning there will be the track of a shoe in the ashes. If the shoe is turned towards the door some person will die or leave the house for ever and if it is turned towards the fire someone will be coming into the house within a week. If you steal a herring out of a stranger's house without telling anyone, you can play a great trick. You must eat it in three bites and go to bed without taking a drink or eating anything and that night the person you will marry will come to you with a drink.

to see them ducking in the water trying to get something and if they succeed, they can keep it. Then they get two long bits of sticks and tie them to the ceiling in the form of a cross. They put an apple and a candle on every second end and the person, who can pull off an apple, while the sticks are moving, may keep it. It is is a very dangerous game because you could pull off a lighted candle instead of the apple and then you would be in danger of being burned. Some people say that if you throw oats into the ashes, when you are going to bed on Hallowe'en night, you will dream of the person you are going to marry. In your dream the person will come towards you reaping oats. They say also that if you throw ashes on the floor between

Hallowe'en night falls on the last night of October and on that night the people play many tricks. The general custom in my native parish is to have a large barm-brack containing a ring, a nut and a six-penny bit, for the tea. The person, that gets the ring will be married within the year and the person, who gets the nut will die within the year but the lucky person, who gets the six-penny bit will always be rich. After tea there is a feast of nuts and fruit. It is then the fun beings, when the people begin to play tricks. The boys and girls get a big tub of water and they put apples, nuts and money into it. It is great fun

Dundonagh Fort
Told by James Mc Nally of Dundonagh aged about 60 years who heard it from his father.There is a Story told of a fort in the townland of Dundonagh.
There was said to have been fairies in it. There was a man passing it on one Halloween night and he heard dancing and singing. He went in and saw little men. He sat down for a little while as he thought. When he came out he found himself very old and weak.
He went to where his home used to be, but could find no house. He had been in the fort for years.
And he died in a few days.

There is a large hole at Gortletragh which got its name thus. -
In the penal days a priest used to say Mass on a "Mass rock" near this hole. One day some soldiers came and put the priest in a barrel with nails in it and they rolled the barrel into the hole. After this that hole was called the Murder Hole.

side the door with a small window.
There are two lofts in the house. There is always a bed kept in one loft in which the workman sleeps and the working tools are kept in the other loft. There is a hole for the ashes near the fire. The floor in the kitchen is level with the yard outside and it is made of cement.

[No. 1. was told to Leo Moloney by Jack English. No. 2. was told to him by his father.]

(1) About fifty yards up from the First Lodge there is a tree on which a priest was hanged. All around it there is a big stone. It is said that if you moved the stone it would be back in place next morning. (2) If you stuck a pin in this tree it would bleed.

Every night he went out rambling after that, he saw the same man. One night he blessed himself and the man fled. This incident happened in a place named Corrick near Ballinfad

I got the following story from my grandmother who resides at Doon Boyle.
Once there was a man and he was rambling in a neighbour's house, The night was very dark and when he was coming home (comin) it was late. He had not gone far until he saw a man lying on the road. He went as far as him and asked him what was the matter with him. He said that his foot was hurt and that he was not able to walk. Then said the man "I will carry you to some house." He did so and when he reached it the people of the house were saying the Rosary. The disabled man said that he would not go into that house because he would disturbe the people. So they went on till they reached the next house and on reaching it the husband and wife were fighting. The disabled man said that he would go into this house. (and on reachi) The other man thought this was very strange that he wanted to go into the house that the people were fighting in. So he dropped the man and ran home. Every night

bhféadfadh sé gach rud a dhéanamh agus b’fhéidir rud a rághadh d’fhear. Do chuir an fear geall leis na raghadh sé iseach i mbuidéal. Dubhairt an bás leis go raghadh sé. Isteach sa mbuideall leis agus chómh luath agus do bhí sé istigh ann do chuir an fear corc ar an mbuideál agus do chaith sé amach ar an bhfarraige é. I gceann seacht mbliadhna in a dhiaidh sin do bhuail an buideál le fear ar an dtráigh, taréis é do theacht isteach leis an dtaoide. Do bhain an fear an corc de’n bhuideíl agus seo amach leis an mbás. Níor chailleadh aoinne an fhaid is a bhí sé sa mbuideál, acht nuair a fuair sé soar é fein do dhein sé sgrios.
Deirtear gur chailleadh fear i gCarthan, le h-ais Cathair Saidhbhín, fadó. Nuair a bhí an t-uisce chun é do níghe d’eirigh sé aniar ar an leabaidh, agus d’innis sé do ghach duine an radharc a chonaich sé. Do bhuail an sagat leis agus dubhairt sé leis a bheál a dhúnadh agus gan bheith ag nochtadh a sgéil do ghach duine. Lá áirighthe dubhairt sé len-a mhnaoi an tig a ghlanadh suas, go bhfaghadh sé bás amáireach agus do fuair, leis, Seacht mbliadhna a fuair sé ar an saoghal so.
Bhain a leitheíd sin d’fhear eile, deirtear. Do réir n seana-daoine chaithfidh gach duine gábhailt tré theine na bpian. Nuair a bhí sé seo san dteine seo do tháinigh Aingeal chuige agus d’fhiafruigh sé de’n aingeal an fada a bhfaghadh sé annsan. Dúbhairt an t-aingeal leis go bhfaghadh sé seacht mbliadhna eile ar an saoghal so, ach nárb’ fholáir dó a shaoghal do chaitemh do reir nótaí.

cómhartha iseadh é go dtabharfaidh an bás cuaird ar an dtig. Má bhíonn dhá ceann de bóth-fearthainne istig i mbaile deritear gur cómhartha an-shiúrálta de’n bháis é. Bíonn cómharthaí an bháis roimh gach dream daoinne. Tagann an solas roimh bás muinntir Shíorcháin. Cídhtear an solas sin i dtalamh an duine a bheadh i mbeál an bhais. Cloistear an gol roimh bás mhuinntir Shúilleabháin, agus roimh bás mhuinntir Churráin. Bíonn na chómharthaí ann cúpla lá nó mar sin roimh bás an dune. Cloisear an ceól leis roimh bás dream aírighte.
Deireann na seanoírí go dtagann a ghaolta féin i gcoinnibh duine agus é ar bhóthar na síoraidheachta. Tagann na leanbhaí óga i gcoinnibh a dtuismightheoírí, aug coinnle ar lasadh aca, do réir na sean daoine. Bhí sagart ann fadó, agus bhíodh sé i gcómhnuidhe ag rádh Aifrinntí d’á athaira bhí marbh. Do thaisbeán an t-athair é féin do uair éigin, agus d’fhiafruigh an sagart de an raibh aon mhaitheas ins na h-Aifrinntí a bhí a rádh aige dó. Dubhairt sé go raibh agus mór-chuid acht go mbfhearr dó an beirt leanbh a chaill sé fadó.
Nuair a bheadh i ndiaidh báis, deirtear gur cheart do dhuine an deoch, nó fuighleach an dighe a bhí ag an duine breoidhte, do chaitheamh soir, i slighe is go mbeadh micrirí ífrinn á alpadh, agus dá dheascaibh sin caoi a thabhairt do’n anam chun glanadh leis.
Tá sgéal ann i dtaobh an bháis. Lá éigin do cainntigh an bás fear ar an dtráigh, agus dúbhairt sé go

An Bás
Abha gan droichead iseadh an bás, nó chun mo theanga d’ath-chliabhánú, abha iseadh é ná féadfadh aoinne dul treasna gan a broga a bhaint de. Sé sin, ní fhéadfadh duine ar bith an taobh eile den mbilleóige do shroisint gan gábhailt tré trioblóidí an bháis. Mar sin “abha chraosaig an chine daonna a shnígheann go fairrge na síoraidheachta” iseadh an bás, nó d’féadfaimís a rádh gur “gaduidhe an anama agus gur sgriosadóir an chuirp é.”
Ar nós gach aon nídh eile ní thagadh an bás i ngan fhios do na daone fadó. ‘Siad fir fógartha nó cómharthaí an bháis ná:- Má bhíonn an bás ana-ghairid don fhear bíonn míogarnach codalta air. “Deire fir an suan, agus an bhean ag faire suas” Bíonn easba codlata ar an mnaoi sar a ghlaodhann an bás uirthi. Má bhíonn na preáchaín ana-thughtha do bheith tímcheall an tighe, bíonn éileamh ag an mbás ar dhuine nó ainmhidhe a bhaineann leis an dtig sin. Acht má thagann na préacháin anuas ar an dtig, gheobhaidh duine de’n lín-tighe bás Má bíonn an coileach ag glaoidh i lár na h-oidhche, nó mar sin,

Signs of a coming death
(1) The Banshee cries before the death of certain families:-
Curtins, Leahys, OConnors, OCarrols, Murphys.
2) A person is seen in some other place before his death.
e.g. Young Breen was sick and his brother saw him at Dan Geaney's near a reek of turf. The boy disappeared.
3) The black march cock crows from 1 to 3 o'clock a.m.

he got the work done

The “dead” candles.
There was an old custom in this district, up to twenty years ago. That on All Soul’s night, people went to the grave-yard at night, and lit candles for their dead. They stood them around the Cemetery wall.
The candles were put there in all weathers, and no matter how it rained, or the wind blew. The candles remained lighting, until they were burned out.

Death
If a picture falls of the wall, someone in the house will die soon.
If a sop were hanging to a hen’s leg, someone will soon die.
If three candles were lighting together, it is the sig that someone in the house is going to die.
A number of crows flying over a house is a sign that someone in that house will die soon.
If a cock crows three times at the door of the house, it is a sign of death.
If a raven flew into a house, It is the sign of death.
If the limbs of the corpse remain limp, someone in the house will soon follow.
Four magpies are a sign of death.

To hear a cock crowing a very unusual hour, especially if he crows in the kitchen, is looked on as a sign of a coming death. The “banshee” announces the death of members of certain families. It may be heard in a number of forms – usually that of a weird cry fleeting crying.

Relatives of dying persons hear what appears to be the ticking of a clock, in their own homes, in places where there is no time-piece at all.

made the tae and if they dont live happy that we may.

and found a corpse in it. Jack thought that the corpse was very cold so he brought it down to the fire to warm it. Then he put it into the bed beside Tom. The corpse then began to shove Tom against the well. Tom nearly died with fright. At last he jumped out of the bed and ran away and was not heard of again. Then the corpse began to shove Jack But Jack did not stand it long because he threw the corpse out of the bed. Then the corpse said to Jack: "You are a very brave man. Every person who came here died with fright. I haunt here because of a chest of gold that lies under the heartstone in the kitchen. Dig it up you and give half of it to the man who employed you and keep the rest for yourself." So Jack got the gold and gave half to the man and kept the rest. He then went home and brought his mother to the castle. He bought the castle from the man and so Jack and his mother put down the kettle and

and found a corpse in it. Jack thought that the corpse was very cold so he brought it down to the fire to warm it. Then he put it into the bed beside Tom. The corpse then began to shove Tom against the well. Tom nearly died with fright. At last he jumped out of the bed and ran away and was not heard of again. Then the corpse began to shove Jack But Jack did not stand it long because he threw the corpse out of the bed. Then the corpse said to Jack: "You are a very brave man. Every person who came here died with fright. I haunt here because of a chest of gold that lies under the heartstone in the kitchen. Dig it up you and give half of it to the man who employed you and keep the rest for yourself." So Jack got the gold and gave half to the man and kept the rest. He then went home and brought his mother to the castle. He bought the castle from the man and so Jack and his mother put down the kettle and

and found a corpse in it. Jack thought that the corpse was very cold so he brought it down to the fire to warm it. Then he put it into the bed beside Tom. The corpse then began to shove Tom against the well. Tom nearly died with fright. At last he jumped out of the bed and ran away and was not heard of again. Then the corpse began to shove Jack But Jack did not stand it long because he threw the corpse out of the bed. Then the corpse said to Jack: "You are a very brave man. Every person who came here died with fright. I haunt here because of a chest of gold that lies under the heartstone in the kitchen. Dig it up you and give half of it to the man who employed you and keep the rest for yourself." So Jack got the gold and gave half to the man and kept the rest. He then went home and brought his mother to the castle. He bought the castle from the man and so Jack and his mother put down the kettle and

drink. So off went the pair of them up to the castle. They got a spade each and stayed digging all day When they had their work done that evening they got their tea. After tea Jack sent Tom down to the cellar for a jug of wine. He was not a minute gone when he came back very frightened. So Jack went down himself. He was about to take the wine from a cask when he look up and who should be sitting on it but a headless ghost. So he went to another cask and the same thing happened. The he tried another and the same happened. At last he got tired of this and he caught the ghost and flung him out through the window. Then he got his wine. As it was getting late the two started for bed. They were just (a) dozing off to sleep when their bedroom door opened and a ghost came in with a coffin and left it down on the floor. Jack got out and opened the coffin

Once upon a time and a very long time ago it was, there lived a man named Jack. His mother was very poor so he set out to seek his fortune. He got a stick and started off. He had not gone far when he met a man named Tom. Tom asked him where he was going and Jack told him that he was going to seek his fortune. So Tom said he would go with him and off they started. The walked on and on until they were benighted in a dense forest. They sat down under a big tree and went to sleep. The next morning they continued their journey. They had not gone far when they met a strange well-dressed man. Jack went up to him and asked him for a days work. The man said that he owned the castle on the next hill and that they could dig in the garden outside the castle and that they could stay in the castle that night and have plenty to eat and

Years ago the headless coach used to pass up by our house about 12 o'clock. Twas a big long carriage with two horses without any heads on them and a couple of drivers without any heads on them either. It used to pass our house and into Shearman's yard and if you put out your head when it was passing twould be cut off you.

The old people would tell you that a headless coach was often seen around Cool. It used to travel from Cool lane to the wren's bridge. There was supposed to be one man driving and no head on him and the horses were headless while the coach was full of people who were laughing and talking and no heads on them.

Death and signs of death
When a person is sick it said that it is a sign of death when they hold up their hands looking at them or if their mouth gets drawn. Sometimes if a person with good hearing is dying he looses it, or if a person with bad hearing was dying hed get good hearing before he dies. People who die outside are never brought into the dwelling house. The soap towel and water that washes a corpse are never used again. They are thrown away. When a child or father is dying all the people of the house go out only the mother. The corpse isn't touched for about a hour after death. It is then taken from the bed and washed. The two ends of the bed are covered with white sheets. A white sheet and spread are put under a corpse in the bed. There is a long dress called a habit put on the dead body. Long ago the old people wouldnt leave anyone cry until the corpse is layed out. The clock is stopped when the person

Sayings
Long ago it was the custom not to give anything out of the house on May morning. The people would not part with any money on Haneil Monday because they would be parting with it the whole year round.

Signs of death.
When a person is going to die a white mist comes before his eyes and a cold sweat runs all over his body.
If a step or a knock is heard at a house in which a person is dying the people say, that it is an angel coming to bring his soul away. If a person goes round the house three times halloween night and says, "Tell me when am I going to die; it is said that a spirit will tell them when they are going to die.
If a person plants a tree and that after five years the person dies the tree will wither and die. It is a sign of death if a robin comes into a house. After a cat has licked himself the first person he looks at will die first.
Written by:
Mary Anne Gannon,
Ballygeeher
Dromod.

that a soul is going to Heaven and is being attacked by the devil
If you dream of a marriage you will hear of a death
If three lights are lit in a room, someone is going to die.
On 12th night twelve candles are lit. The owner of the candles that first dies out is the one who is to die first.
If you dream at night about the devil someone will die in the home next morning.
If you get a scratch of a briar in a graveyard you will surely die that year.
If the dog cries during the night this is a sign of death.
The crying of the bean sidhe means the death of a member of an old -- family.
An owl perched on a stack of oats on an evening in summer means a death.
Five magpies together mean a death.
If looking towards a graveyard when you first hear the cuckoo, it is a sign that you are going to die soon.
When the cat washes his face, the first one he looks at will be the first to die.
Collected by Ryehill schoolchildren

1. One night my father (Lom Connell) was coming home from Shrule, and when he was near the Dalgan wood a black pig crossed the field before him. When the pig was a few yards gone it disappeared, and when he came home his father was dead. 2. One time there were a man and woman living in Sylane. The man got very sick, and he had to go to Hospital. Next morning, a cock stood on the wall outside the house and crowed three times. and next day, she got word that her husband was dead.

Deirtear dá dtuitfí sa reilg do chorp féin an cead corp eile a cuirfí ann.

1. On Jan. 5th, 1938, one of the cocks came to our door, and crew into the house three times, and next day, my Mother got word that her second cousin was dead.
2. When Lom O'Brien died three years ago, all the cocks in the village were crowing at 9 oclock one night. He died next day.
3. People say that if a dog should cry in the night, or a picture to fall down, it is a sign of death.
4. A few years ago, before Mrs. Corless died, two swans flew over the house, and she died a few days after that.
5. This happened before Thomas Greaney died. One night as they were up very late (about 1 oc.) a hard knock came to the door and when they went up, they saw no one. A few days after that, he died.

1. About three years ago, a knock came to the door one night, and when my mother went up to open it there was nobody there. Next day she got a letter saying that her sister was dead. 2. About eight years ago, there lived in Curlane, a man by the name of Patrick Thornton. My father was going to Derrymore and he saw a black headless horse, and when he was coming home, the man was dead. 3. About five years ago, my father went up to Feeragh. He saw two swans flying over a house, and the next day he got word that his second cousin was dead. 4. Long ago, there did aa strange cat go into a house, he was there a week and they could not put him out, and a man died shortly after in the same house, and the cat went. 5. They say it is bad to dream of meat. A few weeks ago, my mother was dreaming one night that she was eating meat, and next day she heard that Pat Fahy, Curlane, was dead.

1. About fourteen years ago, a hen came and flew on the half-door to Mrs. Jennings, and crew six times. She got a sod of turf and flung it at her and knocked her down dead. About two days after that, she got word that her son was killed in England. 2. One night Mrs. Pat Reilly got very ill, and her husband was taking care of her. At about one oclock in the night, a knock came to the window and her husband said, "this is a call for you." About two days afterwards she died. 3. About nine years ago, Mrs. Mgt. Kyne (Lom) heard the cock crow at twelve oclock on the Twelvth Night. She went out, and the cock crew twelve times after another. Next morning, she got word that her brother, Lom Burke from Glanreevagh, was dead.

In some families, there is something to fore-show that there is to be a death in the family.
The banshee follows three families in this parish, The Curtins, Murphys, and Foleys. It cries like an old woman, something like the coen of long ago.
Before a member of the Riordan family dies, a light is seen to travel from Knockanebane across the glen to Meentinna. On a few occasions, it followed some member of the family along the road.
Other families believe that if the dogs howl, or the cocks crow, between 12 and 3 oclock in the night, someone in the family will die soon.
If you hear a clock or watch ticking in the wall, and no clock or watch in the place it is a sign of a death in the family.
When cocks come to the door and crow, it shows that someone in that house is going to die.

In many families there are signs of a death in the household.
Things Falling
Before a death things fall, or if they do not the sound of falling things (mostly stones) is heard. This is more than an idle fancy
It does actually happen.
I know a family where it invariably happens.

A man near our place was coming from a dance. It was after twelve o'clock. He saw a coffin moving along the road. Shortly after this his mother died.Nobody can lift Gartan clay only the Friels.

picture falls off the wall 3) If you hear the cry of the "Bean-shee".

1) If a pigeon comes near the house 2) if a

Three days before she died there were other neighbouring women staying with her, and she heard a bell ringing up on the roof and turning to the other women she said, "O there is the bell I'll not be long with you now." About half a year ago a woman named Sarah Harkin lived in Gortinney and before she died there was a woman staying with her. This woman came out and went home. There were two men outside and they saw a woman going into the house and they told the woman who had taken care of Sarah so she went back to her and asked her if she saw a woman in the house. She said no one came in there since she had left and people said that this was Sarah's "wraith" or "ghost."

About two years ago when my grandmother, Mrs Sarah Mc Laughlin, Cabadoey, Carn, died there was a knock on the bedroom door. My mother was sitting up with her and she heard the knock and my grandfather died two nights after that. About two years ago my grandmother, Mrs Sarah Mc Laughlin, got three days warning before her death. For a number of years before her death she said a prayer every day to get this warning

twenty minutes and then came closer and took one other big long look and after that he went out and disappeared. The old man let a yell as he was going out the door and wakened the woman, when she came to the kitchen, the old man was lying in a faint on the floor.

the children, but she was in the kitchen and the children were sleeping in the room, and as the coast-guard and his new wife were coming in the gate, the woman in the kitchen opened the door to let them in and as she did so the first woman who was dead a year and a half before stepped up from the room in which the children were, and out the door, before the strange woman entered and the man met her in the door, and when he saw her he fainted. A man died in Malin and left his wife and an only child, for four days after its father’s death, the baby was very sick. The dead man’s father was living with his son’s wife and she was sitting up with the child for three nights, and its grandfather was sitting up with the child and who walked in at midnight but the old man’s son, and he came up to the child and the old man had it in his arms. The dead man stood looking at the child for

The bean-sidhe is also heard previous to the death of members of certain families - the O' Connor, O' Sullivan and Mc Carthy families of this district. It is a distinct mournful wail heard in the neighbourhood of the dying person. The bean-sidhe is supposed to be a woman who comes near the house in which the death is to take place, and her wailing and crying is supposed to be heard only by a member of the family in which the death is to take place. Fionnbarr O' Connor, Rowels supplied this information which he got from his parents.

The Death-Watch is a strange sound which can be distinctly heard like the ticking of a watch, or the noise of a mouse as described by two boys respectively. (Fionnbarr O'Connor, Rowels and John Curtin, Knockduff). It is said that the sick person is always looking and smiling at the place where the sound is and that he will be dead in three days from the time he heard it at first - (John Curtin from his father Daniel Curtin, Knockduff)
Meelin, Co Cork
Dying people are often heard calling their dead relatives and people generally believe that they can see them and that they are coming to take them.

the bean-sidhe is also heard previous to the death of members of certain families - the O' Connor, O' Sullivan and Mc Carthy families of this district. It is a distinct mournful wail heard in the neighbourhood of the dying person. The bean-sidhe is supposed to be a woman who comes near the house in which the death is to take place, and her wailing and crying is supposed to be heard only by a member of the family in which the death is to take place. Fionnbarr O' Connor, Rowels supplied this information which he got from his parents.

had already heard his friend was very ill and when he was approaching the house of the sick man he heard great crying. Thinking the man was dead, O Dea was doubtful of entering the house especially when he had not called sooner to see the sick man. Still as he came so far O Dea said to himself that he may as well call to sympathise. Entering the house O Dea found the man alive but not too well. He inquired of the people of the house if they were crying, and they told him they were not. A few days afterwards the man died. It was the beanshee O Dea heard.

A cuairdaidhe that used to visit this house every night got ill, and when he was not getting better Mr O Dea went to visit him. O Dea

When any of the Singleton family died, a carriage always rolled up to the door at twelve o'clock the night before he died. A general belonging to this family who fought in The Crimea War, came home to Twinville, his local residence. After living some time here, he took ill and had a nurse attending him who was up with him in his room the night he died. Some time before he died and about one o'clock she heard the tramp of soldiers in the terrace in front of the house She heard commands given and then heard as if the soldiers were dismissed, and march away Just then the old General died This story was told by Tim on Namard an Old soldier who fought under the General at Inkerman.

The Banshee is heard by some families in this part of Clare as a signal of approaching death. For several nights before the death of a person this weird wail is heard quite close to the house. If a person is ill the rest of the family get very sad for they fear the death of the patient. If there is no one ill all are fearful for they know that death is to come to some member of the family. It is said that the Banshee takes the shape of a young girl with golden hair and dressed in a shimmering white garment. The banshee is still heard in this part of Clare. They say that it is the same Banshee that comes to the O'Briens always since the days of Brian Boru.

night they were awakened suddenly by loud knocking and the sound of footsteps at the door. They [?] and on looking out the window they saw as if all the out-office-houses were on fire. On becoming greatly alarmed they shook some "holy water" around the house. After having done this they looked out the window again and they could see no light so they went back to bed again. A few days later they received the news that she was dead. It was supposed that she came to pay them her last visit in spirit.

About eighty years ago a woman who had been away in America for a long time wrote home to her parents who were living beside the convent in Carndonagh, informing them that she was coming home to pay them a visit. The day after she wrote the letter she took seriously ill and died on the night her parents were expecting her. They remained up until a late hour awaiting her arrival but as it was so late they thought perhaps she had stopped in Derry, so they retired to bed. Later in the

Before the last world-war nothing could be heard for nights but the crying of banshees, so it is said that the people knew that there was going to be a lot of blood shed.

When anyone dies:-
1. The window should be opened at once, so that the "spirit" can go out on it.
2.
2. The clock should be stopped while the corpse is in the house
or
3. The clock should be stopped for three hours:
4. The corpse is left for two hours before it is "laid out."
5. The water that the corpse is washed in should be thrown in a quiet place, where no one will walk over it.
6. Those who "lay out the corpse must also put it in coffin.

(b) Knocking at door or window (Usually three knocks given)
A man named Higgins, Tubbe - Granard parish - died in 1925. A neighbour James Cooke was "sitting up" with him a night or two before his death. He heard three distinct knocks on the kitchen door, and stood up to open the door. Higgins heard the knocking also and when he saw Cooke about to go to the door he said "Oh, you needn't mind, it's for me they're knocking" Cooke (thinking his mind was wandering) went to the door but there was no one there, the gate was closed and everything was silent
Knocks were also heard before members of Reilly family, Rathbracken died.
(c) Footsteps - Certain families hear footsteps coming to the door, before a member of the family

(a) Bean-Side - cries for old Irish families She is supposed to appea sometimes - wringing her hands and tearing her hair. At other times only her wailing is heard.
In this district, the Bean-Side is supposed to "follow" - The Cullen family This family lived in Longfield. ('til 1934) The Bean-Side was heard crying for Mrs Flood, Ringowney. She died about twenty years ago.
The Bean-Side was heard crying for Mrs Noonan, Bam. She died about seven years ago.
When John Killean was dying his wife heard wailing. She opened the door and saw a little woman all dressed in white and she crying John Killean died about three years ago.
The Bean Side was heard crying for - Moore, Linodo - father of the family living there at present

7. If a lone cricket sings in a house, someone is going to die
8. If a picture falls there will be a death in the family
9. If the two ends of the rain-bow are in the one town-land, there will be a death in the town-land.
10. Three lights in a room - sign of a death
11. There is often a cloying smell in a house before a death.
12. If a corpse is limber, another member of the family will soon follow.
13. If the grave "sings" (that is, if those covering it, find it hard to raise a mound,) someone of the family will die before long.

1. If a cock crows at night, it's a sign of a death in family
2. A crowing hen is a sign of a death. She should be killed at once or "Left at the Four Cross-road
3. If a robin flies into a house there will be a death in it before long.
4. If a bat comes into a house at night someone in it will die soon.
5. If a frog comes into a house it's a sign of a death.
6. If you hear the "death watch" in wall, someone will die soon.

some near relative. Sometimes lights are seen outside houses foretelling the approach of a death, and knocks are heard on the doors.
It is said also that if a "wagtail" comes into the dwelling house that it is the sign of death. Another sign of a death is if a picture falls from the wall without any cause. In the house of James Greene of Goorey, [?], a woman was lying seriously ill. In the same house there was an old clock which had long since stopped and at the hour of the woman's death the clock was heard to strike three times. There was a coast-guard living in a lodging-house in Malin head, and his wife died, so he married again and there was a woman taking care of

The old people always say that a dead father and mother's breath always remains round her children until the other parent brings a stranger to the house. The present Philip Farren's mother died, and Dan, his father married another woman. As he was taking his second wife home, a neighbour man saw his first wife coming to Dan's window and looking in the window. The man always said that it was the first woman coming to get her last peep at her children. It is supposed to be the sign of a death, if on the morning after all Soul's Night there is a track of a footstep facing the door, made in the ashes on the hearth.If crickets are seen leaving a house like a swarm of bees it is supposed to be the sign of the death of some member of the household or

The Raven
When a raven flies over a house it is said that one of the people that lives in that house will die.
The death knock
The death knock is also a warning of death. In many of the houses when a person is dying a knock is heard at the door. One of the people of the house go to the door and finds nobody at it because the knock was a ghostly one. This generally occurs three times. The death knock was once heard three times each night at 3 o'clock for three nights. This was heard by James Caffrey.
One night when the two Mrs Caffreys were sitting by the fire-side they heard three knocks at the window. Everyone in the house gone to bed except those two. They got afraid and went upstairs to go to bed and they heard the three knocks again at the wall. It was about half-past ten when the knocks came and the next morning they heard that Mr James Caffrey died the night at half past ten.

When the priest came to the house he told the woman to go away. Himself and the man went in and all was quiet. The priest made a ring of chalk on the floor and told the man to stand inside it or the ghosts would kill him.
The priest took out his book and began to read. After a while the noise started and the two things came down the stairs but the priest kept on reading. The two things vanished and the priest told the man that they would never return and not to be afraid. So the man and the woman lived happily after that.

hump. The girl who gets a straight stump is supposed to be married to a straight tall nice man.

with the clay, it is said, that she will be under the clay before the next hallowe'en.
One girl gets a spool of thread and a kippen. She raises the kitchen window, and she throws the spool of thread out on the street. She keeps the end of the thread in her hand and starts winding the thread around the kippen. She keeps looking out the window until she has all the thread on the kippen. If any boy passes by the window while she is winding the thread, it is said that that boy will be her future husband.
After this we get a ring, and all the girls sit around the fire. One girl stands in front of the crowd and gives around the ring. She gives the ring to some certain girl, then she asks the crowd who has the ring. The girl who fails to guess gets s slap of a belt on the hand. The girl who gets the ring gives it around the next time.
When we are going home, we go into a garden of cabbage, and we pull a head of cabbage. The girl that gets a crooked stump that girl will be married to a boy with a

Sometimes the apple strikes the girl's lips and puts them bleeding. We have great fun looking at the girl bleeding.
We get lead and a tin box. We put the lead into the box, and we melt the lead on little coals on the hearth. After this we get a box of cold water and a key. We throw the lead in through the ring into the cold water. Queer figures come out of the lead. One girl says to the other "that is the boy you will be married to." We have great fun with the lead on hallowe'en.
After playing with the lead we take the table out in the middle of the floor. We place three saucers on the table. In one of the saucers we put water, in the second we put a ring, and in the third one we put clay. One girl goes up into the room and another girl puts a "blind man's buff" on her head, and around her eyes. She comes down into the kitchen with her hand out trying to put it into one of the saucers. If she puts her hand in the water it is said that she will be across the sea before twelve-months. If she puts it into the ring it is said she will be married during the year. If she puts her hand into the saucer

The night of October the thirty first is Hallowe'en night. We have great fun on that night
On the thirty first of October my mother makes a sweet cake. In this cake she po, puts a ring. In the evening at six o clock we all sit around the table for tea. Mother gives every one of us a piece of the sweet cake. We enjoy ourselves very much eating and drinking, and we are all anxious to know who gets the ring. It is said that the one who gets the ring will be married before the next Hallowe'en.
A crowd of girls arrange to meet in some house for Hallowe'en. We all meet in this house for playing tricks. We place a tub in the middle of the kitchen. In this tub we put water and we throw an apple or a penny into the water. We duck in turn for the penny. The girl who succeeds in catching the pee, penny gets it as a prize.
It is a custom on Hallowe'en for all children to hang a string to the rafter of the house and they tie an apple to the end of the string to the rafter, A girl sits on a chair and she puts the apple swinging. She opens her mouth trying to catch the apple she gets it as a prize.

their mouth with oatmeal and go round a stack the first man she would meet she would be married to a man of his name.

is sure to be married and there is great fun and laughting about him. After the party all sit at the fireside telling stories when they are tired of telling stories they go out stealing cabbage. Then they go home with the cabbage The first one to come into the house with the cabbage if it is a girl Any man that will come into the house that night or any night or day after that if his name is Michael the girl will be married to a man named Michael if the boy comes in first the first girl that will come in after that if her name is Maty he will be married to a girl called Maty. Then there is another game they fill

them if the nuts jump near one another the girl and boy will be married if they jump away from each other they will not be married. Next game they melt lead and lets it harden again, if it comes out in the shape of a gun you will be a soldier, if it comes out in the shape of a plough you will be a farmer and so on. Then when all them tricks are over there is a party usually in the parlour There is a barm brack made a few days before with a ring in it The tea is got the barm brack is cut into slices there are heaps of all kinds of sweet things on the table then the all start to eat and whoever gets the ring

on the saucer with the beads he will be the first to be a priest and if he puts his hand on the saucer with the button he will be the first to be a tailor and so on until they all has a trial if a girl puts her hand on the beads or button she will be a nun or dressmaker. Next to that the peel apples throw the long peels across their shoulder whatever letter it comes out in the letter "m" you will be married to a married to a man with "m" the first letter in his surname the next game They get two nuts puts them on the hearth and they put the name of a certain boy and girl on

the rope the swing the rope backwards and forwards then they all try to catch the apple with their mouths. Next they get five saucers one with clay, one with water, one with a ring one with a bead and one with a button then they stand round the table the first put a cloath on his eyes so that he cannot see the saucers if he leaves his hand on the saucer with the clay in it he will be the first that will die, if he puts his hand on the saucer with the water he will be the first to cross the sea, if he puts his hand on the saucer with the ring he will be the first to be married, if he puts his hand

Novembers night is a great night for the children. The feast is celebrated on the 31st of October the night before Novembers day. There are supposed to be fairies, ghosts, gobbles and all sorts of queer things out on that night. There are many games and tricks played on that night. First of all the tricks is the ducking the children get a big basin or tub, They fill it with water puts an apple in the water if they have not got apples they put a threepenny bit in the water then one by one they duck for it. Next they get a rope tie it to ceeling and ties an apple on to

IV
They used say that on that night if a person went under a haw-tree the fairies would tell who their future husband or wife would be. They used go around

III
In some places they make “ceallaigh” and with a skin of a potatoe one of the girls hand it up beside the fire. Then the first man to come in will be her husband. They say the fairies lie on the cabbage after Novembers Night and that it cannot be eaten after that.
Mrs. Fahy Killeen, Ballindine
Age 52 yrs.
Pupil’s name – Kathleen Fahy.

of her future husband. The girls too put a band on their eyes and pull up a head of cabbage. If it is high and straight and well formed that is the kind of husband the girl will have.
Mrs. Joyce Ballyglass, Scardaune
Age – about 48 yrs.
Pupil’s name – May Joyce

II
The old people say that the Poor Souls travel around on that night and they leave bread and milk on the table for them. The girls peel the full skin of an apple and throw it over their heads and it is said to form the initial

I
Whatever direction the wind is blowing on November’s night that is the direction it will be blowing for the year. If the waters of a river or pond rise on that night provisions will be dear during the year and if the waters do not rise provisions will be cheap. The boys used take cabbage and break it against the wall. They make “ceallaigh” in some places and put a ring in it.
Patrick McManus Cloonmore, Ballindine
Age – 55 yrs.
Pupil’s Name – Brigid McManus

car in which is the bride-groom goes first, the brides car last.
Then on the return journey the married pair come home first.
The evening is spent in dancing, singing, and drinking. Late in the evening the pair leave for Dublin or somewhere to stay for a week or so.
Told by
Mrs J Kearney (39)
Ballydrehid, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Written by James Kearney, Ballydrehid N.S., Co. Tipperary

In our district marriages mostly take place at Shrove time. The months which are considered here most unlucky during which to get

car in which is the bride-groom goes first, the brides car last.
Then on the return journey the married pair come home first.
The evening is spent in dancing, singing, and drinking. Late in the evening the pair leave for Dublin or somewhere to stay for a week or so.
Told by
Mrs J Kearney (39)
Ballydrehid, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Written by James Kearney, Ballydrehid N.S., Co. TipperaryLocal Marriage Customs
In our district marriages mostly take place at Shrove time. The months which are considered here most unlucky during which to get

always be 15 or 20 minutes before time. Some marriages are made by match-makers who go to the house of a lady who has some money and after some time arrangements are made about how much money and when everything is fixed she sees perhaps for the first time the man she is to marry. So long as he pleases her friends, she must fall in with their wishes. If she happens to be bad looking her father freely gives another hundred pounds to get her settled down.
Some times a lady may own some land and the future husband may also own a little farm so the place are joined together and the lady gets the purse for the rest of their days.
On the morning of the wedding the bride groom with his friends go to the house of the bride for an hour or two before going to the church. The

Up to fifty years ago matches were made by certain people called 'match-makers'. The dowry given to the man was usually cattle or some sort of animals. Now money is given as a dowry.
Long ago when people were to be married Mass was celebrated in the bride's house on the morning of the marriage. The bridegroom attended at the Mass and both received Holy Communion.

The parents of the young man should get a room in the house and a field where they could set whatever they would want.

Marriages are most frequent a day or two before Lent Shrove Tuesday, which to the day before Lent is a favorite day for marriages, especially run away marriages where is no word about the wedding till that day and then the couple got married secretly. Sometimes before a couple get married some one is got to make the match. In olden times there was a professional matchmaker who was paid for during that sort of work. Parents or some other near relations gave her money as a fortune and sometimes a farm of land was given. "Smuth" Sunday is the

Marriages were most frequent just before Lent. May is an unlucky in which to get married, and Friday is also unlucky. People need to give the brides cattle when they were getting married, and sometimes money. On the wedding night they had a feast and dance in the Bride's house, and the straw boys used to come in and dance. They were dressed in big straw hats, ad had a fiddle with them, they played and danced.

Strawboys come in on the wedding night and dance with the Bride. But in this district this custom is no longer carried out.
Long ago there used to be a "dragging home" but this custom also is now done away with. The bride stayed in her father's house for three weeks after the wedding. Then on an appointed day the groom came and took her home with him. They usually rode on horses. the bride behind the groom and were accompanied by the friends of the bride.
A big party was held in the groom's house on that night. Another custom was "Show Sunday" On this Sunday both bride and groom with the best man and the bride'smaid appeared at Mass together. They were dressed in new clothes and were greeted when they came out of the church by their friends and neighbours.

alight.
The man did as he was told and when the candle was seen lighting the matchmaker told some one the meaning of it and the news soon spread through the country. The batchelor in the barn was keeping a close eye on the candle and this time when he looked at it he saw 3 or 4 hands snatching it. Out he jumped through the window and away with him after the girls. The matchmaker was sitting near-by watching the scene and to his surprise back came the batchelor with his own girl and sometime after they got married.
That’s all the matchmaker had for trying to play the trick on an innocent man.

In Borrisleigh there lived a man who was supposed to be a great match-maker. A neighbouring man wanted to get married and he went to the matchmaker to see could he get anyone for him. Hallow Eve was coming near, so the matchmaker told him on Hallow Eve night to gather his corn into the barn and thrash it with the hammer and stone and while at work leave a penny candle lighting on the window and if the candle burned away before he was finished he would have to remain an old batchelor all his life, but if he was not to remain a batchelor the girl whom he was to marry would come and smash the candle while it was

Matchmaking was done long ago by an old man that went to the houses where people were to get married. The parents of each + the old man used to meet in some public house in the nearest town. They would fix the fortune + settle on the day to get married before the people concerned would know about it.

Match making was more common in Coosan long ago than it is now. The matches were often made on a fair day in the public house. If the bride hadn't as much money as her intended wanted the people would have to give stock instead. They would arrange the wedding day and the reception would be held in the bride's house. She would go to her own home for a week and then the husband would arrive with horses and carts and some on horse back and the hauling home would take place. There would be a reception held in the husband's house, dancing and singing would be kept up till early in the morning. Once the bride left her own home she would not return for a month because it was supposed to be unlucky.

That night also straw boys go to the house looking for drink sometimes the people of the house gives the straw boys drink and their tea.
Long ago, potatoes, cabbage and bacon used to be given to the people at the wedding breakfast instead of tea, which is the most common thing now.

When boys and girls are about twenty years it is time for them to get married.
The girl and boy that is to be married go into some public house and they bring a man from the village with them and they start match making. The girl finds out how much cattle and land the boy has and the girl would tell the boy how much money she had if they were satisfied they would find a certain date for them to get married.
In the day before they get married they go to the town in a car and the girl buys a wedding cake and the boy buys drink for the people. That evening also the boy and girl go out inviting the people to the wedding the next day. The next morning they get married and when they go home the girl gives tea to all the people that is in the house and some wedding cake and the boy gives drink to the people also.

would dance with the bride. Then they would get drink. The match maker usually got a lot of money.

Long ago there was to be found in every district a matchmaker. The matchmaker was a man who used to take the account of the match from the boy to the girl. First the matchmaker would think of a boy whose parents had a good farm. Then he would go to the parents and get their consent to (ma) take over the farm in their son’s name. Then he would ask the boy would he get married. Then he would go to the girl (whose) and ask her to marry the boy. If she consented both parties would appoint a day on which they could meet in the local town. It was usually in a public house they would meet. They would then fix a day for the marriage.
The day of the marriage the bride would ride behind the bridegroom going and coming from the Church. That night gangs of “soppers” would come to the house of the newly married couple. They would march into the house and dance for a half an hour or so. The leader of the party

the match was made. Then they appointed a day for the wedding.
The old people had also to get a cow or two out of the farm and also a field for the cows. They had to get a room in the house and usually the took the best one. Then the old people had to leave all control of the house and give it to the new woman and they used be jealous of the woman.

In nearly every parish long ago there used be a man called the matchmaker and there was one in this locality. When he saw a boy or girl of age to marry he settled matches for them. If there was a man with a big farm he looked for a suitable woman for him.
Then he sent word to a suitable woman for the man and made a match between the two. When the parents of the young girl heard that, they went to the young man’s farm and inspected it. If the cows horses and land were not suitable the match was not made. But if they were all well, they settled a certain day in the nearest town and then they would settle the match.
When the day came the parents of the boy and girl went to town. Any public house they went into they were treated well and there they went into a back room and after a few drinks

The parents of the young man should get a (?) in the house and a field where they could (?) whatever they would want.

Long-ago in every locality in Ireland there was a man who used to arrange matches and he was called a match-maker. Any young man in the locality who was marriageable and who had a good farm of land the match-maker would try to find a suitable companion for the young man.
The young man would send the match-maker to the girl’s house with an account of the match. The parents of the young (man) girl would go to the man’s house. They would see the farm and the cattle and everything that was in the farm. Then they would agree to go to the nearest town on a fair day.
They would meet in the town and they would go into a public house. The owner of the public house would be very obliging to them and he would give them a room for them-selves. They would buy some drink from him and then they would make the match.
The old man should get some of the fortune in order that he would give control of the farm to the young man.

Long ago when a boy was about to get married he would send a match maker to the girls house. The boy used send a bottle of whiskey with the match maker. When When the match maker reached the girls house himself and the girls parents started an ordinary conversation. Then they are a while talking the match maker in some way or other introduces the boy's name to the girls parents. He praises his charachter and his good habits. He also tells them about his nice people and his nice parents. He tells them about his big farm of land. If he has a new house the matchmaker tells them about it. The matchmaker takes out the bottle of whiskey and they drink it. When it is drank they are all in great humour and the match maker keeps on praising the boy. The match maker then asks the man and woman of the house for their daughter. The man and woman of the house at first consider a while and then they would agree or disagree as the case may be. If they agree the man of the house asks what fortune the boy wants. The matchmaker tells him. The usual amount of the fortune was £90 and a cow. If the boy had a big place he would get a big

danced and wished good luck to the newly-married couple. The strawboys were treated at the wedding and they went home in good humour. They were called “strawboys” because they usually wore high straw hats as part of their disguise.
Some marriages took place quietly at night time. They were called private marriages because the people of the locality did not know of such marriages till the couple were married. Usually at such a marriage there were only the bride and bridegroom with two witnesses. Then within a few days the newly-married couple went away to America or to England and perhaps never came back to Ireland again.

I often heard the old people speak of the match-making and marriages in this district long ago. An elderly man called a match-maker, went to the young girls house on behalf of the young man
If the match-maker got a favourable answer a few friends of each party met in a private place in the nearest town within a week following. If the boy and girl were satisfied the amount of the fortune was the cause of much bargaining.
On the day of the marriage a big party of friends were invited. The coming from the church to the bridegrooms house was called the dragging home. There were side-cars and horsemen and the driver made the horses go as fast as possible. At the wedding they feasted and danced till the following morning. There were fiddles and melodeon players and perhaps there was a piper or flute-player at the gathering. Strawboys visited the wedding-house and they

The local Parish Priest was anxious to get a young man, who lived alone with his mother married. One day he called to see the woman. She was working hard and she told the priest she was half killed. He advised her to get her son married. She said that it was hard to get a suitable girl. He mentioned a neighbour’s daughter and the old lady was very pleased.
The priest and another went with the young man to make the match. The match-maker said to the young man “Open your mouth now, but don’t open it too wide.” By that he meant don’t ask too big a fortune. The match was made and all were pleased. A few days later the Parish Priest found that it was not the girl that he wished to marry the boy was mentioned but her sister who had only one eye. He called on the match-maker and told him of the mistake in names. “Yerra that’s no trouble at all Father” said he. “Another ten-pound note will settle that.”

done without the consent of the boy or girl and it frequently happened that they never met until the day previous to their marriage.
The match-maker of course got paid for his labours and the cheaper he got the girl into a farm the more he got; as it was the farm and what it contained mattered most and not the happiness of the parties that were married. There are no professional match-makers in Mallow now though matches are sometimes made here even to this day.

Match-making in Ireland in olden days was a traditional profession. In every parish there were a couple of men who were recognised match-makers. They had a good knowledge of every man and woman of marriageable age in the district and they were well acquainted with the means they would be likely to get from their parents or relatives.
Previous to Shrove they went around from house to house armed with a black-thorn stick making inquiries about the possibilities of a marriage between a certain boy and girl. When they got any encouragement that their suggestion was a good one they started out for the home of the girl and found out what dowry her parents would be able to give her. The next day a visit would be paid to the boys home and a match suggested.
Should the parents of each approve, the match maker was empowered to make all arrangements necessary. All this was