School: Clinstown (roll number 4193)
- Location:
- Baile an Chluinnigh, Co. Chill Chainnigh
- Teacher: S. Ó Dúnlaing
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0865, Page 527
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- XML School: Clinstown
- XML Page 527
- XML “Festival Customs”
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On this page
- (continued from previous page)ways in this district.
For example, on St. Stephen's, young boys and girls, dressed up in masks and funny aprons, so as to disguise themselves, go around the neighbourhood visiting all the houses. They are know as "the mummers".
They usually bring musical instruments, such as mouth-organs, tin whistles, and drums.
The also sing songs, the commonest being "the Wren Song". The words are; "The wren, the wren, the king of all birds, on St. Stephen's Day she was caught in the furze. Although she is small, her family is great, Rise up, landlady, and give us a trate (treat)" They mean that they want some money from the woman of the house. At the end of the day, the person in charge of the money divides it equally among the "mummers".
If a wedding occurred on St. Brigits Day, the boys of the locality dressed up as "Brideogs", and visited the house in which the feast was being held. Here they are heartily welcomed, and invited to join the fun.(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Maire Horgan
- Gender
- Female
- Age
- 12
- Address
- An Garraí Beag, Co. Chill Chainnigh
