A Custom

There is another custom in West Cork. It is usual when anyone is dead, for his people to get a quantity of pipes, tobacco, and whiskey to be used at the wake.The owner of the house usually gets one or two of those who are present at the wake to cut up the tobacco into small pieces, and with it to fill the pipes.Then everyone present is asked and expected to take a pipe, no matter whether he smokes or not.It is considered an insult to refuse to accept one. The pipes are usually white “clay” pipes made in Ireland especially in Knockerockery. After some time, all those who can take intoxicating liquid are presented with a glass of whiskey while everyone