School: Lahinch (roll number 11591)

Location:
An Leacht, Co. an Chláir
Teacher:
Dónall Ó Ríordáin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0621, Page 408

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0621, Page 408

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  1. On St Stephen's Day there is generally great excitement around this district. Batches of wren boys go around from house to house, dressed up in disguise. When they go into the house they generally sing the following verse.
    "The wren the wren the king of all birds
    St Stephen's Day was caught in the furze
    Although he was small, his family is great
    Rise up my old woman and give us a "trate"
    Rise up my old woman and shake your feathers
    Dont you think that we are beggars
    We are the boys that come here today
    To gather a few pence on St Stephen's Day
    Up with the kettle and down with the pan
    Give us our answer and let us begone"
    When the party have sung that refrain they get money from the head of the house. If there are by men in the "mummers" as they are called some of them may dance a jig or reel before they leave and the
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. ócáidí
      1. ócáidí (de réir trátha bliana) (~11,476)
    Language
    English
    Informant
    John O' Dwyer
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    72
    Address
    An Cheallúrach Theas, Co. an Chláir