School: Ss. Peter & Paul (B.), Balbriggan

Location:
Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
Teacher:
Liam Cadhla
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0783, Page 379

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0783, Page 379

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  1. 379
    The Rock-A-Bill
    Long ago, where the sea now is between the Mourn mountains and the Wicklow mountains, there was land. There was a chief in Farney, in County Monaghan who owned a fairy cow which could be milked at any time. There was a giant named Balor Beimeann who stole the cow and her calf. This Balor had only one eye. It was an evil eye. Any person or animal on whom he would look would be turned into stone. Balor ordered his servant to drive the cow and calf to Wicklow. The servant set out. He kept the calf in front. Balor followed them Passing Skerries the calf got tired and lagged behind. After a while the cow missed the calf, and turned around to look for it. The cow saw its native Mourne mountains in the distance, and let a sorrowful loud bellow. When Balor heard the cow he opened his eye and looked at them. They were immediately turned to stone.
    Owen Reilly
    Lawless Terrace
    legend told by teacher in school.
    (as 3 rein-na-3credilge-C. Morris)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. agents (~1)
      1. supernatural and legendary beings (~14,864)
    2. place-space-environment
      1. local lore, place-lore (~10,595)
    Language
    English
    Location
    Rockabill, Co. Dublin
    Collector
    Owen O' Reilly
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Lawless Terrace, Co. Dublin