School: Beitheach (Beagh) (roll number 14001)
- Location:
- Beagh, Co. Donegal
- Teacher: Maitiú Mac Suibhne
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1048, Page 5
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“A long time ago there lived in the townland of Beagh a man and his wife who were very poor.”
(continued from previous page)The feasting went night after night and the fame of John's tablecloth went round the world.
Fabulous prices were offered for it but John would not sell. At last the King of England offered a huge price for it and he said if he would not accept the price he was to take it by force. John paid no attention to the threat and every night the feasting and merriment went on as before.
At last the English army appeared before John's house and demanded the surrender of the tablecloth. John rushed for his magic box, tapped the lid three times and immediately an immense army jumped out ready for action. The fight was of short duration for John's army killed every soldier belonging to the King and old John was left in possession of his tablecloth and box till his death which occurred about ten years after.
After his death the tablecloth and box disappeared and were never again heard of.Got from Mr. Hugh O Donnell, Carn, Ardara, Co. Donegal (70 yrs)
Novr 1934
- Informant
- Mr Hugh O' Donnell
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 70
- Address
- Ardara, Co. Donegal