School: Scoil na mBráthar, Calainn
- Location:
- Callan, Co. Kilkenny
- Teacher: Br. P. Ó Gairbheith
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0853, Page 103
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- XML School: Scoil na mBráthar, Calainn
- XML Page 103
- XML “On May Eve”
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- (continued from previous page)among the people, that on May day the ancient Kings of Ireland arise from their graves and gather together a great army of the dead, horse, and foot, and they tell the troops that the hour has come to fight for Ireland, and they must be ready to march as commanded. Then the spectral warriors clash their shields and respond with wild cries to the Kings and chiefs and captains of the nation.
The last time the Kings arose from their graves it is said in 1848 when the tramp and the sounds of the marching men resounded distinctly, through the hills, but when the people rushed to the spot where the shields clashed, not a form was visible, the hosts of the dead warriors had vanished into the air. Many of the old customs still remain. Among others it is thought right and proper to have the treshold swept clean on May Eve. Ashes are then lightly sprinkled over it, and in the morning the(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Eamon Cass
- Gender
- Male
