School: Crecora, Tobar Pádraig (roll number 9668)

On this page

1. The Big Eel of Lough Nagira (continued)

   

   Share Share Post

   (continued from previous page)

   fishing and shooting. It is a drawback that salmon or trout are not to be found in Lough Nagira. The are pike of huge dimensions which are great enemies to salmon fry. Perch, roach and eel are the other fishy inhabitants. Swans breed on the lake and adjoining bog. These are noble and interesting birds. The make bird does "sentry go" when his mate is hatching and woe betide any dog, goose, or marauding boy approaching the nest.

   I remember when boating on the River Dee at Chester, England to experience the hostile attention of a male swan His lady friend was perched on her nest on the river bank. It was the custom that all row boats keep to the right. This was probably to avoid the steamers and the motor boats in the centre of the river. The male swan met every row boat 30 yards below the nest and accompanied it for the same distance above the nest. He made attempts to bite our arms and we had recourse to use the oars to beat him off.

   Wild geese and other migratory birds pay visits to this Lough in Winter. There were two foreign water fowl shot there in my school days. These birds can be seen stuffed in Mr Quilty's house at Killeenoughty. A few otters used to be seen in the Lough but I have not heard of heir appearance in late years. There is an open well of great depth near the fringe of the Lough on the North side; it is called Pouluna.

   The Lough was frozen over the year of the six weeks frost. A great party of people, including some gentry were skating one night

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. agents (~1)
      1. supernatural and legendary beings (~14,864)

   Language

   English

   Informant

   Seán Ó Cuirc

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   55

   Occupation

   Feirmeoir

   Address

   Ballygriffin, Co. Limerick