School: Ballymore (C.) (roll number 7444)
- Location:
- Ballymore, Co. Westmeath
- Teachers: K. Kavanagh Mrs Kearney
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0743, Page 348
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- XML School: Ballymore (C.)
- XML Page 348
- XML “Peter O'Farrell's Ride”
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- There was a farmer in Westmeath named Peter O'Farrell. One night he went to the field behind the house to see what was astir and the field seemed to be full of riders galloping in the moonlight. "There is Petter O'Farrell," cried the leader, whose name was Hurling Cap. "Let him mount and come with us to ask the golden treasure of Queen Meave !"
"I have no horse," said Peter, "or I would surely come "That is easily made right," Hurling Cap replied, and he pulled a whin-bush and struck it with his riding whip and a great hunter stood there ready for Peter to mount.
"Up with you," said Hurling-Cap, "but remember that we are riding secretely, and you must not speak a word till the journey is done."
"I will be as silent as a stone," said Peter, and he mounted the great horse. Then a great wind came and the whole host of riders swept away before it and Peter led them, riding beside Hurling cap at a splendid gallop. Far across the land the fairy riders went careering thus till Peter saw the broad waters of the Shannon before him. Hurling Cap put his horse to the leap and sailed on high through the air and landed on the far side of the river. Peter followed, and the rest of the riders and all(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Maisie Gibney
- Gender
- Female
