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School: Garryross

Location:
Garryross, Co. Cavan
Teacher:
Bean Uí Eochagáin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0995, Page 375

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0995, Page 375

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  3. XML “Bird-Lore”
  4. XML “Bird-Lore”

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  1. Bird-Lore (continued)

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  2. Bird-Lore

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    It is the custom in this district for "wren boys" to travel on Saint Stephen's day. They are dressed in straw and carry a live wren on top of a stick. They go from house to house demanding money or they will bury the wren at the door. The burying of the wren is supposed to bring bad luck, so they get pennies in almost every house.
    This is their rhyme:-
    The wren, the wren the king of all birds.
    St Stephens day she was caught in the furze.
    Rise up landlady and give us a treat.
    Up with the kettle and down with the pan.
    Give us some money or we will bury the wren.
    Eileen Halpin Fennor
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
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