This is a collection of folklore compiled by schoolchildren in Ireland in the 1930s. More information
“In olden times a disease came on cattle which was called elf-shooting. The elf was supposed to be a fairy which stayed in every glen and field, and had a stone which he fired at the beast...”
CBÉS 1027
Danny Breslin, Mr P. Laughlin
Transcript
“There is a disease amongst cattle known as elf-shot. The symptoms are loss of milk, and feeling very cold. In olden times it was believed the fairies did it.”
CBÉS 1027
Michael Gavigan, Mr James Gavigan
Transcript
“There was a disease known as mumps. It was a swelling in the throat and jaws and was very painful. The old people had a very peculiar cure for it.”
CBÉS 1027
Michael Gavigan, Mr James Gavigan
Transcript
“In many parts of the country old cures are very common. For instance if one sprained an arm or a leg very man old people can cure it. Everyone has a different method.”
CBÉS 1027
Michael Gavigan, Mr James Gavigan
Transcript
“Mountain sage which is got on the mountain is a good cure for consumption. For a sore throat roast salt and put it in a stocking and tie it round your throat. To cure a wart get a potato...”
CBÉS 1027
Hugh Connolly, Thomas Cleary
Transcript
“The old people had many cures for the whooping-cough. This is one of them. The milk which a ferret left over after a meal was taken home to the patient and it had to be taken three times in the name of the Father...”
CBÉS 1027
Mrs Ryan, Paddy Mc Aleer
Transcript
“The old people around Bundoran have many old cures. This is one of them. If two people of the same name marry their children have a cure for the mumps...”
CBÉS 1027
Mr Peter Daly, Patrick Mc Aleer
Bundoran, Co. Donegal
Transcript
“There lived in Bonahill a man who was very fond of hunting. One day as he was out hunting he saw a hare. He put the dog on him. The dog chased him until he came to a hedge...”
CBÉS 1027
Michael Gavigan
Bundoran Urban, Co. Donegal
Transcript
“In olden times the people lived on very strong food. Most of these were grown on the land. Some of these were very nice, for example boxty. Boxty was made from grated potatoes and flour...”
CBÉS 1027
Michael Gavigan, Mr James Gavigan
Transcript
“In Catesby there is a cave and it is said that if anyone goes into it he will never come out again. It is said Cromwell imprisoned a priest and a boy there...”
CBÉS 1027
Michael Gavigan, Mr James Gavigan
Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
Transcript
“Once there were visitors at the cave in Catsby. They had a little dog with them. It ran up the cave, and returned with a bundle in its mouth...”
CBÉS 1027
Mary Kane, Thomas Cleary
Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
Transcript
“About half a mile from Ballyshannon stand the ruins of the old monastery (Abbey Assaroe). It was wrecked in Cromwell's time and the bells of the monastery were thrown into the river nearby...”
CBÉS 1027
Mary Kane, Thomas Cleary
Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
Transcript
“It is said that long ago the monks buried the bell of the monastery in the little stream that runs by the graveyard. When the sun shines it casts the shadow of the monastery (at twelve o'clock) where the bell is supposed to be hidden...”
CBÉS 1027
Mrs J. Cleary, Thomas Cleary
Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
Transcript
“Long ago the people had no light except small candles that they made from rushes. The rushes were pulled and the green skin was taken off them...”
CBÉS 1027
Danny Breslin, Mrs P. Loughlin
Transcript
“It was a custom on the first of May to gather May flowers and spread them at the door or window of the house on the evening before May Day...”
CBÉS 1027
Danny Breslin, Mr P. Loughlin
Transcript
“There are three forts in Rathmore. One of them is much bigger than the rest...”
CBÉS 1027
Danny Breslin, Mr P. Loughlin
Rathmore, Co. Donegal
Transcript
“The townland of Dunmuckrim is situated about a mile to the south of Ballyshannon St Colmcille said that a black pig would run through Dunmuckrim...”
CBÉS 1027
Danny Breslin, Mr P. Loughlin
Dunmuckrum, Co. Donegal
Transcript
“The Irish long ago were very superstitious They would not take milk out of the house after sunset without putting salt in it. They used always pray when they saw the new moon...”
CBÉS 1027
Danny Breslin, Mr P. Loughlin
Transcript
“Brachin Lane is a small lane about a mile to the south of Ballyshannon. Long ago the people used work on this lane for a pot of stirabout a day...”
CBÉS 1027
Danny Breslin, Mr P. Loughlin
Transcript
“There is a big field in Dunmuckrim called the Rampark about a mile to the south of Ballyshannon...”
CBÉS 1027
Danny Breslin, Mr P Loughlin
Transcript