Carlow Folk Tales

by Mcbride, Aideen; Sheehan, Jack

• ISBN13: 9781845888077
• ISBN10: 1845888073
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2014-05-01
• Publisher: THP Ireland

Summary

County Carlow, where stood Dinn Righ, the seat of the ancient kings of Leinster, is steeped in history, myth and legend which is celebrated in this selection of traditional tales from across the county, collected and retold by local storytellers Aideen McBride and Jack Sheehan.This selection will take you on an oral tour across the county and introduce you to such Carlow characters as Peter Nail, the ‘Weight Thrower from Ratheaden’; Beauchamp Bagenal, the ‘handsomest man in Ireland’; and St Finnian, the ‘Teacher of the Saints’. You will discover how the Barrow River got its name, who threw the standing stone of Clonee, the dangers of digging for gold in the ‘raths’ and how Teresa Malone became the Heroine of Kilcumney. And on the way you will encounter fairies, witches and giants – as well as bouncing puddings and giant potatoes.

Author Biography

Aideen McBride is a professional storyteller and member of the Storytellers of Ireland who has appeared in festivals such as Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival and Spirit of Folk. She is also an oral historian and has been involved in several projects to collect traditional tales. Her previously published works include Our Tales. Jack Sheehan is a member of the Storytellers of Ireland and regularly appears at Dublin Yarnspinners and Carlow Storytellers. Jack also has an interest in local history and is a member of Carlow Local History Society. A retired businessman, he collected many of his tales during his travels around the county as part of his working life.