Rebuilding Lives in Northern Ireland
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Sep 29th, 2010
September 29 is Michaelmas or the Feast of St. Michael. This marked the “goose harvest” when geese hatched in the spring were ready for market. A goose was killed on this day and a portion given to the poor. On farms with orchards this was the proper time to pick the apples and make cider. […]
Posted in Out and About on Aug 29th, 2010
The first ever Red Head Contest was held on August 25 in Crosshaven, Co. Cork. Activities included carrot tossing and red head speed dating. Prizes were awarded for most freckles per square inch and best red eyebrows. John O’Malley from Blarney was named “King of the Red Heads.”
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Aug 9th, 2010
Every year in Killorglin, Co. Kerry a group of people go up into the mountains to catch a goat for the annual “Puck Fair.” A young girl from the 6th class is named “Queen” and she is the one who will crown the goat. The goat is put in a cage in the middle of […]
Posted in Out and About on Aug 5th, 2010
August 6 – 15 — Kilkenny Arts Festival: music, art, literature and children’s events. August 10 – 12 — Puck Fair, Killorgin, Co. Kerry: A group of people go into the mountains to catch a goat who is then brought to the town square and crowned at the end of the three days of merry […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Aug 1st, 2010
Lughnasa is the Irish word for August and since this was the beginning of the harvest season, it was a time to celebrate. Usually the first weekend of the month was set aside for gatherings. Games and sports were tried by the young men and the girls picked berries. “Pattern Days” were observed also. This […]
Posted in Irish Culture and Customs on Jul 12th, 2010
Lunasa (Lughnasa) or Garland Sunday is also known as Fraughn Sunday. (A fraughn is a small berry which has ripened and people now enjoy the fruits they have gathered.) It is celebrated on the last Sunday in July (July 25) and marks the end of summer. It has been a place of pilgrimage since pagan […]
Posted in Out and About on Jul 10th, 2010
The first ever “French Week” is being celebrated in Dublin July 13-18, appropriately around Bastille Day (July 14). The Irish and French have a long history of alliances. The French Revolution in 1789 was the spark that inspired the Irish to rebel in 1798. The Irish rebels were called “croppies” because their short hair resembled […]
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