Irish Customs - Softcover

O'Farrell, Padraic

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0717135950 ISBN 13: 9780717135950

Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd, 2004

Synopsis

This collection of Irish customs deals with such subjects as love and marriage; farming and fair days; food and drink; prayers and superstitions: the whole gamut of life as lived in traditional Ireland. The author notes that many customs are disappearing in a fast-changing Ireland, but that many others survive. As he notes in his Introduction to this little book: "Before one Christmas past, I participated in a television discussion and felt obliged to take issue with a lady who claimed that the Christmas candle burning in a window was a thing of the past. At least three houses in the small avenue in which I live, my own included, still observe the custom. Just a few months ago, I purchased a car in a midland garage. When the deal was made and I paid over the agreed sum, the vendor handed me back a Euro20 'luck penny'. As the custom required, I 'dry spat' on it (hygiene disallowed the full treatment!). Passing near the delightful town of Inistioge in County Kilkenny a few days later, I noticed a gaily decorated May Bush on the roadside." The survival and continuation of such folk customs is a cause for celebration. This book recalls them in the popular style that Padraic O'Farrell has made all his own.

About this title

About the Author

Padraic O'Farrell died suddenly while this book was in preparation. He was, in the most literal sense, an officer and a gentleman. He had served with distinction as a colonel in the Irish army. His love of literature and drama was a constant in his life. On his retirement, he was able to dedicate himself fully to these pursuits. He was a prolific and punctilious author and a delightful companion. He died shortly after reading and approving the proofs of this book. He left everything just so, in good order, and is much missed.

Edition details

• Publisher: Gill & Macmillan Ltd
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0717135950
• ISBN 13: 9780717135950
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128