Folklore

Folklore with Photograph of Storytelling alive and well in Longford Library today!

Folklore scanned from Teathbha Vol.2., No. 2

James Delaney

Folklore with Photograph of Storytelling alive and well in Longford Library today!
James Delaney

Folklore with Photograph of Storytelling alive and well in Longford Library today!

Folklore scanned from Teathbha Vol.2., No. 2

James Delaney

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Peter McDermott was born in Moydow, Co. Longford in 1890 and was a renowned storyteller. He had a marvellous memory and many of his best stories were those he had heard from his grandmother who died when he was only ten years old. He had numerous stories about the monks who settled in the area, the period of the Reformation and the distressing time of the Penal Laws. His store of knowledge also included ballads, songs, recitations and short humorous tales.

"Tea For The Priest" recounts the humorous tale of the time Peter's grandmother attempted to make tea for the priest of the parish of Clough. Tea was uncommon at the time and after she had boiled it up she threw out the water and presented the leaves with some sugar to the priest. This story is common in Irish oral tradition but this version is special as there is a wealth of circumstantial detail.