Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 2 1884.djvu/219

Rh the act of officiating, the saint inadvertently leaned his staff, without perceiving it, on Ossian's foot, so that the spike ran quite through it to the ground. When the service was finished, on turning away the holy man discovered the unlucky accident, and, being struck with the greatest concern and surprise, he hastily inquired of Ossian why he had not noticed it or shown any sign of uneasiness, "I thought, father," replied the chief with unvarying composure, "that this too had been part of the ceremony!"—(Vol. i. p. 327.)

Early almost every Sunday morning, from St. Patrick's day until about Michaelmas, a number of devotees surround the well called Tubber Patrick, and, after bowing towards it with great reverence, walk round it a certain number of times, repeating during their progress a stated measure of prayer. They then wash their hands and feet with the water and tear off a small rag from their clothes, which they tie on a bush overhanging the well. From thence they all proceed to a largo stone in the river Roe, immediately below the old church; and, having performed an ablution, they walk round the stone, bowing to it and repeating prayers as at the well. Their next movement is to the old church, within which a similar ceremony goes on, and they finish this rite by a procession and prayer round the upright stone already described.—(Vol. i. p. 328.)

Parish of Kilmanaheen.

The last Sunday in July is a patron day, when a number of people assemble at Lahinchy. They amuse themselves with horse-racing on the strand, dancing, &c. near it. This Sunday is called Garlic Sunday, but for what reason is not known. On Saturday evening preceding this Sunday numbers of people, male and female, assemble at St. Bridget's well, and remain there the entire night. They first perform their rounds, and then spend a good part of the time in invoking this Saint Bridget over the well, repeating their prayers and adorations aloud and holding their conversations with the saint, &c. When this ceremony is over they amuse themselves until morning by dancing and singing. They then (on Sunday morning) repair to Lahinchy, distant from this well at least three miles, to conclude their merriment. This well is also resorted to on the 1st of February.—(Vol. i. p. 494.)