Wild Sports of the West; Interspersed with Legendary Tales and Local Sketches

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Furtive burial and exhumation of George Robert Fitzgerald at Turlough churchyard

   Turlough · townland · Mayo

   After his execution, Fitzgerald was buried by night with such secrecy in the old churchyard of Turlough that the location of his grave became uncertain. When later exhumed, a forgotten ring and a fractured skull confirmed the identification, corresponding to a duelling wound he had received on the continent.

   Read the passage

   "by his friends on the score of occasional insanity, is not improbable. One circumstance would strengthen this conclusion. He was interred by night, and with so much privacy, in the old churchyard of Turlough, that the place where his remains lay was for a time uncertain. Accident in some degree revealed it. In the confusion attendant upon his hurried sepulture, it is said that a ring was forgotten and left upon the finger. Afterwards, in opening the ground, this relic was discovered ; and what more satisfactorily proved it was that the skull was distinctly fractured ; and it was a matter well known, that Fitzgerald had been dangerously wounded by a pistol-bullet in the head, in one of his numerous and sanguinary duels on the continent.

   Denis Browne, when a young man, is said to have been extremely handsome : but early in life he became corpulent and engrossed in other pursuits, gradually careless and slovenly in his person, and neglected any means to restrain his constitutional obesity. To strong natural abilities, he united decision of character and mental energy. He started in dangerous times ; several influential families disputed political power with him — he had a fierce and dangerous aristocracy to overcome — men cold to every argument " but the last and worst one," the pistol. Hence in the very outset of his voyage, his vessel all but foundered. It was his first contest for the county, and he was opposed by the late Lord Clanm orris. The Bingham party was bold and powerful, and after a protracted contest, matters looked gloomily enough, and the Brownes were likely to be defeated.

   Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Turlough, in the old churchyard here, George Robert Fitzgerald was buried by night. His friends carried out the burial with such privacy that for a time no one could be certain where his remains lay. He had been excused by some as occasionally insane, and the secrecy of his interment only deepened that impression. In the confusion of that hurried burial, a ring was left upon his finger and forgotten. Later, when the ground was opened again, the ring was discovered, and that helped identify the grave. What proved it beyond doubt was the skull. It was distinctly fractured, and it was well known that Fitzgerald had been dangerously wounded by a pistol-bullet in the head during one of his numerous and sanguinary duels on the continent. The passage then turns to Denis Browne, said to have been extremely handsome as a young man. Early in life he grew corpulent and became careless and slovenly in his person. He had strong natural abilities, decision of character, and mental energy. He started in dangerous times. Several influential families disputed political power with him, an aristocracy cold to every argument but the pistol. His first contest for the county set him against Lord Clanmorris. The Bingham party was bold and powerful, and after a protracted contest the Brownes were likely to be defeated.

2. Military force from Athlone required to capture George Robert Fitzgerald

   Athlone · town · Westmeath

   Fitzgerald maintained an armed band, imprisoned his own father, and abducted enemies for years; his eventual capture and execution required a large cavalry and artillery movement sent from Athlone.

   Read the passage

   Many examples of dangerous and illegal authority, as usurped and exercised by the aristocracy within the last half-century, are on record, that would appear mere romance to a stranger. One of the Fitzgerald family was probably more remarkable than any person of his times. He was the terror of the upper classes — and to such as arrogated the privileges of the aristocracy, without, as he opined, a prescriptive right, he was the very devil. If a man aspired to become a duellist, or even joined the hounds, without being the proper caste, George Robert would flog him from the field without ceremony. He actually for years maintained an armed banditti, imprisoned his own father, took off persons who were obnoxious — and when he was hanged — and fortunately for society this eventually occurred — it required a grand cavalry and artillery movement from Athlone to effect it.

   Denis Browne was an autocrat of another description^ a useful blundering bear, who did all as religiously in the king's name as ever Mussulman in that of the prophet. He did much good and some mischief — imprisoned and transported as he pleased ; and the peasantry to this day will tell you, that he could hang any one whom he disliked. Yet both these men were favourites with their tenantry,

   Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Athlone, a town the road passes through. From here a grand cavalry and artillery movement once set out to capture a man called George Robert Fitzgerald. He was probably more remarkable than any person of his times. He was the terror of the upper classes, and to those who arrogated the privileges of the aristocracy without, as he opined, a prescriptive right, he was the very devil. If a man aspired to become a duellist, or even joined the hounds without being the proper caste, George Robert would flog him from the field without ceremony. He maintained an armed banditti for years, imprisoned his own father, and took off persons who were obnoxious. When he was hanged, and fortunately for society this eventually occurred, it required that grand cavalry and artillery movement from Athlone to effect his capture. The passage tells of another man, Denis Browne, an autocrat of another description, a useful blundering bear who did all as religiously in the king's name as ever a Mussulman in that of the prophet. He did much good and some mischief, imprisoned and transported as he pleased, and the peasantry to this day will tell you that he could hang anyone whom he disliked. Yet both these men were favourites with their tenantry.

3. Tragic childbirth on the storm-bound island of Innisbiggle

   Inishbiggle · townland · Mayo

   Fleeing arrest, Hennessey and his pregnant wife Kathleein sheltered alone in a single cabin on the isolated island of Innisbiggle. A storm cut off all passage to the mainland, and during the night Kathleein went into labour; both she and the newborn died before help could arrive.

   Read the passage

   " Poor wretch ! with a withered heart, all that he could do to cheer his sinking companion was done ; but every hour she became worse, and every moment her pain and danger were increasing. Driven to madness, at the first dawn of morning he rushed madly to the beach, and though the retiring tide rushed between the island and the main with furious violence, he plunged into the boiling eddies, and with great strength and desperate courage made good his passage to the opposite shore.

   fe To obtain help was of course attended with delay ; at last, however, it was accomplished, and the tide fell sufficiently to permit some females to cross ihefarset.* He, the unhappy

   Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 164

4. Hennessey and his bride sheltered at Innisboffin

   near Inishbofin · parish · Galway

   After Hennessey killed a rival abductor while eloping with his bride Kathleein, the narrator's cousin had the couple conveyed by hooker to Innisboffin, where they remained in safe concealment for six months to escape the vengeance of the Malley clan.

   Read the passage

   " An attempt so boldly and so fortunately begun, was, however, doomed to end unhappily. One of the Malleys had discovered the interview, and witnessed the elopement. Having silently observed the route of the fugitives, he apprized the parties within, that their negotiations were likely to become nugatory, and a fierce and vindictive pursuit was instantly commenced. The distance, however, to the beach was short : the companion of the bold abductor had run forward ; the bride was won — the boat was launched — the oars were dipping in the water — when, alas ! the rush of rapid footsteps were heard, and oaths and threats announced that the fugitives were closely followed. Two or three of the Malleys had far outstripped the rest ; but a minute more, and pursuit would have been hopeless. One man had passed the others far, and on the brink of the tide he caught the fair runaway in his arms, while the companions of the gallant were actually pulling her on board. The chase was hard at hand — twenty feet were heard rushing over the loose shingle — not a moment was to be lost, or the bride was gone for ever. Like lightning Hennessey caught up a stretcher from the bottom of the boat, discharged one murderous blow upon the man who held back his beloved mistress, a deep-drawn moan was heard, and the unhappy Kearne, for it was himself, sank upon the beach without life or motion ! Off went the boat — off went the lady — and the athletic crew pulled through the sparkling water, little dreaming that their exulting leader was for the third time a homicide ! Great God ! I cannot tell you what I suffered next morning, when the tragical result of an attempt I had myself encouraged was told me. My first care was to look to the safety of my foster-brother and his bride ; and until pursuit was over, I had them conveyed by Pattigo in the hooker to Innisboffin. There they remained in safe concealment, and for six months it was not deemed prudent to permit them to return, as the clan of the deceased were numerous and vindictive.

   Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 164

5. George Robert Fitzgerald's daring feats remembered along the Turlough river

   Turlough · townland · Mayo

   Fitzgerald was renowned as a reckless and skilled horseman whose leaps and river crossings on the Turlough river were still pointed out by local peasantry as feats of legendary daring.

   Read the passage

   His courage was undoubted. In Paris and London he was noted as a duellist ; and in Mayo, his personal encounters are still remembered. His duel with Doctor Martin, his encounter with Csesar French, the most notorious fire-eaters of the day, placed him foremost in that class. He was, moreover, a dead shot, and reported to be one of the ablest swordsmen in the kingdom. As a sportsman he was justly celebrated. He was an elegant horseman, and his desperate riding was the theme of fox-hunters for many a year. No park-wall or flooded river stopped him — and to this day, leaps that he surmounted, and points where he crossed the Turlough river, are pointed out by the peasantry.

   The dark act which clouded his memory, and his unhappy fate, are generally known ; and considering the other traits of his strange and mingling character, the apology offered

   Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, the Turlough river was crossed by George Robert Fitzgerald in leaps that the local people were still pointing out long after his time. He was a recklessly skilled horseman whose desperate riding was talked about by fox-hunters for years, and no park-wall or flooded river would stop him. His courage was undoubted. In Paris and London he was known as a duellist, and in Mayo his personal encounters were still remembered, including a duel with Doctor Martin and a fight with Caesar French, both called the most notorious fire-eaters of the day. He was a dead shot and reported to be one of the ablest swordsmen in the kingdom. A dark act clouded his memory, and he met an unhappy fate that was generally known.

6. The privateer Fox chased into the Bull's Mouth

   near Achill Head · promontory · Mayo · 1812–1815

   During the last American war an enemy privateer schooner called the Fox terrorised the coast from Arran to the Stags of Broad Haven, even socialising freely with Achill islanders, until a revenue cruiser pursued her off Achill Head and she fled to America via the Bull's Mouth sound.

   Read the passage

   Yankee mounted amidships, began to throw its shot to a most alarming proximity. The Bull's Mouth was before, and a rakish schooner that, to use a fancy phrase, " would not be denied," was astern ; — there was no alternative, and for the first, the most probably the last time, the King's bunting sought safety within the sound of Achil. Finding her water lessen — for she had actually crossed the Ridge Point before she hauled her wind — the Fox abandoned the pursuit, and left the Irish coast for America, where she duly arrived, after a daring and destructive, but a very unprofitable cruise.

   Safely landed at the Lodge, — but all is in an uproar ! Colonel Dwyer, an honoured and expected visitor, has arrived in safety, but he comes minus his portmanteau, which some delinquent, neither having the fear of hanging or my kinsman's wrath before his eyes, abstracted from Andy Bawn, to whom its safe delivery was entrusted. Nothing can surpass the surprise and consternation this event occasions — the women are clamorous — the men curse fluently in Irish — and, from the vows of eternal vengeance which are uttered against the spoliator of the Colonel's wardrobe, I should imagine, in case of apprehension, that the ceremony of waiting till the next assizes will be dispensed with. Antony " remembers the country these seventy years : many a robbery happened in his time, but — God stand between him and evil ! — to take a gentleman's property, and he coming to the master ! — If it was a stranger, why there would be no great harm," &c. &c.

   Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 69

7. Bobby the pilgrim-proxy of Croagh Patrick

   near Croagh Patrick · mountain or mountain range · Mayo

   A footnote describes 'Bobby,' a well-known religious performer who lived at the foot of Croagh Patrick and, for payment, would complete the prayers and pilgrimage ascent on behalf of visitors discouraged by the climb; at his own request he was buried on the mountain's summit, where he had so often performed.

   Read the passage

   The remains of poor Bobby, at his own request, were transported to the summit of the mountain, and deposited on the apex of Croagh Patrick, where he had so often and so usefully performed. As he was laid where no other body rested, the line intended for Sir John Mooief would be probably more applicable to the hermit :

   " They left him alone with his glory! "

   Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 108

8. Funeral procession by boat across the estuary to the burying-ground

   near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

   The otter-killer's body was carried by boat across the estuary in a great funeral flotilla of over a hundred boats, with the master and his foster-brother carrying the coffin ashore themselves as the highest honour they could bestow.

   Read the passage

   When the evening fell on which the corpse was to be carried to its resting-place, a scene of great novelty and great interest ensued. From the insulated situation of the Lodge, *i connexion with the burying-ground, it was necessary that ,-*ie body should be carried across the estuary by water. At the appointed hour, from every creek and harbour, the peasantry were seen afloat : and when the funeral left the house, more than a hundred boats accompanied that in which the corpse was deposited. My kinsman followed next to the body with all his visitors and servants ; and when the opposite strand was reached, he and his foster-brother placed their shoulders under the coffin, and supported it for a short distance along the beach.

   This was, I was afterwards informed, the highest honour that could be conferred upon the departed by his master ; and even the magnificence of the otter-killer's wake was held inferior to this proud and public testimony of his patron's affections.

   Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 154

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Ballycroy, you are near the waters where an otter-killer was once carried to his burying-ground in a funeral flotilla of more than a hundred boats. The lodge where he had lived stood cut off from the burying-ground by the estuary, so the body had to be taken across by water. When evening came, boats gathered from every creek and harbour, and the master and his foster-brother carried the coffin ashore on their own shoulders. It was said this was the highest honour a master could bestow on the dead, surpassing even the magnificence of the otter-killer's wake.

9. The hunchback mistaken for a leprechaun at Achill Sound

   Achill Sound · town · Mayo

   A hunchbacked visitor, sitting undressed among rocks at the entrance to Achill Sound, was mistaken by boatloads of fair-goers for a supernatural Leprehawn, causing them to abandon their trip to the Newport fair in terror. The story spread through Erris and Ballycroy as an omen, and locals still fear seeing his face over the rocks.

   Read the passage

   It was dead low- water. Half-a-dozen row-boats, bound for the fair of Newport, and filled with men and women, were rowing merrily to the Bull's Mouth, intending to enter it upon the first of flood. Having approached close to the spot where the little gentleman was ensconsed among the seaweed, up popped an outrt countenance, surmounted by a scarlet nightcap ! The effect was sudden, for till now a rock had concealed him from the boats. Instantly the women screamed, and the men betrayed unequivocal symptoms of dismay. But when the dwarf, remarking their alarm, skipped upon the stone, and uttered a wild unearthly yell which reverberated from rock to rock, the boats put about directly, and abandoned the fair of Newport, men and women, with one consent, made off for their respective homes as fast as four oars could carry them. The awful intelligence was promulgated with incredible rapidity through Erris and Bally croy. The same Leprehawn who was seen the year before the French* had reappeared, to harbinger, no doubt, some local or national calamity. To this day, the credulity of the islanders has never been disabused, and Tom's uncouth face and scarlet nightcap is often fearfully expected to rise over the rocks by the belated fisherman, as he runs through its dangerous opening to shelter for the night in Achil Sound.

   The Bull's Mouth is rarely entered but with flood-water, or

   Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Achill Sound, you are passing the entrance where a strange tale once spread terror through Erris and Ballycroy. At dead low water, a hunchbacked man called Tom was sitting among the seaweed at the Bull's Mouth, wearing a scarlet nightcap, when half a dozen row-boats full of men and women came rowing past, bound for the fair at Newport. A rock had hidden him until they were close, and then up popped his face. The women screamed and the men panicked. When Tom skipped onto a stone and let out a wild unearthly yell that echoed from rock to rock, the boats turned about at once and everyone fled for home as fast as four oars could carry them. They took him for a Leprehawn, the same one said to have been seen the year before the French came, an omen of calamity. The story raced through Erris and Ballycroy, and to this day belated fishermen passing through this dangerous opening still half expect Tom's uncouth face and scarlet nightcap to rise over the rocks.

10. Armed Confrontation at Rockfield Lodge Involving George Robert Fitzgerald

    Rockfield Lodge · street · Kildare

    A sworn account describes George Robert Fitzgerald approaching his father's carriage at Rockfield-lodge, which was laden with blunderbusses, Queen Anne's muskets with bayonets, fuzees, and quantities of gunpowder and shot, illustrating the armed tensions of the period.

    Read the passage

    " Informant was with his said master, and in the carriage with him, when the said Geerge Robert Fitzgerald came up alone and unarmed, and peaceably and politely addressed his father, the said George Fitzgerald, who went home with his said son to Rockfield-lodge ; and had he wished not to go with his said son, he might have refused going, he having in his carriage, in which informant was, three bell-muzzled blunderbusses, loaded with swan-drops, and a small ditto, and also three Queen Anne 's muskets, with bayonets, loaded as aforesaid, and three fuzees, one of \ which was loaded, together with a small sword. Four powder-horns, ail -filled with gunpowder, one of which contained three pounds of gunpowder, besides several large bags of musket balls, swan-drops, and slugs ; and had the said George Fitzgerald, this informant's master, been disposed to make any opposition in going home with his said son to Rockfield-lodge, informant would have made use of said arms and ammunition in bis said master's defence." Now we opine, that Colonel Hawker, and his " new double-swivel gun," with Sam Singer at his back, would scarcely hazard an engagement with this formidable vehicle.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    Along here is Rockfield Lodge, where a sworn account from the Wild Sports of the West describes a strange encounter between a father and son. George Robert Fitzgerald came up alone and unarmed to his father's carriage and politely addressed him, then walked home with him to the lodge. But the carriage itself was a small arsenal. Inside were three bell-muzzled blunderbusses loaded with swan-drops, a smaller one too, three Queen Anne's muskets with bayonets, three fuzees, one loaded, and a small sword. There were four powder-horns filled with gunpowder, one holding three pounds, and large bags of musket balls, swan-drops, and slugs. The informant, who was in the carriage with George Fitzgerald, swore that had his master wished not to go with his son, he might have refused, and the informant would have used the arms in his master's defence. The author of the passage remarks that even a noted sportsman with a new double-swivel gun would scarcely hazard an engagement with this formidable vehicle.

11. Castlebar: The Drop, the Gaol, and Hanging-Day Trade

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1829

    The narrator describes Castlebar, the capital of Mayo, as distinguished by its gallows ('new drop') and old gaol, a swamp in the town centre fenced with an iron chain, and a courthouse of curious architecture. He notes that the chapel, petty-sessions, and market are all busiest on a hanging-day, and that local trade is limited to felt-hats and poteen whisky.

    Read the passage

    WITHOUT any adventure worthy of a place in this itinerary, I reached in safety the capital of Mayo, From other provincial cities, this town is distinguished in having a new drop and an old gaol ; a swamp in the centre of the town surrounded by an iron chain, judiciously placed there, I imagine, to prevent cattle and children being lost in the morass which it environs ; a court-house, with a piazza and facade, of an original order of architecture, only known to Irish professors of the art of building ; trade and manufactures are limited to felt-hats and poteen whisky ; and the only machinery I could discover was the drop, aforesaid. I was informed that the chapel and petty-sessions are generally crowded, as is the market, upon a hanging-day.

    I was called next morning at five o'clock by the waiter, to proceed by the Sligo mail, although on the preceding night I had taken considerable pains to persuade him that my course hy westward. One hour afterwards, the chamber-maid roused me to inquire if I had any intention of proceeding to Hollymount by a hackney car. To save these worthy people" further trouble, I arose and dressed, and, wishing to avoid a vestry to be that day holden in the town, and where, in the course of argument, it was believed that divers lives would be lost, I took an early breakfast, and departed.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Castlebar, the capital of Mayo, you pass a town distinguished from other provincial cities by a new drop and an old gaol. The new drop was the only machinery he could discover. There is a swamp in the centre of the town, fenced round with an iron chain, put there, he supposes, to keep cattle and children from being lost in the morass. The courthouse has a piazza and a facade of what he calls an original order of architecture, only known to Irish professors of the art of building. Trade and manufactures are limited to felt-hats and poteen whisky. He was told that the chapel and the petty-sessions are generally crowded, as is the market, upon a hanging-day. He was called next morning at five by the waiter, to proceed by the Sligo mail, though he had taken considerable pains the night before to persuade him his course lay westward. An hour later the chamber-maid roused him to ask if he meant to go to Hollymount by a hackney car. To save these people further trouble, he rose and dressed. He wished to avoid a vestry to be held that day in the town, where, in the course of argument, it was believed that divers lives would be lost. He took an early breakfast and departed.

12. Cormac More Dies at the Abbey of Balleek

    Balleek · townland · Offaly

    Fatally wounded by an arrow in a skirmish with outlaw Catterans, the Lord of Iveagh is carried to the abbey of Balleek to be reconciled with his repudiated wife and the church before he dies, revealing her hidden hair had been under penance.

    Read the passage

    Then it was that the sinful Knight was tortured with remorse and unavailing sorrow. He cursed the evil counsellors who tempted him to insult Saint Ursula and her adopted daughter, and, determining to be reconciled to his wife and the church together, directed his followers to carry him to the abbey of Balleek. His orders were obeyed, and the Lady Abbess consented to admit the dying noble. He was laid before the altar, and his injured wife, forgetting past resentment, was the first to rush from her cell, and minister to his relief. In the fatal emergency, coif and veil were left dehind ; her raven tresses fell below her shoulders, and reached to her very waist, and Cormac was convinced too late, that his ill-used consort had the finest hair in Christendom. Alas ! those ebon locks had been the admiration of the whole sisterhood ; and, for penitential purposes, the Dominican had enjoined their concealment for three years, when he gave spiritual counsel, in their hour of tribulation, to the abbess, the baron, and Rose Roche.

    To make atonement for his former unkindness, he willed his rich domains to his beautiful widow. The Prior of the Dominicans indicted the deed, which disposed of his possessions ; and the church, of course, was not forgotten. Sur-

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 123

13. Deadly encounter after the fair of Newport

    Newport · townland · Mayo

    Returning late from the fair of Newport with companions, Hennessey collided with a party of the Sweenies, wrested a loaded whip from an antagonist and struck a fatal blow, causing the man's death nearly a month later.

    Read the passage

    "A year passed, but the Sweenies had not forgotten o? forgiven the death of their kinsman. Hennessey's rambling habits exposed him to frequent encounters with this clan : and one night, when returning late from the fair of Newport, with two or three companions, he came into unexpected collision with a party of his ancient enemies. A scuffle ensued — in the struggle he wrested a loaded whip from his antagonist, and struck the unhappy wretch so heavily with his own weapon, that after lingering nearly a month, he died from the contusion.

    " This second mishap occasioned us a deal of trouble ; but Hennessey surrendered, was tried, and acquitted, and we all trusted that his misfortunes were at an end. He abjured the use of spirits, avoided late hours, and such meetings as mightexpose him to any collision with that clan who had been so unfortunate, and religiously determined to avoid every cause of quarrelling ; but fate determined that it should be otherwise.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Newport, a man named Hennessey met his enemies on the road home from the fair, and the encounter turned deadly. He had killed a kinsman of the Sweenies the year before, and the clan had not forgotten or forgiven. One night, returning late with two or three companions, he came into unexpected collision with a party of them. In the scuffle he wrested a loaded whip from his antagonist and struck the man so heavily with his own weapon that after lingering nearly a month, the unhappy wretch died from the contusion. Hennessey surrendered, was tried, and acquitted. He abjured spirits, avoided late hours, and religiously determined to avoid every cause of quarrelling with that unfortunate clan. But fate determined otherwise.

14. Death of the otter-killer Antony at the Lodge

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    The old family retainer Antony, an otter-killer attached to the family for half a century, dies at the Lodge attended by Father Andrew, his master, and his faithful terrier, delivering a poignant deathbed farewell.

    Read the passage

    about me to make me easy to the last. I saw your grand father stretched — I sat beside your father when he departed, may the Lord be merciful to both ! and I die with yourself and the clargy to comfort my last hour, praises be to Mary, Master Julius, will you listen to a dying man ; he that carried ye in his arms, and loved ye better than all the world besides ? — ye'll take my advice. Marry, Julius avourneen — the ould name that since the days of Shamul a Croaghah held land and honour — surely you won't let it pass? Mind the old man's last words — and now Heaven bless ye !" And in feeble tones he continued muttering benedictions upon all around him. My cousin was really affected, and the Priest perceiving the increasing feebleness of the otter-killer, requested us to retire. We were obeying, when Antony rallied suddenly and unexpectedly : — " You will mind the dog, for my sake, Master Julius — and ye'll let trap and fishing-rod hang up in the hall, to put ye in mind of old Antony ?" These were his last connected words — his strength failed fast ; his memory wandered to other times ; " he babbled of green fields," he murmured the names of lakes and rivers — and while the affectionate Priest prayed fervently beside his old and innocent companion, the otter-killer rendered his last sigh in the arms of Hennessey and the weeping Alice !

    Talk of parade around the couch of fortune, and what a heartless display is it ! / saw a rich man die ; I saw the hollow mockery of hireling attendants and interested friends ; but here, that simple unsophisticated being had a sincerity of grief bestowed upon his death-bed, that to wealth and grandeur would be unattainable !

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Ballycroy now. At the Lodge here, an old otter-killer named Antony died after half a century with the family. Father Andrew attended him, and his master was at the bedside too, along with a faithful terrier. Antony had served three generations. He had seen the grandfather laid out and sat beside the father at his departure, and now he died with his master and the priest to comfort his last hour. His dying wish was that Julius marry and keep the old name alive, the name held since the days of Shamul a Croaghah. He asked that the dog be minded for his sake, and that the trap and fishing-rod be left hanging in the hall, to put Julius in mind of old Antony. These were his last connected words. His strength failed and his memory wandered to other times. He babbled of green fields and murmured the names of lakes and rivers. The priest prayed beside him, and the otter-killer drew his last breath in the arms of Hennessey and the weeping Alice. The writer who recorded it said he had seen a rich man die surrounded by hireling attendants and interested friends, a hollow mockery. But this simple man had a sincerity of grief at his bedside that wealth and grandeur could never attain.

15. Faithful terrier follows her dead master's grave and dies of grief

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    The otter-killer's terrier swam across the estuary alone at night to lie upon her master's grave after being brought home, and died three weeks later, having remained loyal to him after death.

    Read the passage

    One circumstance was remarked which was powerfully indicative of animal affection. The dead man's terrier had remained night and day beside his bier, since the morning of his death. Unnoticed, she crept on board the boat that conveyed the coffin to the churchyard ; and when the grave was filled, she was with difficulty carried home by an attendant, but escaping during the night, crossed the estuary by swimming, and again lay down upon the turf, beneath which her beloved master was sleeping. Every care and kindness was bestowed upon her in the Lodge. No one addressed her but as "poor Venney." Notwithstanding, she drooped visibly, and in three weeks after her interment, in death the otter-killer's favourite " bore him company."

    When we reached the Lodge, we made a discovery which, possibly with some people, might lead to an opposite conclusion, and either prove the security or insecurity of the country.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy in Mayo, this is where a tale of loyalty was played out. An otter-killer died here, and his terrier stayed beside his bier night and day from the morning of his death. She crept aboard the boat carrying the coffin to the churchyard unseen. After the grave was filled, an attendant carried her home with difficulty, but she escaped that night, swam across the estuary alone, and lay down on the turf above her master. At the Lodge they called her

16. The Hare Mistaken for a Foal on the Way Home to Achill

    near Achill Island · island or archipelago · Mayo

    Carrying his 'mare's egg' homeward, the Achill man's jar rolled downhill and shattered against a rock, startling a hare from its form; the man lamented the loss of what he believed to be an escaping foal. The story was told as a standing joke on Achill simplicity for a century.

    Read the passage

    he set out on his way rejoicing — and hefore evening fell, came within view of his own home, and sat down upon a heathy hank to rest himself. He placed his recent acquisition beside him — hut alas ! from its spherical form, it rolled down the hill, and, striking against a rock at the bottom, was shivered by the blow. A hare which had couched beneath the stone, startled at the crash, sprang from her form, and went off at speed. The unhappy Achil man gazed, in an agony of despair, after what he believed the emancipated quadruped— and then exclaimed with a bitter groan, "Mono, mon diaoull What a horse he would have been ! — Lord ! if he was but two years old ! the Devil himself would not catch him."

    Now, the most curious part of this story is, that although a standing joke upon Achil simplicity for a century, it is to be found verbatim in a German jest-book, with this only difference, that a gourd is there substituted for ajar.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 174

17. The master-otter legend and the Montgomery brothers

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    A folk belief that a portion of the skin of the 'master-otter' protects a house from burning or a ship from wreck, and makes the possessor safe from bullets. Antony tells that one was killed 'far down in the north' by three brothers named Montgomery who rose from poverty to great wealth.

    Read the passage

    eminent. By a singular anomaly, the first is said to be found in certain inland loughs, and his appearance is imagined to be fatal to the unfortunate person who encounters him. The latter, however, should be an object of anxious research, for he is endued with amazing virtues. Where a portion of his skin is, the house cannot be burned, or the ship cast away, and steel or bullet will not harm the man who possesses an inch of this precious material. Antony, indeed, confesses, that in the course of his otter-hunting, he has never been fortunate enough to meet this invaluable brute ; but he tells a contused story of one having been killed "far down in the north/* by three brothers called Montgomery, who, from poverty, became immensely rich, and whose descendants are opulenf to this very day. He says, the master-otter was seen twice in this neighbourhood. At Dhu-hill, he appeared about sixty years ago, attended by about one hundred common-sized animals, who waited upon " the master/' like loyal and dutiful beasts. He was also observed by one of the O'Donnel family, whilst passing through Clew Bay in a sailing-boat. Requiring a supply of fresh water, O'Donnel landed on an island for the purpose of filling his keg, but found the spring already occupied by a strange and nondescript animal. After his first surprise had subsided, he returned to the boat, and procured a gun. This he loaded carefully with five fingers and a half* — for Antony is minute in all his narratives — and then, and within a dozen yards, levelled at the master. Thrice he drew the trigger, and thrice the gun missed fire. The otter wisely determined not to give him a fourth chance, and left the well for the ocean. Mortified at his failure, O'Donnel tried his gun at a passing gull ; it exploded without trouble, and finished the unfortunate bird — thus proving, beyond a doubt, that the gun was faultless, and the preservative qualities of the animal were alone to blame — " And, indeed," quoth Antony, "he might have snapped at the master to eternity ; for if an inch of skin can save house, ship, and man, what a deal of virtue there must be in a whole hide !"

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy in Mayo, you're travelling through country where the master-otter was once seen. According to local tradition, a portion of the master-otter's skin will stop a house from burning, keep a ship from wrecking, and make the man who carries it safe from bullets. Antony, an otter-hunter, said one was killed far down in the north by three brothers called Montgomery, who went from poverty to great wealth, and whose descendants remained rich. He said the master-otter appeared twice in this neighbourhood. At Dhu-hill, about 60 years ago, it showed up attended by about 100 common otters, waiting on their master like loyal beasts. An O'Donnel also encountered one while crossing Clew Bay in a sailing boat. He landed on an island for fresh water and found the spring occupied by a strange animal. He went back to the boat for a gun, loaded it with five fingers and a half of powder, and fired three times within a dozen yards. The gun missed fire every time. The otter left the well for the ocean, wisely declining a fourth chance. O'Donnel then shot at a passing gull and the gun fired perfectly, proving the fault lay not with the weapon but with the animal's powers. As Antony put it, if an inch of skin can save house, ship, and man, what virtue there must be in a whole hide.

18. The Rebel of Ninety-Eight's Embellished Account of the Rout at Castlebar

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

    At a hospitable dinner in Castlebar, an elderly gentleman gave a supposedly vivid first-person account of the disgraceful defeat of the King's troops there in 1798 by Humbert's French forces. A fellow guest privately revealed the storyteller had actually fled the county when the French landed and never returned until the rebellion was suppressed.

    Read the passage

    "At a large dinner-party, the conversation turned on circumstances connected with the disgraceful defeat of the King's troops here, in Ninety-eight, by Humbert. An elderly gentleman, opposite to me at table, favoured us with a striking and spirited account of the affair, and none could give it with more effect, for he had been a prominent actor in the scene.

    " It was really the most soul-stirring narrative I had ever listened to, — and when in course of the detail the fortune of the day threatened to become disastrous, the individual exertions of this gallant gentleman appear to have been incredible. He flew through every arm of the Royal Forces — objurgated the militia, lauded the artillery, encouraged the irregulars, and d — d the carbineers ; — held momentary consultation with three field officers, and the Lord only knows how many subordinates besides — and traversed the line from one extremity to the other with such rapidity, as proved that he must have been mounted on a race-horse, or possessed of the gift of ubiquity itself.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Castlebar now, the county town of Mayo, where in 1798 Humbert's French forces routed the King's troops in what became known as the Races of Castlebar. At a dinner party here, an elderly gentleman held the table with a stirring first-person account of the battle. He described flying through every arm of the Royal Forces, objurgating the militia, lauding the artillery, encouraging the irregulars, and damning the carbineers, consulting field officers and traversing the line from one end to the other with such speed he must have been on a race-horse or possessed ubiquity itself. A fellow guest later let on that this gallant teller had actually fled the county the moment the French landed and never came back until the rebellion was suppressed. His account was theatre, not memory.

19. Ecumenical friendship of priest and minister at Castlebar

    Castlebar · town · Mayo

    The priest recalls his youth learning Latin at Castlebar, where his uncle, the parish priest, and the Protestant minister Jack Benton lived in close friendship, dining together and never letting anyone speak ill of the other. The town was remembered as the most peaceable in Connaught because of this example.

    Read the passage

    "Real Christian feeling," said the Priest, with a groan, " is nearly banished from the world. When I went first to Castlebar, to learn Latin from Dan Donovan, my uncle Martin, God be merciful to him! was parish priest, and Jack Benton was the minister. They agreed like sworn brothers, and no one dared say a word against either in the presence of his friend. Where the priest dined, the curate was sure to be also. They lived in true brotherhood ; and when one happened to be the worse of liquor, why the other would not leave him for a bishopric. The town was the most peaceable place in Connaught ; and how could it be otherwise with such an example ? Many a night I went before them with a lantern, when they carried Carney, the

    • we fiddler, round the streets, to serenade the ladies. There

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Castlebar, the priest in this story remembered it as the most peaceable place in Connaught. He came here as a boy to learn Latin from Dan Donovan, when his uncle Martin was parish priest and Jack Benton was the Protestant minister. The two clergymen lived as sworn brothers. Where one dined, the other was sure to be, and no one dared say a word against either in his friend's presence. The priest said that when one happened to be the worse of liquor, the other would not leave him for a bishopric. Many a night the priest walked ahead of them with a lantern, while they carried Carney the fiddler round the streets to serenade the ladies.

20. O'Donnel's encounter with the master-otter in Clew Bay

    near Clew Bay · bay · Mayo

    A member of the O'Donnel family, sailing through Clew Bay, landed on an island for fresh water and found the master-otter occupying the spring. His gun misfired three times against the creature though it worked fine on a passing gull, taken as proof of the animal's protective powers.

    Read the passage

    eminent. By a singular anomaly, the first is said to be found in certain inland loughs, and his appearance is imagined to be fatal to the unfortunate person who encounters him. The latter, however, should be an object of anxious research, for he is endued with amazing virtues. Where a portion of his skin is, the house cannot be burned, or the ship cast away, and steel or bullet will not harm the man who possesses an inch of this precious material. Antony, indeed, confesses, that in the course of his otter-hunting, he has never been fortunate enough to meet this invaluable brute ; but he tells a contused story of one having been killed "far down in the north/* by three brothers called Montgomery, who, from poverty, became immensely rich, and whose descendants are opulenf to this very day. He says, the master-otter was seen twice in this neighbourhood. At Dhu-hill, he appeared about sixty years ago, attended by about one hundred common-sized animals, who waited upon " the master/' like loyal and dutiful beasts. He was also observed by one of the O'Donnel family, whilst passing through Clew Bay in a sailing-boat. Requiring a supply of fresh water, O'Donnel landed on an island for the purpose of filling his keg, but found the spring already occupied by a strange and nondescript animal. After his first surprise had subsided, he returned to the boat, and procured a gun. This he loaded carefully with five fingers and a half* — for Antony is minute in all his narratives — and then, and within a dozen yards, levelled at the master. Thrice he drew the trigger, and thrice the gun missed fire. The otter wisely determined not to give him a fourth chance, and left the well for the ocean. Mortified at his failure, O'Donnel tried his gun at a passing gull ; it exploded without trouble, and finished the unfortunate bird — thus proving, beyond a doubt, that the gun was faultless, and the preservative qualities of the animal were alone to blame — " And, indeed," quoth Antony, "he might have snapped at the master to eternity ; for if an inch of skin can save house, ship, and man, what a deal of virtue there must be in a whole hide !"

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 104

21. Abduction as Endemic Crime in Ballycroy

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    The author describes abduction as extremely prevalent in Ballycroy, especially of wealthy women, arising from parent-arranged marriages that ignore the couple's own wishes, with priests profiting from negotiating the resulting settlements.

    Read the passage

    The grave offences with which these wild people are principally charged, appear to be abduction and murder; and both are of frequent recurrence. The first, indeed, is so prevalent, that any lady bent upon celibacy had better avoid Ballycroy, and particularly so if she has obtained the reputation of being opulent. This crime, however, is seldom of a dark character, and is generally traceable to local causes, and the very unceremonious mode in which parents conclude matches between their children without consulting the inclinations of the parties most concerned in the affair. Probably the whole matter is arranged between the fathers during an accidental meeting at a fair, or likelier yet, over an eggshell* drinking-bout in a poteen-house. The due proportions of cattle and dry-money^ which are to be given and received are regularly specified ; and the youthful couple who are to be united by the silken bond of Hymen are first acquainted with their purposed happiness after the priest has been sent for to solemnize the nuptials. No wonder, therefore, if the lady have another liaison, that she intimates her feelings to the fortunate man. He finds no difficulty in enlisting a sufficient number of his faction to " hoist away" the intended bride, and carry her to some distant hill or island. Then a wonderful series of bargain-making commences : upon the lady's side it being insisted that the abductor shall forthwith make her " an honest woman :" while the gallant usually demurs to the "amende honorable" until the " consideration" for doing the same is propounded and guaranteed. Now it is that the priest engages deeply in the negociation. He assumes the first

    * It may be easily imagined that glass is a scarce article in Ballycroy. Accordingly, in the still and drinking houses, an egg-shell is used as a substitute.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Ballycroy now, in Mayo. In the time this book describes, abduction was so common here that any wealthy woman set on staying single had best avoid the place altogether. The author calls it one of the two grave offences these wild people were charged with, the other being murder, and says both occurred frequently. The root of it was marriage. Parents would arrange matches between their children without consulting the couple at all. Fathers might settle the whole thing at a fair or over a drinking bout in a poteen house, agreeing on the cattle and money to be given and taken. The young couple would only learn of their intended union once the priest was already sent for to perform the ceremony. If the woman had someone else in mind, she would let him know. He would gather his faction to hoist away the bride and carry her to some distant hill or island. Then the bargaining would begin. Her side would demand he make her an honest woman. He would hold out until the payment for doing so was named and guaranteed. And the priest would involve himself deeply in the negotiation.

22. Herdsman Drowned Fetching Famine Relief Meal Near Ballycroy

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    During a famine, a herdsman travelled to the relief depot at Ballycroy to obtain committee-meal for his starving family. Returning across a flooded river with the meal bound to his back, he was swept away and drowned within sight of his home.

    Read the passage

    isolated family. The welcome news of the arrival of succours at Bally croy at length reached them, and the herdsman set out to procure some of the committee-meal to relieve the hunger of his half-starved family.

    " On arriving at the depot, the stock of meal was nearly expended: however, he obtained a temporary supply, and was comforted with the assurance that a large quantity was hourly expected.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Ballycroy in Mayo. During the famine, a herdsman from an isolated family heard that relief supplies had arrived here, and set out to get committee-meal for his half-starved family. The depot's stock was nearly gone, but he received a temporary supply. Returning home across a flooded river with the meal bound to his back, he was swept away and drowned within sight of his home.

23. Legend of the domesticated seal of Clew Bay

    near Clew Bay · bay · Mayo · 1780–1800

    A tale is recounted of a young seal taken in Clew Bay about forty years earlier and domesticated in a gentleman's kitchen near the sea-shore; it grew tame, fished for its master, and slept in the kitchen oven, before being blamed for cattle disease and cruelly cast out to sea multiple times.

    Read the passage

    " About forty years ago a young seal was taken in Clew Bay, and domesticated in the kitchen of a gentleman, whose house was situated on the sea- shore. It grew apace, became familiar with the servants, and attached to the house and family ; its habits were innocent and gentle ; it played with the children, came at its master's call, and, as the old man described him to me, was ' fond as a dog, and playful as a kitten/

    " Daily the seal went out to fish, and, after providing for his own wrants, frequently brought in a salmon or turbot to his master. His delight in summer was to bask in the sun, and in winter to lie before the fire, or, if permitted, creep into the large oven, which at that time formed the regular appendage of an Irish kitchen.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 26

24. Peeterein and Achil's Runaway Punt on the Flooded Estuary

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    A boatman named Peeterein left his companion Achil guarding a punt while he fetched spring water, but Achil fell asleep and the storm-driven river swept the boat half a mile down the flooded channel toward the roaring bar. The punt and sleeping boy were rescued just before disaster, with Peeterein comically revealing his real anxiety was for his brother's shoes aboard the boat.

    Read the passage

    bottom of the skiff to shelter himself from the piercing east wind ; and, in place of keeping watch and ward like an able mariner, composed himself to sleep. Meanwhile the river rose fearfully ; the breeze freshened into a gale ; and when Peeterein hurried back with his water- vessels, he had the satisfaction of seeing the punt half a mile down channel, hurrying as fast as a flooded river and a freshening storm could urge it to the bar, which now broke in thunder. I had been shooting on this side, and reached the strand while Peeterein was hallooing for assistance. A boat was rapidly despatched — the skiff, when its destruction appeared inevitable, was overtaken, and Achil found as comfortably asleep as if he were in his accustomed crib in the barn. The ebullitions of Peeterein's sorrow, while the fate of skiff and boy was still uncertain, astonished me ; and when I saw the punt in tow, I observed that, as the boy was recovered, he might now cease his lamentations. — ' The Lord be blessed ! there she is : another minute would have made noggin- staves of her! Arrah! and did ye think it was Achil I was frettin after — the devil pursue him for an unlucky member ! No, faith — I was in sore distress, for my brother s shoes were aboard!' "

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy, this stretch of coast remembers a runaway punt and a very strange rescue. A boatman called Peeterein left his companion Achil guarding the skiff while he went to fetch spring water. But Achil curled up in the bottom of the boat to shelter from the piercing east wind and fell fast asleep. The river rose, the breeze turned to a gale, and by the time Peeterein hurried back, the punt was half a mile down the channel, driven toward the bar, which was breaking in thunder. A boat was launched, the skiff was overtaken just before destruction seemed inevitable, and Achil was found as comfortably asleep as if he were in his accustomed crib in the barn. What stayed with the storyteller was Peeterein's relief. When the punt was safely in tow, someone observed that now the boy was recovered he might cease his lamentations. Peeterein answered, 'Arrah! and did ye think it was Achil I was frettin after — the devil pursue him for an unlucky member! No, faith — I was in sore distress, for my brother's shoes were aboard!'

25. The Achill Man and the Mare's Egg of Castlebar

    Castlebar · town · Mayo

    An old jest tells of an Achill islander who traveled to Castlebar and was tricked by a shopkeeper into buying an earthen jar as a 'mare's egg' that would hatch a foal. The tale illustrates the islanders' isolation and simplicity, being unfamiliar with towns.

    Read the passage

    An islander was once obliged to go into the town of Castlebar upon business ; and among other marvellous things which there met his sight, he was particularly struck with the appearance of an earthen jar in a shop-window. He inquired what this unknown article might be, and was informed that it was a mare's egg, which, if placed beside the fire during the winter, would infallibly produce a foal the ensuing spring. The price was moderate, and the Achil man determined to possess the treasure, and thus become master of a horse. Having effected the purchase,

    * A sacred well in the west, tenanted by a trout of surpassing sanctity.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 173

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Castlebar now, a town in Mayo. An old jest from these parts tells of a man from Achill who came here on business and saw an earthen jar in a shop window. He asked what it was, and the shopkeeper told him it was a mare's egg. If he placed it beside the fire through the winter, it would produce a foal come spring. The price was modest, and the Achill man bought it, hoping to become the master of a horse. The tale was told to show how far the islanders were from the world of towns.

26. The Loyal Henchman of Ballycroy Who Hid His Measles

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    A young peasant acting as the author's gun-bearer in Ballycroy concealed that he had contracted measles the previous night rather than give up his post, working twelve hours under a burning sun until he collapsed unconscious; old Antony treated him and he recovered within a week.

    Read the passage

    One incident I must mention, for it marks the character of this simple and devoted peasantry. It was the hottest of the dog-days, and we had toiled over a barren moor, and missed some packs that we were aware were in that neighbourhood. A hill of most discouraging altitude was before us— and as its face was difficult beyond description, I hesitated to attempt it. But beyond it was a land of promise — a valley where wonders might be expected— and malgre fatigue, I did muster courage for the ascent. I gave my gun to a young peasant who acted as my henchman, and, as he was already loaded heavily, I observed him stagger more than once before we gained the summit. Throughout the day he never left my side — when the river was forded, he led the way — and yet I observed that he was unusually flushed, and at times sighed heavily. When we reached the cabin, he tottered to a seat, and the next moment became insensible. Then, and not till then, the truth was disclosed : he had been attacked with measles on the preceding night ; but rather than surrender his post to another, he actually, arid under the fever of the disease, worked for twelve hours beneath a burning sun. Old Antony, by some simple means, brought the eruption plentifully to the skin, and in another week my gallant henchman was at my side, without any apparent trace of lassitude.

    1 have left these mountains, and never shall I enjoy the * Loy, a narrow sp.ii.lc.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 177

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy in Mayo, this is where a young peasant once showed what devotion meant. He was acting as the author's gun-bearer over a barren moor in the hottest of the dog-days, already loaded heavily and staggering more than once before they gained the summit of a difficult hill. He never left the author's side, leading the way when the river was forded, though he was unusually flushed and sighed heavily at times. When they reached the cabin he tottered to a seat and the next moment became insensible. Then the truth came out. He had been attacked with measles the preceding night, but rather than surrender his post to another he worked for twelve hours beneath a burning sun, under the fever of the disease. Old Antony, by some simple means, brought the eruption plentifully to the skin, and within a week the young henchman was back at the author's side without any apparent trace of lassitude. The author said it marked the character of this simple and devoted peasantry.

27. The wake of the otter-killer at the barn

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    The corpse of the otter-killer is laid out in a barn large enough to hold the numerous mourners; his trap and fishing rod are placed above his head, and for two days and nights hundreds attended the wake from as far as twenty miles away, consuming whisky and tobacco in quantity.

    Read the passage

    Everybody has heard an Irish wake described, and there is no dissimilarity among a hundred, only that, according to the opulence of the family, and the quantity of funeral refreshments, the mirth and jollity of the mourners is invariably proportionate. That the master's ancient retainers should be nobly waked was fully expected by the country, and certainly they were not disappointed. Whisky in quantities passing all understanding, tobacco in all its preparations, were fearfully consumed on this important ceremony ; and during the two days and nights which the otter-killer was above ground, the barn, spacious as it was, proved unequal to accommodate the hundreds who flocked from a distance of even twenty miles to have " a last look at ould Antony."

    When the evening fell on which the corpse was to be carried to its resting-place, a scene of great novelty and great interest ensued. From the insulated situation of the Lodge, *i connexion with the burying-ground, it was necessary that ,-*ie body should be carried across the estuary by water. At the appointed hour, from every creek and harbour, the peasantry were seen afloat : and when the funeral left the house, more than a hundred boats accompanied that in which the corpse was deposited. My kinsman followed next to the body with all his visitors and servants ; and when the opposite strand was reached, he and his foster-brother placed their shoulders under the coffin, and supported it for a short distance along the beach.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Ballycroy, this is the country where an old otter-killer called Antony was waked in a barn, his trap and fishing rod laid above his head. For two days and nights the corpse was above ground, and hundreds came from as far as 20 miles away for what the source calls "a last look at ould Antony." Whisky and tobacco were consumed in quantities passing all understanding, and the mourners' mirth ran proportionate to the funeral refreshments. The barn, spacious as it was, could not hold the crowds. When evening fell on the day of the funeral, the body had to be carried across the estuary by water, and more than a hundred boats accompanied the coffin from every creek and harbour around.

28. Sir Mark Blake's drunken churchgoing order at Portumna

    Portumna · town · Galway

    A militia anecdote recounts a young officer, sent to Portumna with his company, waking the hungover Colonel Sir Mark Blake to ask which church to march the men to. Blake, unable to recall the position of church or chapel after a heavy night's drinking, tells him to take the men to whichever is nearest.

    Read the passage

    " No good will come of it," said the Colonel. " I mind the time in Connaught when no man clearly knew to what religion he belonged ; and in one family, the boys would go to church and the girls to mass, or may be, both would join and go to whichever happened to be nearest. When I entered the militia, I recollect, the first time I was ever detached from head- quarters, I went with the company to Portumna. Old Sir Mark Blake, who commanded the regiment, happened to be passing through, and the night before he had had a desperate drink with General Loftus at the Castle. When I left Loughrea, I forgot to ascertain where I should bring the men on Sunday, and I thought this a good opportunity to ask the question. I opened his bedroom-door softly. ' Sir Mark,' says I, f where shall I march the men ?' ' What kind of a day is it ?" says he. ' Rather wet/ was my answer. 'It's liker the night that preceded it/ said he.

    * Upon my conscience, my lad/ he continued, ( my head's not clear enough at present to recollect the exact position of church and chapel ; but take them to the nearest.' That is what I call," and the Colonel shook his head gravely, "real Christian feeling."

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 115

29. Bribing the Justice of the Peace with Scallops and Oysters

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    The text describes a former local custom whereby petitioners approaching a justice of the peace were expected to bring a gift such as chickens, scallops, or oysters, or risk being turned away by the household servants acting as gatekeepers, described sardonically as 'four pound constables.'

    Read the passage

    " a trifle for his honour," would be an offence of passing magnitude ; a basket of chickens, a cleave of scallops, or an ass-load of oysters, harbingered the aggriever and the aggrieved. If these formulse were not duly attended to, the fountain of taw was hermetically sealed ; and a house functionary — for all the servants on the establishment were " four pound constables"— announced that ft his honour would do no justice," and bundled off the applicant to some one more approachable of his Majesty's numerous and poor esquires.

    The oysters found in the bays and estuaries along this coast are of a very superior quality ; and their quantity may be inferred from the fact, that on the shores where they are bedded, a turf-basket large enough to contain six or seven hundred, can be filled for a sixpence. A couple of men will easily, and in a few hours, lift a horse- load ! — arid, notwithstanding the numbers carried off by sailing-boats from Clare and Munster, the stock appears to be little reduced by the constant dredging. There are besides these, other shellfishes greatly prized by the peasantry, but which I had never had the curiosity to eat, such as razor-fish, clams, and various kinds of muscles. These occasionally make a welcome change in the otherwise unvarying potato diet ; and, better still, employ the idler members of the family, whose youth or age unfits them for more laborious exertions.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy, there was a time when getting justice from the local magistrate required more than a grievance. Petitioners were expected to arrive bearing a gift, what the book calls a trifle for his honour. A basket of chickens, a creel of scallops, or a load of oysters on an ass would precede both the complainant and the accused. Without the proper offering, the servants on the establishment, described sardonically as four pound constables, would announce that his honour would do no justice and bundle the applicant off to find some other of the King's squires. The oysters from the bays and estuaries along this coast were of very superior quality. On the shores where they were bedded, a turf-basket holding 600 or 700 could be filled for a sixpence, and a couple of men could lift a horse-load in a few hours. Boats from Clare and Munster carried off great numbers, yet the stock seemed little reduced. Razor-fish, clams, and mussels were also prized by the peasantry, a welcome change from the unvarying potato diet and useful work for the young and old who could manage nothing more strenuous.

30. Outlaw Burke arrested and transported after feud with the Sweenies

    Ballyveeny · townland · Tyrone

    The outlaw Mr. Burke, having created a feud with the Sweeny clan through his aggression, was arrested in a whisky-house, tried, narrowly escaped hanging, and was transported to Australasia for life; he later attempted to strangle a jailer to escape.

    Read the passage

    But the note of dissolution of our happy party has sounded. The Colonel, having divers premonitory twinges, has named an early day for his departure. To be caught by the gout here, would be a hazardous experiment; and the portmanteau, whose captivity was likely to occasion such desperate results, is again packed and confided to Andy Bawn. But the commander's baggage is not to be exposed to a second interruption. The attempt was fatal to Mr. Burke ; for, emboldened by the feud which his unadvised aggression created between my kinsman and this modern Cacus, the Sweenies* seized the opportunity, and the outlaw was arrested in a whisky-house, tried, and escaped by a miracle from being hanged, — but was, alas ! consigned to Australasia for the course of his natural life

    To do Mr. Burke justice, he left his native soil with regret. Finding all chance of commuted punishment over, he endeavoured to obtain his liberty by an ingenious plan to strangle the turnkeys, and emancipate all and every victim of judicial tyranny who pleased to accept his freedom. He did, poor man, make an excellent offer to choke a jailer — but fortune frowned upon the attempt ; the half-throttled janitor was

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 157

31. Seal cast out beyond Clare Island by superstitious owner

    Clare Island · electoral division · Mayo

    On the advice of a 'wise woman' who blamed the household seal for cattle deaths from crippawn disease, the seal was carried out beyond Clare Island and abandoned at sea, only to return home the next morning.

    Read the passage

    " For four years the seal had been thus domesticated, when, unfortunately, a disease, called in this country the crippawn — a kind of paralytic affection of the limbs, which generally ends fatally — attacked some black cattle belonging to the master of the house ; some died, others became infected, and the customary cure produced by changing them to drier pasture failed. A wise woman was consulted, and the hag assured the credulous owner, that the mortality among his cows was occasioned by his retaining an unclean beast about his habitation — the harmless and amusing seal. It must be made away with directly, or the crippawn would continue, and her charms be unequal to avert the malady. The superstitious wretch consented to the hag's proposal ; and the seal was put on board a boat, carried out beyond Clare Island, and there committed to the deep, to manage for himself as he best could. The boat returned, the family retired to rest, and next morning a servant awakened her master to tell him that the seal was quietly sleeping in the oven. The poor animal

    which occasion it afforded no small entertainment. When thrown into

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 26

32. Search and Rescue of the Old Otter-Killer

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    When aged otter-hunter Antony goes missing in the mountains near the cabin, the household organizes a torchlit night search across the bogs, eventually finding him collapsed and near death by the riverbank with his dog Venny beside him.

    Read the passage

    "We pushed forward rapidly for several hundred yards in the direction the noise was heard from ; and the whining of a dog, broken now and then by a long and piercing howl, continued to guide us. We reached the place, and on turning a rock which elbowed into the river abruptly, found the old man extended on the ground, cold and motionless. The trap was bound across his back, and a large otter lay at some yards distance from the place where he had fallen.

    We raised him up, while the faithful terrier frisked about us, and testified sincere delight at the promised recovery of her master. The old man's eyes feebly opened when the torch-light flashed upon his face. This symptom of existing life encouraged us, and, as his extremities were cold and powerless, his master and I rubbed them briskly between our hands, while Hennessey poured some brandy down his throat.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy, these mountains once saw a desperate torchlit search. Old Antony, an otter-hunter, went missing in the hills, and the household turned out across the bogs at night. His dog Venny's whining and long piercing howls guided them through the dark until they rounded a rock jutting into the river and found him on the ground, cold and motionless, with a trap bound across his back and a large otter lying yards away. The faithful terrier frisked about the rescuers. When torch-light flashed on his face his eyes feebly opened, and they rubbed his cold powerless limbs and poured brandy down his throat.

33. The Mad Major's Bargain with the Beggars of Mullingar

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath

    When the 50th Regiment was garrisoned in Mullingar, the town was said to have more beggars than any other in the kingdom, making the streets nearly impassable. The Mad Major summoned all the beggars together on an appointed day and swore on a Bible never to give them another penny while he remained in the town.

    Read the passage

    When the gallant 50th were removed to Mullingar, it was supposed that this town produced a greater number of beggars than any in the king's dominions : a swarm of paupers rendered the streets almost impassable, and ingress or egress to or from a shop was occasionally impracticable. Now, beggars were to the Mad Major an abomination ; and for two days he ensconced himself in his lodgings, rather than encounter the mendicants of Mullingar. Confinement will increase bile, and bile may induce gout ; and at last, wearied of captivity, he sallied forth, and to every application for relief, he specified an early day, requesting the numerous supplicants to be punctual to the appointed time. His wish was faithfully attended to ; and on the expected morning, the street where he resided was literally blocked up. The Major, under a volley of blessings, appeared at the hall-door. " Are you all here?" he inquired, in accents of the tenderest compassion. " All, your honour — all, young and owld!" responded a big beggarman. " We're all here, colonel, avorneenf exclaimed a red virago, " but my own poor man, Brieney Bokkogh-,* and he, the crater ! fell into the fire a Sunday night, and him hearty, and sorrow stir he can make good nor bad." — " Ah, then," said the humane commander, " why should poor Brien be left out? Arrah! run yourself, and bring the cripple to us," In a twinkling off went the red virago, and, after a short absence, issued from a neighbouring lane, with Brieney on her shoulders. " Are you all here now?" inquired the tender-hearted chieftain. " Every single sowl of us," said an old woman in reply.

    * Bryan the Cripple.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 15

34. The unfaithful cook's debts of pilgrimage at Ballintubber and Croagh Patrick

    near Croagh Patrick · mountain or mountain range · Mayo

    A cook in the narrator's cousin's household, outwardly pious and attending mass regularly, ran off with a pedler; it then emerged she had long neglected religious obligations, owing multiple pilgrimage 'stations' at Ball and dozens more at Croagh Patrick which she never intended to fulfil.

    Read the passage

    no great Catholic it is true ! for she owned to me last Saint John's — and she hearty at the time — that she was in debt four stations at Ball, and three and twenty at Croagh Patrick ! She was, the crature, a fine warrant for a promise, but the worst performer under the canopy of heaven — She'll never/5 said the old man, with his own peculiar chuckle, " clear scores with the Reek and Father Nolan. In troth, I think it would almost puzzle Bobby !"*

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 107

35. A Peasant Ruined by Bad Weather and Distillation at Castlebar

    Castlebar · town · Mayo

    A comfortable Ballycroy farmer, after losing grain to spoilage during a stormy hooker voyage to Westport, was forced to distil it; his spirits were seized by the Revenue in Castlebar, he was imprisoned four months, and his home was stripped to pay rent.

    Read the passage

    A person of comfortable means, having suffered severe loss from private distillation, determined that he would never " wet a grain during his natural life." He shipped his corn accordingly in a hooker for Westport, it being the nearest place where a purchaser could be found. Bad weather and contrary winds came on, and during eight days, for so much time was occupied in the passage, the grain was exposed to rain and spray eternally, and when it reached its destination, was found to be so much damaged, as to be rendered unfit for sale. The unlucky owner was eventually obliged to bring it back, and in self-defence to malt and distil it. The process was completed, and the spirits safely brought to the town of Castlebar. There it was seized by the Revenue, the proprietor imprisoned for four months, and his cattle and furniture at home canted to pay that rent, which the corn, had it been marketable, would have more than realized. By this accumulation of misfortune, the unhappy man was reduced to the greatest misery, and from having been once an opulent land-

    I V.xt' P V\';> MUUM'lNc;.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Castlebar, this is a town where a farmer's run of bad luck ended in ruin. He had sworn off private distillation after earlier losses, so he shipped his corn by hooker to Westport to sell it. But contrary winds kept the voyage at sea for eight days, and the grain was soaked the whole way by rain and spray. By the time it reached port it was too damaged to sell. He brought it home and, having no other option, malted and distilled it. The spirits were safely brought to Castlebar, where the Revenue seized them. He was imprisoned for four months, and back at his home his cattle and furniture were auctioned off to pay the rent, money the corn itself would have covered had it been marketable. One accumulation of misfortune after another left him in the greatest misery, reduced from having been an opulent man.

36. Beal-fires lit across Achill and the coast to mark a death

    near Achill Island · island or archipelago · Mayo

    Upon Antony's death, a beal-fire is lit at the Lodge as an ancient custom to notify neighbours of a death, and is answered by fires seen kindling on the hills of Achill and along the coast for miles, illustrating a traditional signalling custom.

    Read the passage

    I would have interrupted these melancholy forebodings, but just then, from the lofty brow of an inland hill which I had frequently observed before, a light appeared, first faintly struggling, but presently reddening to the sight; and two fires in Achil, in a time of incredible briefness, flung their deep glow across the waters, and, as I afterwards remarked, were repeated for miles along the coast and high grounds.

    The rapidity with which the beal-fire was replied to, evidently pleased my kinsman's family vanity ; and with higher spirits, we watched the lights tremble in the windows of the Lodge, until these stellce minores directed our voyage to its termination.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 153

37. Comparative degrees of oath-swearing in Ballycroy: book, vestment, skull

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    In Ballycroy legal oaths on the evangelists are considered less binding than swearing on the priest's vestment, and swearing on a human skull is regarded as the most solemn and conclusive form of oath.

    Read the passage

    It is a lamentable fact, that the obligation of legal oath is here of trifling importance. Cases of determined perjury occur every day ; and an adjuration upon the evangelists, is considered as being far inferior in solemnity to one upon the priest's vestment. Whether there be any regular formula to be observed in this comparative swearing, I know not ; I say comparative, for in Ballycroy, oaths, like adjectives, have three degrees of value. First, that upon the evangelists ; the second, upon the vestment ; and the last upon the skull. Nothing is more common than to hear a fellow, who had just laid down the book, offer to fortify his doubtful evidence, by taking number two. But even the vestment is not always conclusive; and the following anecdote will best describe the value of comparative swearing :

    * Synonymous to Neddy. t A basket.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy in Mayo, here is a strange old custom. Legal oaths sworn upon the evangelists are treated as trifling things, and perjury happens every day. Oaths here have three degrees of value, like adjectives. The lowest is swearing on the book. The second is swearing on the priest's vestment, and a man who has just laid down the book will offer to fortify his doubtful evidence by taking number two. But even the vestment is not always conclusive. The most solemn and conclusive oath of all is sworn upon a human skull.

38. Feudal justice and clerical cursing threatened in Ballycroy

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    Following the portmanteau robbery, the aggrieved landowner of Ballycroy prepared to hunt down the outlaw Burke himself rather than involve the law, while old Antony planned to have Burke formally cursed in two chapels the following Sunday.

    Read the passage

    Indeed the whole esprit de corps is up — the multitudinous idlers of the Lodge are concocting schemes of vengeance. The honour of the "ancient house" is at stake; and the very women are roused to action. Old Antony himself is not supine — he does not, like Diogenes at Sinope, contemplate the general activity with indifference : while all besides are turning the secular arm against the delinquent, the Otter-killer will call in the assistance of the Church, and, by the blessing of God, he will have Mr. Burke cursed in two chapels next Sunday, and in a style too, that he expects shall give universal satisfaction to all concerned.

    Nor am I, though unassailed in dignity or effects, upon a bed of roses . Who shall say where this business will terminate ? We shall exchange deer-shooting for robber-hunting ; and night and the mount* Vis being unfavourable to identity of the person, I may be shot by mistake for an outlaw, or find myself in some ravine, t&e-a-tdte with Mr. Burke ! I plead guilty to constitutional nervousness, and for the last hour my kinsman and his visiter have been seeking a parallel case in a number of outrages, that are quite sufficient to ruin a man's rest for the winter. What memories they have ! There has not been a house robbed for the last century with whose localities the}?- are not as well acquainted as the builder ; and in murder-cases, they display an anatomical experience that is surprising ! Hennessey, who seldom shows, has been eternally with us since the cloth was lifted, and having received his final instructions, (I hope,) has disappeared. Lord ! the tall, gaunt, care-worn, homicidal look of the man, as with a double gun across his arm, and a case of pistols projecting from his coat-pockets, he took the wine his patron gave him ! but, " chacun a son gotit," — my kinsman would not lose him for a thousand, while his very look gives me the horrors ! Even the Piper appears to have caught the general infection : he has been lilting a full hour — not a jig or strathspey, but love-lorn ditties, and the most lamentable compositions that ever issued from the bag or chanter.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Ballycroy in Mayo. After a robbery here, the aggrieved landowner prepared to hunt the outlaw Burke himself, rather than call in the law. The honour of what the source calls the "ancient house" was at stake, and even the women were roused to action. Old Antony, called the Otter-killer, took a different course. While the others turned the secular arm against the delinquent, he called in the Church. He planned to have Burke cursed in two chapels the following Sunday, in a style he expected would give universal satisfaction to all concerned. The narrator feared the business might end badly, that night shooting on the mountain could lead to mistaken identity, and he might find himself face to face with Burke in some ravine. A man named Hennessey, described as tall, gaunt and care-worn, received his final instructions and disappeared with a double gun and a case of pistols. Even the Piper caught the general mood, playing not jigs but love-lorn ditties and lamentable compositions.

39. Seal Hunt Trapped in the Tidal Pool

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    A seal pursuing a salmon became trapped in a shallow tidal pool on the estuary when the tide fell, and cockle-gatherers formed a barrier to prevent its escape while the household rushed with a salmon-net and spears. Old Antony arrived first and Hennessey killed the seal with an otter-spear after it was driven onto the shoal.

    Read the passage

    the scene of action. It was a deep and rather an extensive pool, and the unfortunate seal absconded to the place most likely to afford concealment till the flood-tide should liberate him from the hand of his enemies. But, alas ! they were many and malignant ; and, driven from his deepest and last retreat, to avoid being meshed in the net, he was forced upon the shoal, when an otter- spear, struck to the socket of the grains by the vigorous arm of Hennessey, killed him without a straggle. When the net was brought ashore, the moiety of a large salmon remained in the meshes, and told the errand which induced the defunct seal to commit himself to the faithless shoals which proved so fatal to him.

    This is, indeed, a day of incidents. Dinner was just removed, when, on the top of flood, a coast-guard galley ran in with a leading breeze from the westward. The very elegant proportions of the boat, the happy attitude, the snowy whiteness of her large lugs, as with the favourable light which a sunless but clear blue sky gave, she rounded the headland, and came up like a race-horse to the pier, had called our undivided attention to her arrival. While conjecture was busy as to what her business might be, we observed a man with his arm slung in a handkerchief, and apparently in considerable pain, leave her. The cause was soon ascertained, for a serious accident had occurred, and we all adjourned to the kitchen, where Antony was already occupied with the wound.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Ballycroy, out on the estuary. A seal had been chasing a salmon when the tide fell and left it trapped in a deep pool. It hid in the deepest part, waiting for the flood to set it free. But the people were many, and they meant to have it. Cockle-gatherers formed a barrier to cut off escape while the household rushed down with a salmon-net and spears. Old Antony arrived first. The seal was driven from its last retreat to avoid the net, forced out onto the shoal. There Hennessey struck it with an otter-spear, driven to the socket of the grains, and killed it without a struggle. When the net was brought ashore, half a large salmon hung in the meshes, telling the errand that had brought the seal to these shoals in the first place. The day had more in it. Dinner had just been cleared when a coast-guard galley ran in on the top of the flood with a breeze from the west. She rounded the headland and came up to the pier like a race-horse, her sails white against a clear blue sky. A man stepped off with his arm slung in a handkerchief, in considerable pain. A serious accident had occurred, and they all went to the kitchen, where Antony was already tending the wound.

40. Smuggling Cutter The Jane Spotted Between Black Rock and Devilawn

    near Black Rock · hill or hills · Donegal

    A smuggling cutter is seen opening the bay between the Black Rock and the island of Devilawn, standing in under full sail while the local population gathers along the coast to receive her cargo.

    Read the passage

    Between the Black Rock and the island of Devilawn, a cutter was opening the bay, and standing from the westward under a press of canvass. She carried a spanking breeze in, and, as her course was too points off the wind, her sails drew, and she came up " hand over hand." The approach was evidently expected, for from every nook and inlet rowboats were being launched — the whole population poured forth from the mountain villages — and the coast, as far as the eye could reach, was in marvellous commotion. Nothing could be more beautiful and picturesque than the appearance of the smuggler. The sunshine fell upon her snowy canvass, a pri-

    248 SMUGGLER APPEARS.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Black Rock in Donegal, this was the scene of a smuggler's arrival. A cutter came opening the bay between Black Rock and the island of Devilawn, standing in from the westward under a press of canvas. She carried a spanking breeze, and as her course lay two points off the wind, she came up "hand over hand." The approach was expected. From every nook and inlet rowboats were launched, the whole population poured forth from the mountain villages, and the coast as far as the eye could reach was in marvellous commotion. Nothing could be more beautiful than the smuggler, with sunshine upon her snowy canvas.

41. Ballinasloe: Cattle Dealers, Saints, and Bibles

    Ballinasloe · town · Galway · 1829

    The narrator describes Ballinasloe as a town frequented equally by saints and cattle dealers, where a smart trade is carried on in sheep and religious proselytes. He notes the whitewashed cabins, prohibition of pigs and popery, and strict Sabbath observance enforced on travellers.

    Read the passage

    The town of Ballinasloe is seated on a river, the name of which I neglected to inquire. It is much frequented by saints and cattle dealers, carries on a smart trade in sheep and proselytes, and Bibles and bullocks are " thick as leaves in Vallombrosa." The cabins, moreover, are whitewashed ; pigs and popery are prohibited ; and travellers wayfaring on the seventh day denounced, and, under perilous amercements, enjoined to take their ease in their respective inns.

    While the horses were being brought out, I strolled into the street, and, in a show-room of the Farming Society, discovered a collection of biblicals in full activity. From a short gentleman with soiled linen and an impeded delivery, I learned the gratifying fact, that the spread of the Gospel was progressive in California ; and, further, that a second-cousin of the King of Siam had been baptized by a Moravian Missionary. This latter annunciation elicited a thunder of applause ; and a young lady with a lisp pinched my elbow playfully, and requested me to propose that a piece of plate be transmitted to the convertee. Now, pinching one's elbow on a five minutes' acquaintance is alarming; I accordingly levanted, leaving Lispy to propose the plate in person. I observed in my retreat a mob assembled round the chapel, and, pushing through a crowd of ragged urchins, established myself in the doorway. Within there was a meeting of Radical Reformers, and a tall man was pouring forth a philippic from the altar, in which he made an awful example of the king's English, and, in his syllabic arrangements, differed totally from modern orthoepists. The gist of his oration went to prove, that Catholic Emancipation was a

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

    As the companion tells it

    Ballinasloe sits on a river here in Galway, and in 1829 it was a place where saints and cattle dealers mingled freely. The town carried on a brisk trade in both sheep and religious proselytes, and as the book puts it, Bibles and bullocks were "thick as leaves in Vallombrosa." The cabins were whitewashed, pigs and popery were prohibited, and any traveller caught wayfaring on the seventh day was denounced and forced, under penalty, to stay put in their inn. While his horses were being brought out, the narrator wandered into the street and found a show-room of the Farming Society full of biblicals in full activity. A short gentleman with soiled linen told him the Gospel was spreading in California and that a second cousin of the King of Siam had been baptized by a Moravian missionary. This news drew thunderous applause, and a young lady with a lisp pinched his elbow and asked him to propose sending a piece of plate to the convert. He found the elbow-pinching alarming after five minutes' acquaintance and made his escape, leaving her to propose the plate herself. Retreating toward the chapel, he pushed through ragged urchins and found a meeting of Radical Reformers inside, where a tall man was delivering a furious speech from the altar about Catholic Emancipation.

42. Emineein struck down by faragurta on the moors, cured with potatoes at a still-house

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    A boy named Emineein, attending the narrator's kinsman on the moors, was suddenly stricken with faragurta and lost the power of his limbs; whisky failed to revive him, but he recovered after eating potatoes at a nearby illicit still-house.

    Read the passage

    active boy, called Emineein* commonly attended me to the moors, and one day he was suddenly taken ill, in the very wildest part of the hills. He lost all power of limb, and lay down upon the heath unable to proceed a step. We had no grain of any kind to administer, and in this emergency tried that universal panacea — a glass of whisky. After he had swallowed the cordial, the boy rather got worse than better, and we were obliged to carry him to a still- house, at nearly two miles, distance. On our arrival, fortunately for Emineein, we found the operators collected round a skibb\ of potatoes. After eating one or two, the patient was able to join the party, and next morning proceeded stoutly home.

    " In my own case, the predisposing cause was no enigma. I had been one of a knot of foxhunters who, on the preceding night, had indulged in a desperate jollification. Finding a disinclination for breakfas.t, I repaired, contrary to my general habit, without it to the mountains. I had exercised severely for several hours, when at once I became helpless as an infant, and sank upon a bank incapable of motion. My pony and some food were speedily obtained, and the faragurta banished. But assuredly, if unassisted, I must have lain upon the heath, for I could not make the slightest exertion to get forward."

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy in Mayo, these moors hold a story of a sudden affliction the people here called faragurta. A boy called Emineein, attending the narrator's kinsman on the hills, was suddenly taken ill in the wildest part of the moors. He lost all power of his limbs and lay on the heath, unable to move a step. They tried whisky, that universal panacea, but the boy only got worse. They carried him nearly two miles to a stillhouse, where they found the operators gathered round potatoes. After eating one or two, the patient recovered enough to join the party, and next morning walked stoutly home. The narrator himself suffered the same affliction. He had spent the night before in a desperate jollification with foxhunters, then gone to the mountains without breakfast. After hours of hard exercise he became helpless as an infant and sank on a bank, incapable of motion. A pony and some food were brought, and the faragurta was banished. He said that if unassisted, he must have lain on the heath, for he could not make the slightest exertion to get forward.

43. Steeple-chases at Knockcroghery

    Knockcroghery · townland · Roscommon

    The steeple-chases held at Knockcroghery featured six-foot walls built especially for the races, jumped at full speed by daring Connaught horsemen under the eyes of stewards who gave honest measure.

    Read the passage

    Of the riders, it may be observed that, much as Connaught has been celebrated for desperate horsemanship, no charge of degeneracy will lie against the present race. To the curious in break-neck fencing, I would recommend a sojourn with a Connaught club — or if that should be inconvenient, a visit to the steeple-chases on the plains or at Knockcroghery would be sufficient — he will there see six feet walls especially built <cfor the nonce," under the inspection of conscious stewards, who would give nothing but honest measure, taken at racing speed, and that too in the middle of a bunch of gentlemen, who would ride over an adopted child ; — or let him join a drag after a champaign lunch at Lord C.'s ; — let him do this, and then form his estimate of Connaught horsemanship.

    A mistake prevails in England, as to the supposed inferiority in value of the horses commonly employed by the Western

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 175

44. The Legend of the Fly-Refusing Trout and the Goose-Line Fisher

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    A remote mountain lake produces very large trout that never rise to fly or bait, said locally to be prevented by 'a sea-horse, or some such devil in the lough'; an old man was said to have once caught them plentifully using lines tied to the legs of geese.

    Read the passage

    The otter-killer declares that he fished this lake repeatedly, and while he exhausted all his piscatory skill, he never could induce a trout to rise. He recollects, however, hearing "when a boy," that there was formerly an old man, who resided contiguous to the lake, who caught trout most plentifully near the centre of the water, by floating lines across it, their ends being attached to the 1'egs of geese ; but he admits his belief that this was but a popular conceit, and wisely comes to a conclusion, " that there is a sea-horse, or some such devil in the lough, which prevents the fish from taking fly or worm."*

    Three days have passed, and the weather has been wet and boisterous. The moors have become soft, and are now very distressing to traverse. The grouse have deserted their customary haunts, are found with difficulty, and, from their wildness, will hardly stand the dogs. Winter is fast approaching, and the time is close at hand when the cabin must be abandoned for the more substantial comforts of the Lodge.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Ballycroy now, in Mayo, where the mountain lakes hold a strange legend. An otter-killer who fished one of these lakes repeatedly said he could never induce a trout to rise, no matter how he tried. But he recalled hearing as a boy that an old man who lived near the lake once caught trout most plentifully near the centre of the water, by floating lines across it with the ends tied to the legs of geese. The otter-killer admitted this was probably just a popular conceit. He came to his own conclusion, that, as the book puts it, "there is a sea-horse, or some such devil in the lough, which prevents the fish from taking fly or worm."

45. Women rowers outpull men in a boat race before the Lodge

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    The narrator observes a boat race near the Lodge in which a boat rowed by four women challenged and outpulled a boat rowed by four men, remarking on the physically demanding, non-feminine occupations of the women of Ballycroy who share dangerous work with men.

    Read the passage

    How soft the evening twilight falls on the waters of the estuary ! the tide kisses the very verge of the greensward, and looks so treacherously calm, as if its storms were for ever ended. Boat after boat hurries down the inlet to shoot their herring-nets for the night ; and many an ancient ditty, or ruder tale, will while away the time till morning. Occasionally a struggle between two rival barks ensues — and I remark, the contest invariably takes place before the windows of the Lodge. One very singular one amused me much. A boat rowed by four women challenged, and actually outpulled another, though propelled by a similar number of the coarser sex.

    Indeed, the occupations of the ladies of Ballycroy are not essentially feminine : the roughest and most dangerous employments they share in common with the men. A Mahratta woman, they told me in India, regularly shampoos her husband's horse. Were I of the fair sex, I would rather operate on a quadruped than row a fishing-boat by the day, and cut sea-weed up to the waist in water, with the expectation of being swept from my precarious footing by the first mountainous surge.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy in Mayo, there's a story from the old writing about a boat race on the estuary. The author watched boats hurrying down the inlet to shoot their herring-nets for the night, and he noticed these contests invariably took place before the windows of the Lodge. One race amused him greatly. A boat rowed by four women challenged and actually outpulled another boat, though it was propelled by a similar number of the coarser sex. He remarked that the occupations of the women of Ballycroy were not essentially feminine. They shared the roughest and most dangerous employments in common with the men, rowing fishing-boats by the day and cutting sea-weed up to the waist in water, with the expectation of being swept from their precarious footing by the first mountainous surge.

46. Scandal of a man bringing a girl out of Achill despite three wives

    near Achill · parish · Mayo

    The priest recounts excommunicating a parishioner who brought a girl out of Achill on a false oath while already having three wives living in the parish, after which the man turned informer to the revenue service out of spite.

    Read the passage

    "I did that last Candlemas. He brought a girl out of Achil, on book oath, and he with his three decent wives in the parish already. I quenched the candles on him, and then he took to the revenue — Nemo repente fuit turpissimus"

    " And how do you and the new minister get on ?"

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Achill, this parish has a wild old tale. A priest here once excommunicated a man at Candlemas for bringing a girl out of Achill on a false book oath, though he already had three wives living in the parish. After the candles were quenched on him, the man turned informer for the revenue out of spite.

47. Bible Meeting and Radical Reform Meeting in Ballinasloe

    Ballinasloe · town · Galway · 1829

    In a show-room of the Farming Society at Ballinasloe, the narrator finds a Bible Society meeting in progress, with claims of missionary success in California and Siam. Nearby, a mob gathers at the chapel to hear a Radical Reformer denounce Catholic Emancipation.

    Read the passage

    While the horses were being brought out, I strolled into the street, and, in a show-room of the Farming Society, discovered a collection of biblicals in full activity. From a short gentleman with soiled linen and an impeded delivery, I learned the gratifying fact, that the spread of the Gospel was progressive in California ; and, further, that a second-cousin of the King of Siam had been baptized by a Moravian Missionary. This latter annunciation elicited a thunder of applause ; and a young lady with a lisp pinched my elbow playfully, and requested me to propose that a piece of plate be transmitted to the convertee. Now, pinching one's elbow on a five minutes' acquaintance is alarming; I accordingly levanted, leaving Lispy to propose the plate in person. I observed in my retreat a mob assembled round the chapel, and, pushing through a crowd of ragged urchins, established myself in the doorway. Within there was a meeting of Radical Reformers, and a tall man was pouring forth a philippic from the altar, in which he made an awful example of the king's English, and, in his syllabic arrangements, differed totally from modern orthoepists. The gist of his oration went to prove, that Catholic Emancipation was a

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballinasloe in Galway, you are on ground where two very different meetings once ran side by side in 1829. In the show-room of the Farming Society, the narrator of the source found a Bible Society gathering in full activity, where a short gentleman with soiled linen reported the Gospel spreading in California and announced that a second cousin of the King of Siam had been baptized by a Moravian missionary. A young lady with a lisp proposed that a piece of plate be sent to the convert. Leaving that gathering, the narrator then found a mob around the chapel, where Radical Reformers were meeting and a tall man at the altar was denouncing Catholic Emancipation, mangling the king's English as he spoke. Two meetings, two causes, one small town on the same day.

48. Cockle-Gathering and Shellfish as Peasant Sustenance

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    Children of the local peasantry gathered enormous quantities of cockles on the strand at spring tide, providing a valuable addition to their otherwise limited potato-based diet. Lobsters, crabs, scallops and oysters were also abundant along the coast, though local peasants lacked the means to fully exploit lobster and crab fisheries.

    Read the passage

    A crowd of a more youthful description of the peasantry, are collected every spring-tide to gather cockles on the same sands by daylight when the tide answers. The quantities of these shell-fish thus procured would almost exceed belief; and I have frequently seen more than would load a donkey, collected during one tide by the children of a single cabin. They form a valuable and wholesome addition to the limited variety that the Irish peasant boasts at his humble board ; and afford children, too young for otHer tasks, a safe and useful employment.

    Indeed, its plentiful supply of shell-fish may be enumerated among the principal advantages which this wild coast offers to its inhabitants. Along the cliffs, whether in the islands or on the main, lobsters are found in abundance ; and, if the peasantry possessed the necessary means for prosecuting the fishery, it might at times afford them a lucrative employment. But, simple as the apparatus is, they do not possess it ; and the lobsters obtained by sinking pots and baskets in the deep sea, are taken by strangers, who come for this purpose from a considerable distance. Those killed by the islanders are only procurable at low springs, when the ebbing of the water beyond its customary limits, permits caves and crannies in the rocks being investigated, which in ordinary tides could not be entered.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy in Mayo, the coast here was once a place where children played a practical part in keeping their families fed. Every spring tide, the young ones from the local cabins would go down to the sands by daylight when the tide allowed, and gather cockles in quantities that would, as the book puts it, "almost exceed belief." A single child from one cabin could collect more than would load a donkey during a single tide. Those cockles formed a wholesome addition to a diet that was otherwise little more than potatoes, and the work gave children too young for heavier tasks something safe and useful to do. Shellfish of all kinds were plentiful along this wild coast. Lobsters abounded along the cliffs, in the islands and on the mainland alike, and crabs, scallops and oysters were there too. But the local people lacked even the simple gear needed to fish for lobsters in deep water. Strangers came from a considerable distance, sank their pots and baskets, and took the lobsters away. The islanders themselves could only get at them at the lowest spring tides, when the water drew back far enough to let them search the caves and crannies in the rocks that ordinary tides kept hidden.

49. Cormac More's Burial in State

    Balleek · townland · Offaly

    The penitent Baron dies clutching a splinter of the true cross, lies in state for three days in the chancel, and is interred on the fourth morning with full Ursuline and Dominican ceremony.

    Read the passage

    rounded by all the emblems of religion, and with a splinter of the true cross in his right hand, the penitent Baron breathed his last. He lay for three days and nights in the chancel, in great state ; and was interred on the fourth morning, with all the ceremonies that both Ursulines and Dominicans could bestow.

    The days of mourning passed over : Rose Roche exercised her resignation ; and Dhu Castle became a different place to what it had been during the latter days of the defunct Baron, and mirth and music were exchanged for the rude revelry of Cormac More. Her hall was filled with guests; at the board she did the honours nobly; and when she visited the green wood, with her gold-belled hawks and gallant retinue, she looked as if she had been ennobled from the Conquest, and in bearing and attire seemed " every inch a queen."

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 124

50. Seals mistaken for mermaids near Innisbiggle

    Inishbiggle · townland · Mayo

    While sailing past Innisbiggle, the narrator's party observed seals basking on rocks, one so oddly positioned it caused confusion about its species. The author notes that such sightings by credulous local fishermen likely gave rise to mermaid legends along this coast.

    Read the passage

    In following the shoal, we had crossed the bay, and got under the Achil shore. Having made sail again, we stretched over towards the Bull's Mouth, attracted by an immense play of sea- fowls. It was nearly low water, and while running past Innisbiggle, we observed several seals basking on the rocks. One was so curiously couched among the seaweed, as to render its species a subject of doubt and discussion, until the close approach of the boat obliged it to quit the rock, and thus afford a distinct view, while, to use the skipper's phrase, it wabbled to the water. From the strange and undefined ideas the seal's first appearance occasioned, accustomed as we were to see the animal in its varied attitudes of action or repose, it is not surprising that numerous and ridiculous extravagances have had their origin in the Phocse tribe being seen under accidental circumstances by the wild and credulous peasantry of this remote district. To these animals, the submarine beings, who have for ages delighted the lovers of the marvellous, may, without much difficulty, be traced ; and many a wonder-stricken fisherman imagined himself watching the movements of a mermaid, while all the time he was only staring at a sea-calf.

    A whimsical instance of the credulity of the peasantry was mentioned by my kinsman. Some years ago, a party engaged in a fishing excursion on the coast, came- to in Achil Sound, and, leaving the boat, took up their quarters for the night in the priest's house, which was situated in a neighbouring village. One of the company was hunch-backed, with a face cf singular and grotesque expression. Having indulged gloriously over-night in the native beverage, which the honest priest most liberally supplied, the little gentleman found

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 67

51. The Mendicants of Tuam and a Precocious Cursing Boy

    Tuam · town · Galway · 1829

    On leaving the Mitre Inn at Tuam, the narrator's carriage is blocked by a crowd of over fifty beggars, described as outnumbering the lazzaroni of Naples. Among them a crippled boy of about fifteen displays extraordinary bilingual skill in cursing, described as unmatched in the narrator's experience.

    Read the passage

    Anxious to be off as soon as possible, I ordered the horses to ; but an unforeseen difficulty occurred in removing my luggage to the carriage, as the door was blocked up four deep by a gang of beggars. With relation to the sizes of the respective places, the lazaroni of Naples are far out-numbered by the mendicants of Tuam. A trace broke at starting, and thus enabled me to form a pretty correct idea of this multitude. I reckoned to fifty-seven, arid then became confused. Although beset on every side, I was proof against importunity, and refused parting with a sixpence. Cursing was next tried ; and to the curious in that accomplishment, I would suggest a week's residence at the Mitre. One boy, a cripple in a dish, excelled the united talent of the remainder. English and Irish epithets were with him " common as household words ;" he used both languages with surpassing fluency, and there was an originality of conception in his style of execration, which was what the Cockneys call most refreshing. This precocious prodigy could not be much above fifteen ; and, if he lives, will in this peculiar department of national eloquence be without a parallel. I have " erst while" passed through Billingsgate, when the fair ;

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 14

52. Cutter Rounds-to Off Ridge Point to Await Landing Boats

    Ridge Point · point · Mayo

    As the smuggling vessel closed with the land, she rounded-to abreast the Ridge Point, handed her gaff top-sail and main-tack, and waited for the fleet of boats coming out to receive her cargo of contraband tobacco.

    Read the passage

    In a few minutes after her having been first discovered, boats were pulling from the shore in all directions, while the cutter closed the land fast. When abreast the Ridge Point, she suddenly rounded-to, handed her gaff top-sail, hauled up the main-tack, and waited for the boats.

    " I cannot go on board," said my kinsman, with a heavy sigh, " being, alas! like Master Robert Shallow, ' a poor esquire of this county, and one of the king's justices of the peace ;' but though I shall not pay my personal respects, yet will not my old friend Jack Matthews forget me ; but you shall board the Jane, and witness a bustling business. I'll promise you a hearty welcome from the Skipper — and see, you are just in time, for the gig is on the water."

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 136

53. Grain Shipped to Westport Ruined by Storm

    Westport · town · Mayo

    A Ballycroy peasant, trying to avoid illegal distillation, shipped his corn by hooker toward Westport as the nearest market, but eight days of bad weather and spray on the voyage ruined the grain for sale.

    Read the passage

    A person of comfortable means, having suffered severe loss from private distillation, determined that he would never " wet a grain during his natural life." He shipped his corn accordingly in a hooker for Westport, it being the nearest place where a purchaser could be found. Bad weather and contrary winds came on, and during eight days, for so much time was occupied in the passage, the grain was exposed to rain and spray eternally, and when it reached its destination, was found to be so much damaged, as to be rendered unfit for sale. The unlucky owner was eventually obliged to bring it back, and in self-defence to malt and distil it. The process was completed, and the spirits safely brought to the town of Castlebar. There it was seized by the Revenue, the proprietor imprisoned for four months, and his cattle and furniture at home canted to pay that rent, which the corn, had it been marketable, would have more than realized. By this accumulation of misfortune, the unhappy man was reduced to the greatest misery, and from having been once an opulent land-

    I V.xt' P V\';> MUUM'lNc;.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Westport now, the nearest market town where a Ballycroy man once tried to sell his corn. He had sworn he would never "wet a grain during his natural life," having lost heavily to illegal distillation, so he shipped his corn by hooker toward here. But contrary winds and bad weather stretched the passage to eight days, and rain and spray ruined the grain so completely it was unfit for sale. He had to take it home again and malt and distil it in self-defence. The spirits reached Castlebar, where the Revenue seized them. He was imprisoned for four months, and his cattle and furniture were canted to pay a rent the corn alone would have covered. One chain of misfortune after another left a man who had once been comfortable reduced to the greatest misery.

54. Local lore of eagles coursing hares near the Killeries

    Killary Harbour · estuary · Galway

    A grey-haired peasant at Lord Sligo's mountains near the Killeries recounted how eagles hunted hares in pairs with remarkable coordination, one bird pursuing while a second waited in reserve to continue the chase if the hare evaded the first.

    Read the passage

    When shooting on Lord Sligo's mountains, near the Killeries, I heard many particulars of the eagle's habits and histoia^from a grey-haired peasant, who had passed a long life il^l^fcwilds. ^ne scarcity of hares, which here were once abuml^T he attributed to the rapacity of those birds ; and he affirmed that, when in pursuit of these animals, the eagle evinced a degree of intelligence that appeared extraordinary. They coursed the hares, he said, with great judgment and certain success ; one bird was the active follower, while another remained in reserve, at the distance of forty or fifty yards. If the hare, by a sudden turn, freed herself from her most pressing enemy, the second bird Instantly took up the chase, and thus prevented the victim from having a moment's respite.

    He had remarked the eagles, also, while they were engaged in fishing. They chose a small ford upon the rivulet which connects Glencullen with Glandullah, and, posted on either side, waited patiently for the salmon to pass over. Their watch was never fruitless ; and many a salmon, in its transit from the sea to the lake, was transferred from his native element to the wild aerie in the Alpine cliff, that beetles over the romantic waters of Glencullen.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes Killary Harbour, you are in country where a grey-haired peasant once described how eagles coursed hares. He had passed a long life in these wilds, and he told of their hunting in pairs. One bird would be the active follower while another stayed in reserve, forty or fifty yards back. If the hare turned suddenly and freed herself from the first, the second eagle instantly took up the chase, never letting the victim rest. The old man blamed the eagles for the scarcity of hares that had once been abundant here. He had also watched the eagles fishing at a small ford on the rivulet between Glencullen and Glandullah. They posted on either side and waited for salmon to pass over on their way from the sea to the lake. Their watch was never fruitless, and many a salmon was carried from the water to the wild aerie in the Alpine cliff above Glencullen.

55. Milesian Hospitality Among the Mountaineers of Ballycroy

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    The author reflects on the genuine hospitality he received from the peasantry of Ballycroy, who shared their potatoes freely, guided him when lost, and gave up their bed-covering to protect his saddle from rain.

    Read the passage

    — I came prepared to dislike a people who, unhappily for themselves, are little known and less regarded. I found my estimate of their character false, for kindnesses were returned tenfold, and the native outbreakings of Milesian hospitality met me at every step. What though the mountaineer had nothing but his potato-basket to offer — it was freely open to my hand. Did I wander from the road ? his loy* was left in the furrow, and he ran miles to put me in the right path. If it rained and I sheltered in a cabin, the hearth was swept, the driest log placed upon the fire, and the bed- covering taken off to keep my saddle from the shower. If possible, my wishes were anticipated — and labour was unheeded when my pleasure or comfort could be attained.

    One incident I must mention, for it marks the character of this simple and devoted peasantry. It was the hottest of the dog-days, and we had toiled over a barren moor, and missed some packs that we were aware were in that neighbourhood. A hill of most discouraging altitude was before us— and as its face was difficult beyond description, I hesitated to attempt it. But beyond it was a land of promise — a valley where wonders might be expected— and malgre fatigue, I did muster courage for the ascent. I gave my gun to a young peasant who acted as my henchman, and, as he was already loaded heavily, I observed him stagger more than once before we gained the summit. Throughout the day he never left my side — when the river was forded, he led the way — and yet I observed that he was unusually flushed, and at times sighed heavily. When we reached the cabin, he tottered to a seat, and the next moment became insensible. Then, and not till then, the truth was disclosed : he had been attacked with measles on the preceding night ; but rather than surrender his post to another, he actually, arid under the fever of the disease, worked for twelve hours beneath a burning sun. Old Antony, by some simple means, brought the eruption plentifully to the skin, and in another week my gallant henchman was at my side, without any apparent trace of lassitude.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 177

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy in Mayo, this is a place where a travelling author found his estimate of the people entirely false. He came prepared to dislike a people little known and less regarded, but what he called the native outbreakings of Milesian hospitality met him at every step. The mountaineers offered their potato-basket freely, ran miles to put him on the right path when he wandered from the road, and took the bed-covering off to keep his saddle dry when it rained. Labour was unheeded when a stranger's comfort could be attained. One incident stayed with him. On the hottest of the dog-days, after toiling over a barren moor, he faced a hill of discouraging altitude and hesitated to attempt it. A young peasant who acted as his henchman carried his gun and staggered more than once before they gained the summit. Throughout the day the boy never left his side, leading the way across river fords, though he was unusually flushed and sighed heavily. When they reached the cabin he tottered to a seat and became insensible. Only then did the truth come out: he had been attacked with measles the preceding night, but rather than surrender his post he worked for 12 hours beneath a burning sun in the fever of the disease. Old Antony brought the eruption plentifully to the skin by simple means, and in another week the boy was back at the author's side without any apparent trace of lassitude.

56. Revenue police raid on illicit distillers

    Erris · barony · Mayo

    Revenue police made a night raid on the valleys from a station fifteen miles off, seizing stills and equipment; two men found drunk and asleep by a still fire were captured and committed to gaol by the narrator's cousin, acting as magistrate.

    Read the passage

    We have just had a domiciliary visit from the revenue police. Under cover of the night, they made a descent upon our valleys from their station, some fifteen miles off. Excepting causing dire alarm — a general abduction of stills, worms, and all the apparatus of the craft, and the concealment of malt, and the burying of kegs — the consequences of the foray have not been important. One fatal casualty occurred : a distillery had finished its brewing, (i.e. distilled the quantity brewed,) and principals and accessories were indulging a little after their exertions. Unluckily, the revenue stumbled upon the convivial meeting ; and although the stuff was gone, the still, apparatus, and unextinguished fire, were proofs positive that the king — God bless him ! had been wofully defrauded. Such of the party as could strike a walk escaped without difficulty ; but two unhappy gentlemen who were blind drunk, and fast asleep in all security before the smouldering embers of the still-fire, were captured and conveyed to my loving cousin, to undergo the pains and penalties of their crime. He, as a matter of course, committed them to gaol ; and the next going judge, as another matter of course, will discharge them. Meanwhile they are taken from their families, and supported at the expense of the county ; their utility is lost when it is most requisite, and they are, during the term of incarceration, a useless burden upon the community. I cannot see the moral and legal expediency of all this ; but the men who framed the revenue laws were probably more clear-sighted than I am.

    When I first observed a score of banditti in blue jackets

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 30

57. The Red Dwarf, Seal-Killer of the Sound

    Achill Sound · town · Mayo

    A miserable, dwarfish red-bearded man living near the Sound of Achill is renowned as the most successful seal hunter in the district, killing seals bare-handed with a lead-loaded bludgeon rather than gun or spear.

    Read the passage

    " Formerly, when seal oil and skins were valuable, some persons on the coast made the pursuit of the animal a profession. There is one of these persons living near the Sound, a miserable dwarfish red-bearded wretch, whom you would consider hardly equal to grapple with a salmon, and yet he secures more seals than any hunter in the district. His method of effecting it is singular : he uses neither gun nor spear, but kills the animal with a short bludgeon loaded at the end with lead.

    " Adjacent to the seal-killer's residence, there is a large rock uncovered at half-tide, and this appears the most favourite haunt for the animal to bask upon. The rock is easily approached from the main-land, and on a sunny day, when the wind favours the attempt, the hunter, undressed, and armed with his bludgeon, silently winds among the stones, and steals upon his sleeping prey. Wary as the creature is, the Red Dwarf seldoms fails in surprising him, and with astonishing expertness generally dispatches him with a single blow.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Achill Sound in Mayo, the story goes that a miserable dwarfish red-bearded man once lived near the Sound, a man you would think hardly able to grapple with a salmon. Yet he secured more seals than any hunter in the district, using neither gun nor spear, but a short bludgeon loaded at the end with lead. A large rock near his home, uncovered at half-tide, was the seals' favourite place to bask. On a sunny day with a favouring wind, the hunter would strip down and silently creep among the stones to steal upon his sleeping prey. The Red Dwarf, as he was called, seldom failed, and with astonishing expertness generally dispatched the seal with a single blow.

58. A Country Ball Overheard at the Mitre Inn, Tuam

    Tuam · town · Galway · 1829

    Lodged in the best bedroom of the Mitre Inn at Tuam, the narrator is kept awake by a country ball taking place next door, separated only by a thin deal partition. He describes the dancers' dress, the calls of the dance-master, and the eventual brawl that broke out at supper.

    Read the passage

    Presently arose a hum of many voices ; dreams and phantasies disturbed my uneasy slumbers ; a noise like distant music at times was faintly audible ; — at last a crash of instruments awoke me, and the first quadrille was in full execution within four feet of my distracted head !

    Heaven granted me patience, although I was on the very brink of a country ball-room, and separated from " the gay throng" only by the intervention of a slip of deal-board, while through the chinks you might have passed the poker, or interchanged a parasol.

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 13

59. Eagles fishing for salmon at the ford between Glencullen and Glandullah

    near Glencullen · street · Dublin

    An old peasant near Lord Sligo's mountains by the Killeries described how eagles stationed themselves on either side of a ford connecting Glencullen and Glandullah, patiently waiting to seize salmon migrating between the sea and the lake.

    Read the passage

    He had remarked the eagles, also, while they were engaged in fishing. They chose a small ford upon the rivulet which connects Glencullen with Glandullah, and, posted on either side, waited patiently for the salmon to pass over. Their watch was never fruitless ; and many a salmon, in its transit from the sea to the lake, was transferred from his native element to the wild aerie in the Alpine cliff, that beetles over the romantic waters of Glencullen.

    Nor is it to birds of prey alone that the extreme scarcity of game upon this island may be attributed. Foxes are found here in numbers that appear incredible. The sides of Slieve More, in places formed of masses of disrupted rock, afford numerous and inaccessible burrows to those mischievous animals ; and the sand-banks, stocked with rabbits, offer them an easy and certain means of subsistence. Hence, their annual increase is wonderful ; and the numbers on the island may be estimated from this simple fact, that one of the coastguard, who happened to have a 'coigple of good terriers, destroyed, in the space of a season eighteen full-grown foxes.*

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Glencullen, an old peasant told of how eagles fished at a small ford on the rivulet connecting Glencullen with Glandullah. The eagles would post themselves on either side and wait patiently for the salmon to pass over. Their watch was never fruitless. Many a salmon, in its transit from the sea to the lake, was taken from the water and carried to the wild aerie in the cliff above the waters of Glencullen. Nor was it to birds of prey alone that game was scarce on this island. Foxes were found in numbers that seemed incredible. The sides of Slieve More, formed of masses of disrupted rock, gave them numerous inaccessible burrows, and the sand-banks, stocked with rabbits, offered easy subsistence. One of the coastguard, with a couple of good terriers, destroyed 18 full-grown foxes in a single season.

60. Local belief in the venom of wild-cat bites in Ballycroy

    near Ballycroy · population centre · Mayo

    The narrator records a widespread local belief in Ballycroy that a wild cat's bite is particularly venomous, more reasonable, he says, than many other popular opinions of the district. Cases are cited including a servant who died and a girl left lame for six months after such a bite.

    Read the passage

    When the dressings were removed, we found that the poor lad had been so much injured, that apprehension of lock-jaw induced us to send him directly to the infirmary. There is a belief, and one more reasonable than many popular opinions in Bally croy, that a wild cat's bite is particularly venomous. My cousin remembers a case which terminated fatally with a servant of his father's ; and the Priest mentioned another of a country girl, who, finding one of these animals in a barn, rashly attempted to secure it : the cat wounded her slightly in the leg, and for six months she was unable to use the limb.

    When the unfortunate fox-catcher was leaving us, in return for a trifling donation, he pressed upon me the acceptance of a fine deer-skin which he produced from his wallet. " He had another for the master," he said, " and he would bring it to him, when he returned from the hospital."

    Internet Archive wildsportsofwest00maxwrich, Chapter 120

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballycroy in Mayo, you're in a place where people long held that a wild cat's bite is particularly venomous. The writer called this belief more reasonable than many popular opinions in the district. He knew of a servant who died from such a bite, and a priest told of a country girl who found a wild cat in a barn and tried to catch it. The cat wounded her slightly in the leg, and for six months she could not use the limb. The passage also mentions a lad so badly injured that fears of lockjaw sent him to the infirmary.