History & Folklore - West Cork People

A historical look at the barriers that women in Ireland faced

Kieran Doyle May, 2021

Each month I am grateful to have an opportunity to ‘write’ an article about history for the West Cork People. This week, my sister Linda Doyle ‘made’ history by becoming the first female Provost (President) of Trinity in its 429-year history. It was certainly the proudest day for our family, […]

Bealtaine especially significant in 2021 in welcoming a return to life

Eugene Daly May, 2021

Bealtaine gets its name from the Celtic god, Bel, god of Light, Fire and Fulfilment, who may be traced back to the Middle Eastern god Ball. ‘Ball Tine’ (the fire of Ball), is the derivation of the month’s name in Irish. A fire was kindled in his honour, and cattle […]

Do you want a United Ireland?

Kieran Doyle April, 2021

“No man has the right to fix the boundary to the march of a nation,” – Charles Stuart Parnell There was a time when that question would have been a resounding yes. For generations Irish people have grown up on a diet of history decrying the colonisation and division of […]

The return of the Swallow

Eugene Daly April, 2021

Skimming low over our fields and lakes in pursuit of insects, the swallow is a familiar and welcome sight. Its confiding nature and its habit of building a nest so close to our homes endears it to everybody. We eagerly await the return of the swallow each spring and its […]

‘The Young Fella’ documentary uncovers the deeper story of Michael Collins

WCP Staff April, 2021

Much has been said about Michael Collins’ life but the focus is nearly always on his later years. Biographies of ‘The Big Fella’ tend to dwell very little on the first two thirds of his life and focus heavily on the revolutionary activity that dominated his final decade. But what […]

The legend of Clíona

Eugene Daly March, 2021

Clíona is a supernatural lady in literary and oral tradition. Her name probably meant ‘the territorial one’ and represented a function of the patron goddess. She is associated mostly with Glandore Harbour, but also Rosscarbery Bay and with Mallow. According to legend, she was the daughter of Mannanán Mac Lir, […]

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