History & Folklore

One of the most fascinating insights I ever got from American politicians was watching a documentary about Trump’s first run for the White House. One of the many ordinary voices interviewed was a humble blue collar worker from Detroit. Detroit used to be called ‘Motor City’ but years of under-investment […]

Séan Ó Súilleabhain, in his book ‘Caitheam Aimsire ar Thóraimh’ (translated as ‘Irish Wake Amusements’) describes the customs attached to waking the dead in Ireland. The title is startling in that we don’t associate a wake with pastimes or call it merry. Ó Súilleabhain noted that wakes were “far merrier […]

The traditional time for marrying in rural Ireland used to be Shrovetide, that is the period between the Epiphany (January 6) and Shrove Tuesday. In the 19th, and well into the 20th century, it was taken for granted that those who wished to marry did so at that time. When […]

When Ronald Reagan began his 1984 election campaign it was to the backdrop of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’. He wanted the song to reflect his patriotism and in a ‘Trumpian’ manner, conjure up the theme of American greatness. Just like in his days as a Hollywood actor, Reagan […]

Growing up in rural West Cork in the fifties, practically every housewife kept a flock of hens. Domestic hens are direct descendants of wild Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) and grey Junglefowl (Gallus sonneratti) from southern Asia. These domesticated birds have spread to every corner of the earth. There are hundreds […]