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"People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors." Quotes Shops Ireland Bunús na Gaeilge Did You Know? Himself/Herself Write to Us Readers Write.. Links/Link to Us Advertise with us Awards & Testimonials |
Watching the weather on St. Swithin's Day The countryside was flooded and the monks beseeched St. Swithin to intercede for them. It's said that he appeared to one of his monks and revealed to him how displeasing it was to God to spend their time in useless expenditures of time and money which might easily be spent with more advantage in the relief of the poor and needy; he also forbade the monks to ever interfere with his remains thereafter. In AD 963, the work on the mausoleum was finally completed, but, by then, the legend of St. Swithin as a rain-saint was firmly established. The legend made its way to Ireland during the middle ages and the following passage, which appeared on August 22, 1942 in the Longford Leader, shows that the belief is long-lived: "St. Swithin's Day has rather justified the reputation of its weather forecast this year, and now everybody is looking forward anxiously to the fortieth day in the hope that new conditions of weather will result. When it rained on St. Swithen's Day the incredulous smiled in sympathy with believers in the tradition. Today if they smile it is in anticipation of the end of a dreary forty days which is expected during the coming week - if it is punctual, as it has been in other respects, the changed conditions should arrive by Monday." |
The Galway Hooker This unique vessel, with its distinctive curved lines and bright red sails, originated in the village of Claddagh. During the 19th century, hookers supported a significant fishing industry and also carried goods, livestock and fuel. Seán Rainey is remembered for building the last of the original boats, the Truelight, for Martin Oliver who was to become the last king of the Claddagh; as king, he was entitled to white sails on his boat. Since the mid seventies, many of the old sailing craft which were on the verge of extinction have been lovingly restored and new ones have been built. During the summer months they can be seen at festivals such a Cruinniú na mBád - the Gathering of the Boats - in Kinvara. |
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