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THE LIVING LANDSCAPE, Kilgalligan, Erris, Co Mayo
(Séamas Ó Catháin and Patrick O’ Flanagan, Comhairle Bhéaloideas Éireann, An Coláiste Ollscoile Baile Átha Cliath, 1975)
The Irish-speaking townland of Kilgalligan situated on the northwest coast of County Mayo covers only 852 acres. Nevertheless, upwards of 800 placenames are to be found there. These have been collected in the field and are presented here together with English translations and phonetic renderings. The authors have combined the methods and approaches of their respective disciplines in order to show the cultural and socio-economic significance of the placenames, thus giving an understanding of the factors involved in their creation, the people who made them and the purposes they serve. In bringing together the placenames and folklore of a specific area, the book aims at providing an analysis of life in a west of Ireland townland which has much in common with many other isolated communities around the Atlantic fringe of Europe.
The authors are Seamas Ó Catháin former Professor at the Dept of Irish Folklore, University College Dublin and Patrick O' Flanagan, former lecturer in Geography at University College Cork.
SCÉALTA CHOIS CLADAIGH, STORIES OF SEA AND SHORE, Séamas Ó Catháin, Roinn Bhéaloideas Éireann, 1983
A collection of stories of sea and shore as told by the late John Henry from Cill Ghallagáin on the northwest coast of County Mayo. Collected, translated and annotated by Séamas Ó Catháin.
A MHUINTIR DHÚ CHAOCHÁIN, LABHRAÍGÍ FEASTA!
(Séamas Ó Catháin agus Caitlín Uí Sheighin, Cló Chonamara, 1987 Cóipcheart Roinn Bhéaloideas Éireann)
In 1937 a scheme known as Bailiúchán na Scol or The Schools’ Collection was initiated. Primary school children were asked to gather folklore in their own communities. Such was its success that within eighteen months over a half a million pages of written material was collected and stored in the archives of the Irish Folklore Commission. Among the participating schools was Ceathrú Thaidhg National School which produced one of the finest collections of folklore including folktales, legends, songs, prayers, proverbs, riddles, weather lore, cures, superstitions, customs and descriptions of a former way of life.
LE GRADAM IS LE SPRAOI
(Séamas Ó Catháin agus Caitlín Uí Sheighin, Cló Iar Chonnachta, 1996 Cóipcheart Roinn Bhéaloideas Éireann)
A collection of folklore which was gathered under the scheme Bailiúchán na Scol or The Schools’ Collection from three primary schools in the Erris Gaeltacht in County Mayo namely Port Durlainne, Ros Dumhach and Gleann na Muaidhe. The schoolchildrens’ accounts include folktales, legends, songs, prayers, proverbs, riddles, weather lore, cures, placenames, crafts, superstitions, customs and descriptions of a former way of life. This is the second collection from the Erris Gaeltacht which has been compiled and edited by Séamas Ó Catháin and Caitlín Uí Sheighin.
THE DÚN CHAOCHÁIN CD ROM
(Uinsíonn Mac Graith agus Treasa Ní Ghearraigh, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, 2001)
Featuring the beautiful Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) of Dún Chaocháin in the parish of Kilcommon in northwest County Mayo, the Dún Chaocháin CD ROM is a perfect example of the innovative projects made possible by new digital media.
The bi-lingual CD ROM (Irish with English translation) explores the rich heritage of this landscape through the local Irish placenames (over 1,500 mapped in their exact locations, with audio-clips of pronounciations, English translation, descriptive passages and photographs). Songs and stories are also captured in the local Irish dialect. This information, learning and research resource is targeted at a wide audience including students, historians, folklorists, those engaged in environmental and rural studies and all those with an interest in the various aspects of Irish language and culture. The following reviews illustrate its content and scope:-
“As a way of highlighting indigenous history and culture the CD ROM may begin to make up for the terrible loss of the oral tradition that in former times passed this knowledge from generation to generation.” (Ben Whelan, Source Magazine, March 2000)
“Advanced technology has been summoned to the rescue of ancient Irish culture in one of the country’s least known but most richly endowed heritage areas, on the north-west tip of Co. Mayo.” (Dick Grogan, The Irish Times, July 1999)
“It is a recovery and record of crucially valuable folklore data. Placenames link people to place and it is this link that is a key constituent of community identity. By knowing the placenames the landscape becomes a living text holding the community’s narrative of itself.” (Mark Garavan. Lecturer in Local Studies G.M.I.T. Castlebar)
“This unique CD ROM gives a valuable insight into a former way of life from the comfort of the armchair and will bring back fond memories to many Irish diaspora.” (Irish American News, December 1999)
LOGAINMNEACHA AGUS OIDHREACHT DHÚN CHAOCHÁIN i mBarúntacht Iorrais, Condae Mhaigh Eo – THE PLACENAMES AND HERITAGE OF DÚN CHAOCHÁIN in the Barony of Erris, County Mayo
(Uinsíonn Mac Graith agus Treasa Ní Ghearraigh, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, 2004)
This book describes in vivid detail over 1,500 Irish placenames in the Irish-speaking community of Dún Chaocháin in County Mayo, each one mapped in its exact location. Various heritage themes are explored including aspects of local agriculture (the rundale system, the booley, lazy beds, the potato, hay and grain crops, the lime kiln), the traditional house, the bog and the harvesting of peat, aspects of fishing, as well as traditional crafts (shoemaker, blacksmith, cooper and tailor). This rich collection of folklore gives us an insight into the lives of the people who lived and continue to live in this area.
“At the core of the ethos of the Council is the premise that local communities are the ultimate custodians of heritage. In order to do this in as effective a manner as possible, sound background information which is readily available to the community, must be available. Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo is to be commended in making that information available through the chapters of Logainmneacha agus Oidhreacht Dhún Chaocháin - The Placenames and Heritage of Dún Chaocháin. The publication will become a resource for voluntary groups, for schools, and for interested individuals, and will enrich the lives of the community. (Dr Tom O Dwyer, Chairperson of The Heritage Council)
TREOIRLEABHAR DO PHARÓISTE CHILL CHOMÁIN in IAR-THUAISCEART CHONDAE MHAIGH EO - A GUIDE TO THE PARISH OF KILCOMMON in NORTH-WEST COUNTY MAYO
(Treasa Ní Ghearraigh, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo agus Coiste Ghlór na nGael Ceathrú Thaidhg, 2007)
A bi-lingual guide which provides information for visitors, or those moving to the area from elsewhere, on what services and activities are available in the parish of Kilcommon. Included are descriptions of the Irish language information centre, accommodation, walks, marine life, angling, beaches, birdwatching, archaeology, the sculpture trail, the Turas na Gaeltachta heritage trail, pre-school services, youth activities, services for the elderly, transport, education, training, health services, community centres, churches, sports facilities, grocery shops & post offices, public houses and recycling facilities.
TEAMPALL CHILL GHALLAGÁIN i bParóiste Chill Chomáin, Condae Mhaigh Eo - CILL GHALLAGÁIN GRAVEYARD in the parish of Kilcommon, County Mayo
(Treasa Ní Ghearraigh agus Uinsíonn Mac Graith, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, 2009)
An Teampall, one of five graveyards in the parish of Kilcommon, is situated in the townland of Cill Ghallagáin and has been used as a burial ground for centuries. The oldest graves, marked by simple undecorated stones, surround the conical-shaped mound in the north-eastern corner which is believed to be the former cell of Saint Gallagán, the patron saint of the area. This publication aims to preserve the heritage of the graveyard, which stretches from the Early Christian period down to the present day. It provides a detailed plan of the graveyard so that people can locate their relatives’ graves easily and documents the information inscribed on each headstone.
GLAOIM ORAIBH MO CHAIRDE - I CALL YOU FRIENDS
(Fr. Eddie Rogan in conjunction with Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo and Coiste Ghlór na nGael Ceathrú Thaidhg, A Saint Patrick Publication, Inver 2010)
A bi-lingual publication which provides guidelines and reference material for existing and future altar servers in the parish of Kilcommon. Various topics are covered including the history of Christianity in the parish, the role and responsibilities of the altar server, Irish prayers, blessings, the parts of the Mass, the festivals in the liturgical year, ecclesiastical terms etc.
SEAN TEAMPALL CHILL CHOMÁIN i bPoll a’ tSómais, Condae Mhaigh Eo – CILL CHOMÁIN OLD GRAVEYARD, Poll a’ tSómais, County Mayo
(Treasa Ní Ghearraigh agus Uinsíonn Mac Graith, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, 2011)
Seanteampall Chill Chomáin, one of five graveyards in the parish of Kilcommon, is situated in the townland of Poll a’ tSómais and has been used as a burial ground for centuries. This publication aims to preserve the heritage of the graveyard, which stretches from the Early Christian period down to the present day. It provides a detailed plan of the graveyard so that people can locate their relatives’ graves easily and documents the information inscribed on each headstone.
THE NEW CHURCH, BUILDING, PEOPLE & PRIESTS
(Fr Eddie Rogan, Pádraig Corcoran Publishing, 2012)
This is a documented historical study to celebrate the centenary of the Star of the Sea church in Cornboy. Through the descriptive and detailed passages we gain an insight into the lives of local people at the turn of the century, and into how their strong faith helped to sustain them as they struggled in times of poverty and distress. Their character and endurance shine through in the black and white photographs, which greatly enhance the book.
TREOIR AR NA LOGAINMNEACHA GAEILGE AR SHIÚLÓIDÍ CHEATHRÚ THAIDHG IN IAR-THUAISCEART CHONDAE MHAIGH EO – A GUIDE TO THE IRISH PLACENAMES ON THE CEATHRÚ THAIDHG WALKS IN NORTH-WEST COUNTY MAYO
(Uinsíonn Mac Graith, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, 2013)
‘Treoir ar na Logainmneacha Gaeilge ar Shiúlóidí Cheathrú Thaidhg – A Guide to the Irish Placenames on the Ceathrú Thaidhg Walks’ aims to provide an insight into the natural and manmade landscape. Local placenames are superimposed on colour photographs which make them easy to identify on the landscape. The community of Dún Chaocháin are at one with their environment because they live in a landscape that is dotted with Irish placenames, which give meaning to features on that landscape and which give them a place in the lives of the people. Every inlet, cave, reef, rock, hill, headland, field, stream etc. is imbued with its own special name and various customs and activities are also recorded.
TREOIRLEABHAR DO MHAPA LOGAINMNEACHA CHILL CHOMÁIN IN IAR-THUAISCEART CHONDAE MHAIGH EO - A GUIDE TO THE PLACENAME MAP OF CILL CHOMÁIN IN NORTH-WEST COUNTY MAYO
(Uinsíonn Mac Graith, 2014)
The community of Cill Chomáin can easily identify with their environment because they live in a landscape that is dotted with Irish placenames, which give meaning to features on that landscape and which give them a place in the lives of the people. Every inlet, cave, reef, rock, hill, headland, field, stream etc. is imbued with its own special name and various customs and activities are also recorded.
While participating on a Glór na nGael community employment scheme in 1996 Uinsíonn Mac Graith carried out preliminary work on the Dún Chaocháin placename collection project. The project subsequently received financial support from Údarás na Gaeltachta and The Heritage Council. Over 1,500 placenames were collected, mapped and published in the book Logainmneacha agus Oidhreacht Dhún Chaocháin – The Placenames and Heritage of Dún Chaocháin (2004) and in the Dún Chaocháin CD ROM (2001).
This publication presents some of these placenames, as well as additional examples from the parish of Cill Chomáin and Béal Deirg, on one large map. In the accompanying booklet the names are listed alphabetically for ease of reference.
DORDÁN DÚLRA – An Introduction to the Natural Landscape of Cill Chomáin in the Barony of Erris, County Mayo
(Séamus Ó Mongáin agus Treasa Ní Ghearraigh, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, 2015)
The 140 page full colour book ‘Dordán Dúlra’ describes the natural landscape as well as the flora, fauna and marine life in the parish of Cill Chomáin. This is highlighted by over 200 colour photographs and artwork by the children of Ceathrú Thaidhg National School depicting scenes of nature.
OTHER PRODUCTIONS
CÉAD MOLADH DON TRÍONÓID
(Cór Cheathrú Thaidhg, 2006)
The cd “Céad Moladh don Tríonóid” features a collection of fourteen well-known hymns which are compiled to a very high standard. Those who attend Sunday Mass in Ceathrú Thaidhg will be familiar with the performance of the excellent choir and here is a chance to enjoy their singing in the comfort of your own home.
AN MAINSÉAR
(Cór Cheathrú Thaidhg, 2007)
This is the second cd of hymns produced by Cór Cheathrú Thaidhg which features a collection of fourteen well-known Christmas hymns, compiled to a very high standard. In presenting the choir with an award Mayo County Council was fulsome in its praise stating “Very impressive choir sound; clear focus on what they want to do with the award; the choir contributes to the musical life of County Mayo; nice mixture of well known hymns presented against a backdrop of exemplary instrumental work”.
CHEARTLÁR MO CHROÍ – SPRING IN THE AIR
(Vincent Mc Grath (Accordian) 2007)
This CD represents the first recorded compilation of renowned box player Vincent Mc Grath’s tunes. The strong rhythmic line to his music echoes both the distinctive style of this native area and the particular dancing skills that are his family legacy. Retired from teaching, Vincent now lives in his native Ros Dumhach (Rossport), overlooking the Sruth Fada Conn bay of the Children of Lir fame. These tunes are a tribute, a paying back to his place and to his heritage – “cloch amháin eile ar leacht a shinsear”.
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