Mr Andrew Lang, in an article in the “Morning Post” on the evolution of bowling, says that originally the batsmen defended no stumps, but a hole in the ground. The object of the bowler was to get the ball into the hold, whether by a daisy-cropper or a full pitch. The wicketkeeper- or hole-keeper- stumped or rang out the batsmen in the same way, by putting the ball in the hold. Cricket was played thus in the “Late Celtic” or “La Tene” period in Ireland; of about 200 B.C.-220 A.D. In the most ancient Irish epic of mingled prose and verse, which reflects the institutions of the aforesaid “Late Celtic” period we have the score of a match:- Cuchulainn against One Hundred and Fifty Colts of Ulster.
Ulster. b. Cuchulainn……….0
Cuchulainn, not out………….-
The figures of the hero’s score are not given, but if he made a single he could “declare”. In this match we have to reckon with the Celtic tendency to exaggeration. It is improbable that Cuchulainn’s analysis read: “Balls 130, wickets 150, wides 0, no-balls 0.”
The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser 16th September, 1820
MERMAID
We extract the following article from The Galway Advertiser:-
Naturalists have hitherto doubted of the existence of mermaids and mermen:
We have it now in our (sic.) to set at rest the doubts of sceptics upon this duplex order of animals, one having been lately discovered basking upon the rocks of Derrygimla, in Errisberg (Connomara), after the ebbing of the tide. It was discovered by a female of the lower order, who was then about four months pregnant; she was suddenly startled by a kind of scream, which was followed by the plunging of an animal, half female and half fish, her lower extremities having the conformation of a dolphin. This woman was so terrified as to miscarry, and has never been able to leave her bed since.
The tide being out, the animal had some difficulty in reaching the water. Thomas Evans, Esq. of Cleggan, a Gentleman well known to many of our readers, just arrived upon the coast in time to witness her last plunges. Having gained the water she disappeared for a few moments, but again appeared perfectly composed. Mr. Evans now had a favourable opportunity of examining this so long-doubted genus; it was about the size of a well grown child of ten years of age; a bosom prominent as a girl of 16; a profusion of long dark brown hair; full dark eyes; hands and arms formed like the human species, with a slight web connecting the upper part of the fingers, which were frequently employed throwing back her flowing locks, and running them through her hair. Her movements in the water seemed principally directed by the finny extremity; for near an hour she remained in apparent tranquillity, in view of upwards of three hundred persons, until a musket was levelled at her, which having flashed in the pan, she immediately dived, and was not afterwards seen. Mr Evans declares she did not appear to him to possess the power of speech for her looks appeared vacant, and there was an evident want of intelligence.
As this is the season of the fishery, we are in hopes some of our fishermen may draw her in their nets, as it is extremely probable, at the time she was first discovered, she was in search of some place to deposit her young. We understand several depositions upon oath as to this animal’s appearance are to be made. We are promised a more minute description which we shall be happy to lay before our readers.
1889 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting of a woman applying facial cosmetics
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The Colac Herald (vic: 1st November, 1878)
Supplement
FOR THE LADIES – COSMETICS ETC
In an article on “making up” the Pictorial world says:
“With the utmost recklessness our fashionable fair luxuriate in cosmetics, washes, and powders, and many other triumphs of the perfumer.
Yet so long as their end is gained by fancying they have improved their complexion, added an eight of an inch to their eyebrows, or imparted a sunset gilt to their hair, they but little trouble themselves with such commonplace subjects are the hygiene of analytical chemistry. A lily whiteness is given to the skin – what matter whether it be done by arsenic or bismuth? A bloom is given with the proper peach-blush tint. What matters if the carmine be adulterated with red-lead? An ordinary passable good head of hair is made to rival the locks of Diana. What matters it whether it be done by a golden wash or something else equally delightful and dangerous?
Albrecht Dürer’s drawing contrasts a well turned out bourgeoise from Nuremberg (left) with her counterpart from Venice. wikipedia.org
And this rage for entering in the race for beauty is by no means confined to the well-to-do women of the upper and middle classes. The main of all work, charwoman, and the humblest of the humble, have their cheap favourite shops, where they can purchase the most attractive, beautifying trash at the lowest prices. By recent inquiry it has been discovered that the popular cheap aids – even expensive aids – to beauty are far more dangerous than even exaggeration-loving rumour has reported. Some unfortunate children, who were honoured by being treated to the charms of their mothers’ powder puffs, have actually died through the effects of the poisonous compound – chalk and arsenic. It is a known fact that the majority of hair dyes have a most injurious influence on the health of those who constantly indulge in using them. Neither need one go further than the nearest skin doctor to be tole of the horrors of bismuth, cheap rouge and face washes. The Nemesis of disease, ill-health, and worse still, of ugliness, without doubt lies in wait for those who will not trust to Nature as the best beautified, and for ever rush to the chemist and hair-dresser: but a word to the foolish is always a word wasted, and no amount of preaching, magazine moralising, or even coroner;s inquest reports, will stop the fanatics who throw themselves down before the Juggernaut of fashion and vanity.
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Travel Notes [XX-by the Hon. P.McM.Glynn, K.C. Minister for Home and Territories] The Register 18 June 1917 p6
Driving round by the flaggy shore to Ballyvaughan and then across a gap in the Burren Mountains towards Kinvara, from which a fine view of the inner part of Galway Bay, the promontory of Aughinish and the swift current of the sea between it and the mainland, is open; along dusty limestone roads; the crumbling walls of deserted houses are seen in many places by the way. Most people of the past seem to have gone to heaven or the United States.
Politics, as they go, are still matters of conversational interest here. The Sinn Fein movement is mentioned by some with sympathy for motive and contempt for methods and organization. The rising came as a surprise, if not a shock to some persons, but there were, or are, scattered sympathisers or objectors to the more drastic of the methods of repression among the middle as well as the working classes. For among those who paid the inevitable penalty of revolt in time of war were some leaders of ripe scholarship and, in other respects, stainless lives; “Poets of the Insurrection” as they were called, whose mistakes of judgment, policy and method are lightly regarded by those of emotional temperament to whom disinterestedness primarily appeals. Discontent now turns on the recent check to Home Rule as expressed in the Government of Ireland Act 1914. There is a feeling that the political system – Union Government – is still the source of any economic maladjustments and that the country will at once flower under the working of autonomy.
The Catholic Press Saturday 4th April, 1896 THE FUTURE OF IRISH MUSIC
The following is taken from a lecture recently delivered at Belfast by M George McSweeney:-
“Mr Arthur Percival Graves, the author of ‘Father O’Flynn’ has done a great deal for Irish music. He has written scores of songs to Irish airs, and his ‘Irish Song Book’ ought to be in every Irish home. But I think I will be doing no injustice to Mr Graves when I say that Mr Francis A Fahy is, in my humble opinion, the best Irish song-writer alive. As they say in the Irish language, he has more of the true blas on his lips than any singer who has appeared in our generation. I trust that Mr Fahy may continue to use his talents in the same direction.
Freeman’s Journal Thursday 14th November, 1907 Personal
Of interest to all lovers of Irish song is any information of the persons who compose the words and music. Reference to two of Ireland’s most gifted children in this respect was madce by Dr Annie Patterson in a recent lecture at Cork. She said;- “Happily, active, and in his prime is Francis A. Fahy. Cheery, bright and full of wit and sympathy are the lyrics he writes, many of which have been delightfully set to music by a gifted countrywoman of ours, Mrs Adelaide A. Needham. We want more poets like Mr Fahy, who is as modest as he is accomplished, and whose work is not only good literature, but is wholly racy of the son.(sic.)
1898 Das Album – Duponthttps://widgetworld3.wordpress.com/podcasts/ Northern Argus(Clare SA; 28 February 1882)
A sad accident happened last week at Sandhurst, to a woman named Mary Scott, which terminated fatally.
It appears she was in the act of stooping when one of the ribs of her corset injured her in the stomach. The injury was so bad that she had to be taken to the hospital, and an operation was performed. She at first appeared to get better, but afterwards succumbed to her injuries.
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It’s time for our annual Cruinniu na mBad here in Kinvara. Cruinniu na mBad is Irish for the Gathering of the Boats (the ‘u’ in Cruinniu and the ‘a’ in mBad should have a ‘fada’ or ‘accent’ over the letter – I have no idea how to do this in a post – can’t find a symbol insert – my apologies).
The Cruinniu is a boat festival founded by Tony Moylan in 1979 to celebrate the link that existed for many years between the village of Kinvara and Connemara. Before gas and electricity came to Kinvara turf was the main fuel used for cooking and heating. Beautiful, red sailed boats called Galway Hookers sailed between Connemara and Kinvara laden with this fuel as the Kinvara area has no bogs. Kinvara in turn filled the hookers with grain and produce for their return journey. A strong trade developed between the two regions using these great old cargo boats.
Every August since 1979 the mighty Galway Hookers visit Kinvara again. Some of the vessels are over 150 years old, others newly built. They’re beautiful. For some reason I can’t even add media this evening – I wanted to share a photo of these craft – if anyone is interested in boats, real boats, dignified, sturdy, matriarchs of the waves – check out http://cruinniunambad.com/.
Cross Country – Part 2
“Where’s my phone? Did I leave my phone in the car?”
“I saw you put it in your bag. Here’s your thingy Clare.” Emer pulled the ipad from her bag and started to hand it back to her daughter. The ear piece caught on the handle.
“Feck!”
“Mum, don’t break it.” Clare hung over the back of the seat as her mother dodged left and right to find a suitable angle for the pass over. The earpiece flew clear of her handbag to hit her on the glasses.
“Jesus! I’m blinded. My eyes, my beautiful eyes!” The glasses were pulled off with a flourish and hands clapped dramatically over eyes. Drama queen.
Maeve poked her with her elbow.
“Will you behave!”
Finola ignored all, pulling a packet of Kit Kats out of her handbag. They were placed neatly in the centre of the table.
I smiled at the carriage window.
“Did you see that lunatic at Kilcolgan?” Finola folded her scarf tidily and placed it carefully over her coat. The coat was also folded, neatly, across her knees. Maeve struggled with hers. It was a beautiful garment, you could sense the softness of the leather as she slid it from her shoulders.
“Move Emer, you’re sitting on my tail.”
Let back your ears… Lilly M
“Let back your ears and pull like an ass a girleen! Do we have to play cards? I’m useless at cards. I can’t remember a single game.”
“Comon. It’s mighty craic. You’ll remember as soon as you start. I’ll help you.”
“Oh thanks. You’re the biggest cheat on two legs.”
“What? What! Feck off. I am not!” Maeve sniggered across at me.
“Don’t listen to a word. It’s all lies.”
I smiled back. Hadn’t a clue what else to do really. Clearly I was part of the ebb and flow of their banter. I didn’t mind. They were all around my mother’s age and clearly having fun. A big day out.
Finola clattered Emer across the back of the hand. She was reaching for the Kit Kats.
“Ow! Feck!”.
“Wait for the coffee first.”
“Violence, assault. You saw it! You did didn’t you?” Emer grinned at me.
“I have a witness Finola. Now Ha! A witness. She’ll testify. Won’t you?”
“Will you stop disgracing us,” tutted Maeve as Finola pushed the Kit Kats at me.
Fledglings Wolfgang Wander, Papa Lima Whiskey (edit)
I politely declined and was immediately sorry. I like Kit Kats. Two teenage heads appeared behind Maeve and Emer. Right on cue. Like fledgling birds they reached for Kit Kats. Maeve handed them back. The chicks dropped back. Emer opened hers immediately and started eating.
“That lad had a death wish,” said Maeve.
“Fecker. Off with him. I gave him the evil eye out the back window you know. Fecker!”
“Should have taken his number and called the guards. We’re lucky we’re here at all.”
Finola tut tutted into her handbag. Maeve checked her phone. Emer squinted over her shoulder.
“She’s coming, she’s coming!”
“Great! Who’s having what? Laoise, Claire, Dee, what are ye having?”
“Tea please”
“Tea.”
“Have they juice?”
“I’m sure they do,” says Finola.
“Here Emer. Pass this back to them and they can do their own ordering. Dee! Emer has a tenner for you! Get the girls something.”
“You can’t do that! Clare! Don’t take money.”
“I can. Clare! Don’t listen to her.”
“Clare! Listen to your mother. Don’t touch…”
“Will you stop, will you? Clare! Don’t listen to your mother. I’m older than her. Get yourself something. Will you let me get my niece a drink. You can get it on the way home.”
“Ok. Clare! Get something really expensive!”
Finola laughed. Maeve was on the phone. She waved at the pair to stop.
“Fine. Fine. There’s a concert tonight so you’ll have to clean up after you and put all the chairs back. I won’t be home until after 9 so I won’t have time to do anything. It starts at 8. Will you? You will! Good. Alright. I’ll see you later.”
“Tea or coffee?”
“I’ll have a coffee.”
https://widgetworld3.wordpress.com/podcasts/Rjensen at en.wikipedia NEW YORK TRIBUNE, FEBRUARY 11 1902 PAGE 9
HIGH PRAISE FOR FRANCIS FAHY
Joseph Devlin or Ireland, who is at the Hoffman House with William K. Redmond, M.P., one of the leaders of the United Irish League, said last night:“Although I have just reached America for the first time, I rather suspect that the present literary product of Ireland is but slightly known in America. You all know Tom Moore, of course, but do you know our three leading poets of this generation. W.B.Yeats, Lymal Johnson and Katherine Tynan? W. B. Yeats, whose verse has a mystic strain running through it, is probably the widest read in England, and perhaps here. Another of our writers who deserves attention is Francis Fahy, who write the jolliest sort of songs, bright and witty. Many of them have been set to music by Mrs A. Needham. They are well worth while to read or sing.
IMPORT OF PROVISIONS.
THE following arrivals have been entered in the Custom
House since our last publication :
–per Ajax Steamer from London – 209 bags biscuit
Timandra from Cavilla – 2250 quarters Indian Corn
Kate from Galatz – 1300 quarters Indian Corn
Marchioness of Bute – 1300 quarters Indian Corn
Tito from Salonica – 1500 quarters Indian Corn
Minerva Steamer from Liverpool – 355 bags Rice 10 packages Flour
Lima from New Orleans for
Soc. of Friends’ Poor Relief
Committee – 361 barrels Flour
– 598 barrels Indian Corn Meal
– 16 barrels Beans, 6 barrels Pork ; per do.
for American
Consul – 4818 sacks Indian Corn, 42 sacks Wheat
– 25 barrels Flour
– 42 barrels Corn Meal
– 2 barrels Beans
– 2 barrels Beef, 26 sacks Peas
Ballinacurra Lass from
Malta – 890 quarters Indian Corn
Lucinda Jane from
Liverpool – 3500 bushels Indian Corn.
EXPORT OF PROVISIONS.
SINCE our last :-
per Ajax steamer for London – 202 firkins Butter,
– 73 bales Bacon
– 12 casks Hams
– 254 sacks Wheat
– 50 barrels Indian Meal
– 656 sheep
– 33 calves
– 300 boxes eggs
– 50 head cattle
– 90 boxes salmon
Nancy Browne for Newport – 76 head cattle,
Wanderer for New Passage – 230 sheep
William for Newport – 340 sheep
Brothers for Newport – 100 head cattle – 60 sheep
Shannon, for New Passage – 240 sheep, 80 head cattle
Jane and Mary Anne,
for Newport – 110 sheep, 60 head cattle
Nonpareil for Newport – 300 sheep.
The Burren and Beyond 