Fairs in The Area

Fairs around this area were held in Athenry and Abbey. There is a story told in Abbey about a man named John Bullett who killed his son and then committed suicide. At the fair, in about 1894, all the animals died within a month of being sold. Fr. Doyle had to say mass in the ruins of the Abbey. “Luck” is given at every fair, and money is given to Mr Dempsey near the railway as a custom.

Collector: Philomena Mahon, Newcastle, Co. Galway

Informant: John Mahon, Newcastle, Co. Galway (grandparent)

Place: Newcastle, Co. Galway

Footnote: Duchas, ‘The Schools’ Collection’, www.duchas.ie