The Goban Saor and the Plough

Once there was a man who decided to make himself a plough without horses. It took 7 years to make the plough and when he was finished he went out and ploughed the field of 7 acres. His wife said it was bad work for 7 years. He was so vexed he went out and broke up the plough and none like it was made since.

Collector: Ettie Dempsey, Knockatogher, Co. Galway

Informant: Bernard Dempsey, Knockatogher, Co. Galway

Place: Kiltullagh, Co. Galway

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