A Riddle About a Farmer From Tuam

Castlehacket, Co. Galway

A farmer who lived near Tuam had no stock aside from 17 cows. When he was dying, he wanted to divide these between 3 sons. After their father died, the sons went to the fair to see if they could find anyone to settle the division. One man’s cow went in along with the other and this man decided to count out the division, giving half to the eldest, one third to the second and one ninth to the last. This added up to 17 and the man took his own cow home.

Collector: Annie O’Dowde, Cluidrevagh, Co. Galway

Informant: Mrs O’Dowde, Cluidrevagh, Co. Galway

Place: Castlehacket, Co. Galway

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

This page was added on 26/04/2017.

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