The Woman and the Priest

One time there lived in the district of Clifden a very selfish woman. This woman was so selfish that she wanted everything for herself. If she had a sack of sugar she would not give you a bit in your tea. She used never buy butter because she used always make it herself. One day when a priest was passing he went in and asked the woman to make him a drop of tea. She got him a cup a saucer, a knife and she cut the bread. Just before the priest came in she made a churn. When the priest was taking his tea he said ” Have you any butter” She said she had none. “What have you in the churn” “Nothing” said she “Take off the lid and look inside” She obeyed and what had she but a churn of ants. She never made a bit of butter after that. That taught a lesson to her never to be selfish.

Collector: Francis Egan

Informant: Mrs Whelan, Clifden, Co. Galway

Place: Clifden, Co. Galway

Footnote: Duchas, http://www.duchas.ie