Life Stories and Beliefs by Justin Curtis, Grantstown, Co. Wexford

Recorded by Michael Fortune in Grantstown Day Centre, Grantstown, Co. Wexford on the 29th of April 2024.
This recording was made as part of a folklore collection recorded and
produced by Michael with the support of the Grantstown Day Care
Centre and the Arts Department of Wexford County Council
under their Creative Communities Scheme.
List of Contents
00:00 - Early life
00:15 - Blessing Cowhouse and great rabbit story and Priest blessing the field to get rid of rabbits.
00:50 - Holy medal on tractor and great story of a shed going on fire but the medal survived.
1:28 - Sacred Heart picture. Great story of the Sacred Heart picture protecting the house against the fire.
2:20 - Mother blessing them with holy water
2:25 - Faith and belief with old people
2:58 - Pioneer badge and taking the pledge. Parents didn’t drink.
3:58 - Going to the pub for a chat.
4:15 - Blessing the tractor or binder on its first outing.
4:50 - Blessing the cow when she would have a calf. Holy water shook on the animal and then blessed themselves.
5:43 - Shook blessed salt around the house to “keep the divil away”
6:24 - Put the old St. Brigid’s Cross out into the outhouse. He used to say his prayers in the outhouse. Love how he says you should always listen to your mother and you father.
7:24 - Take the straw from the crib and give it to the nearest person to you. This would give them luck and prosperity. Take on Christmas Day.
8:09 - Visit graves on anneversity. Not at Christmas.
8:30 - Light candles on All Saints and All Souls
8:48 - Holy Water font in his house “for the good”.
9:20 - Giving a miraculous medal as a gift.
9:49 - Talks about Gusserane church. Also talks about going to Latin mass in Barntown and also in St. Peter’s College.