Storytelling in Bunclody

Well tonight was the first chance I got to attend a story-telling evening. And it was right down the street - yes down. The trip home was UP of course. The event was at St Aiden's parish hall which I've been passing, on every trip into town. It was built in 1916 - it says so in stone on the exterior. I've noticed that a few buildings in town have their construction date in stone, somewhere on the facade. So far the earliest I've seen is 1870 but I'll keep looking.

I chanced to pick up a brochure at the public library earlier in the week, about story-telling evenings in Wexford. Well ta-da, there was one tonight. Happily I had got the info in time. I phoned one of the people who were listed to see if one had to register to attend. Nope - come on in anytime.

As it happened, it was Andy Doyle. He was one of the two men who provided so much entertainment at Egan's pub a few weeks ago. Again this evening he entertained with two recitations - one was a repeat from Egan's, but equally as entertaining as it was the first time. He was one of many who contributed.

I had no idea what to expect by way of "stories". Well - there were no stories, as I would have defined them. There were a few musicians (3 accordionists and one guitar player) which I hadn't expected. Apparently the cold windy weather kept folks away because there are usually more folks there.

Andy seemed to be the main host, and first holder of "the stick". It looked like a long cane - or shillelagh. The stick was passed and the recipient either sang or told a "story". For story, read "joke", usually lengthy although not necessarily. The musicians accompanied most of the songs although some were sung a capella. The stories were all funny although I admit to struggling with the accent of some of the tellers.

About half way through there was a break for tea and goodies. I had a coffee and a conversation. I expect to be up all night. It's after 1 am and I'm still bright eyed and bushy tailed. The tail will be dragging in the morning - or should I say later this morning.

This evening's crowd was mainly comprised of the "silver hair society" of which I'm now a charter member. There were however, a couple of young boys, maybe early teens. One even told two jokes. It's nice to know that this tradition is being passed along.

There is another such evening in Rathoe on Sunday and I might just make my way there. It would be hard to beat the two traditional Irish evenings I've enjoyed so far. In Scotland I tried sticky toffee pudding at every opportunity, looking for the best one. Here in Ireland I'll try as many story-telling evenings as I can to decide which is the best.

And now I'll lay me down and try to sleep.