Click on image to enlarge
-
OSi 1888-1913 map of the village of Fenagh showing the
location of where the Constablary barracks was located |
An ariel view of the ruins
of the old Constablary barracks in Fenagh. The photo
is superimposed over the image of the Barracks on the
left. If you zoom in on the green field you will be
able to see the markings. |
Folktale - An Old Barracks in Fenagh
Near the village of Fenagh there once stood a
large Barracks, the four walls of which are still plain to be seen.
Near the ruins of this old Barracks ther stands a bush of a preculiar
shape, very round and small, and it is often admired by people who
pass by it. Underneath this bush there is also a little seat. It is
believed in the district, that at certain times of the year a light is
seen under the bush at midnight, but as there are so many weird tales
told about it, people are afraid to venture near it at night-time.
One of the tales is as follows:- It happened
one night that a man remained out late, and on his way home he had to
pass by the bush. As he was approacheing the bush he noticed a faint
glimmering light shining under it. Full of curiosity he urged his way
towards the bush, and looking up he saw the pale face of a woman
sitting on the seat I have mentioned. Her face looked very troubled,
and she was crying bitterly. The man thinking she was a real woman,
and moved with compassion for her, forced his lips to say, "Can I help
you." Her face seemed to light up with joy, and waving her lily white
hand, she disappeared mysteriously, and the light also disappeared.
It was found out on looking up the matter that
some years passed a woman was getting water it this well, and she fell
in, accidently, and was drowned. Now her ghost is suppose to come back
to the old Barracks, and so firmly is it believed in the district,
that people are afraid to venture near the old Barracks or the bush,
as there are so many supperstitious stories to about them.
Transcribed from a school pupils project by a
member of our volunteer transcription project.
Source:
https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5044671/5030902/5144975?ChapterID=5044671
