Local Heroes
I got no account of a hero but the following scraps of information about some notorious persons may be of some use.
Denis Browne of Claremorris and high sheriff of Mayo towards the end of 18th century and Captain George Robert Fitzgerald of Turlough, Castlebar were looked upon as the two worst men that ever lived in Mayo.
Captain Fitzgerald disputed with one Nolan about some land property. Nolan engaged a Counsellor McDonnell of Chancery Hall, near Ballyvary, on the case. He won and Fitzgerald was enraged at his defeat. This Fitzgerald kept a little army of his own. These men he sent to way lay Counsellor McDonnell. This they did and broke both of his arms and legs. Counsellor McDonnell died and Fitzgerald was charged with his murder. He was found guilty and condemned to be hanged.
Denis Browne was a bitter enemy of George Robert Fitzgerald and tho his reprieve came on the morning fixed for his execution, Denis Browne carried out the sentence and George R. was hanged in Castlebar. The first rope broke and we are told no other man was ever so long on the scaffold.
Great Mower.
There was a Jack Mahon in Ballymahon, Balla parish , who was supposed to have a "charm" for mowing. He would whet his scythe in the morning and mow till night and he could do as much work in one day as two men would do in two days.
Every mower sharpens his scythe before leaving the meadow in the evening and Patsy tells the following story as a reason for this habit.
Once a mower was returning after his day's work. As he crossed a style he tripped and the the blade of the scythe cut him on the neck. He lay there in great agony all night and he said that every man should sharpen his scythe before taking it home with him, for if he had done so he would have got an instantaneous death and not suffer as he had to.
Dancer.
Mike Kennedy of Rushill was a fine dancer. He was taught by Affey Touhey. He could dance reel, jigs, hornpipe.
Pat Corrigan of Ara, parish of Keelogues was a great singer. In the old days the boys bought ballads such as "Emmet's Farewell", ""Erin's lovely Home", "Shores of America" "Fare well Dear Erin". Margaret Reilly (Mrs Ansbro) of Prizon was a great story teller.
“COLLECTOR: Mary A. O’ Doherty, female
INFORMANT: Patsy Ansbro; Gender; male, Age; 84, Tawnagh More, Co. Mayo
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