Murder Mysteries, The Pooka, and an Irish Blacksmith...

Céad míle fáilte, welcome to your Letter from Ireland “Shorts”. Each Tuesday we’ll bring you a quick-read of some of our favourite and interesting Irish things for this week.

FAVOURITE PLACES IN IRELAND
Michael Cusack Centre, Carran, County Clare. The children in my house were brought up being told stories about “The Pookie”. This is the “Púca” (pronounced “Pooka”) and we went to this special place in the Burren where Tony Kirby tells us a more about “The Legend of the Púca”. Click here to see the video and learn more about the Púca’s antics.

FEATURED IRISH SURNAME
Our Irish surname of the week is Cusack. It originates from Cussac in southwest France. Introduced to Ireland after the Anglo-Norman Invasion (1169-1170), it was first known as “de Cussac” or “de Cusack”, later becoming “de Ciomhsog” in Irish. Like other Norman names, it’s now fully hibernicized. One notable Cusack, is Michael, founder of the GAA. To see where the name appears in Ireland in the mid 1800s go to this page on Johngrenham.com

BOOK I’M READING NOW
“The County Cork Mysteries ” by Sheila Connolly. No false modesty here.If you are enjoying your letters on Sunday then perhaps you would like to read a selection of our best letters in a book? Click here to see the book on amazon.

IRISH WORD OR PROVERB

“Ní mar a shíltear a bhítear“

It translates as “All is not what it seems”.

Click here to listen to how a native Irish speaker would say it

A interesting Irish thought as we approach Halloween!

IRISH CRAFT/PRODUCT WE LOVE (not an advert – just things we like)

Tom King is “An Gobha” (The Blacksmith). He strikes an imposing figure, looking like he has come straight from the iron age! He both offers interactive experiences as well as making his own beautiful Celtic metal pieces in the Boyne valley. His creations are award winning and I think this St. Brigid’s Cross really stands out. What do you think?

That’s it for this week. Send us an email with any of your own favourites for inclusion in future emails, or if you’re a plus member leave a comment below.

Slán for now,
Mike & Carina.

Note: The above article may contain some affiliate links (for example the Amazon link) which means we get paid a small amount should you choose to purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the show on the road!