Monday 11 April 2011

"Irish Birds: Facts and Folklore" Talk by Breffni Martin

A most enjoyable talk was given by Breffni Martin on "Irish Birds: Facts and Folklore" on 7th April in Killeshandra.Breffni informed us of the association between birdlife and mythology such as the association between elusive birds like owls and rales and the banshee. We also learnt of past superstitions about birds including the belief that species such as the pied wagtail were unlucky. It was interesting to hear how in times before bird migration was fully understood, the seasonal disappearance of certain species led to the formation of beliefs such as the suspected link between barnacle geese and goose barnacles.

The Branch A.G.M took place prior to the talk. Committee for the coming year is as follows: Chairperson: Heather Bothwell, Killeshandra. Secretary: Elizabeth Mc Kenna, Bailieborough. Treasurer: Sean Callaghan, Virginia.
General committee: Michael Mc Kiernan, Paddy Ronaghan, PJ Byrne Peadar Reynolds and Yvette Von Cramon.