Seanchas na Caorach

An original study by Professor Michael Doherty relating to diseases of cattle provided evidence of belief in the efficacy of folk cures, as well the continuing existence of a variety of herbal and magico-religious practices associated with them.

The purpose of Professor Doherty’s current research was to establish the experience of folk custom and belief as it applies to sheep health and husbandry, with an emphasis on hill farming. Michael’s field work was carried out in the early spring of 2024 and primary sources in UCD’s National Folklore Collection were examined with a particular emphasis on Seán Ó hEochaidh’s paper on Donegal sheep folklore “Seanchas na Caorach” (1969), published in Béaloideas: the Journal of the Folklore of Ireland Society. Michael will present his folklore research through an ethno-veterinary medicine lens.

This lecture is organised by An Cumann le Béaloideas Eireann/The Folklore of Ireland Society.

Host or Publisher National Library of Ireland