This month, Eddie recounts the curious tale of Dennis O'Rourke and how his meeting with a stranger on the way to the Tulla horse-fair pulls him into Other World. Dennis is drawn into the Big House, a place where caution is called for against every creature that you might encounter. This tale was originally told to Eddie by Jimmy Armstrong, a patient in Our Lady's hospital in Ennis. Jimmy's stories are available in Eddie's recently republished book, The Man In The Big House. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ..read more

This month, Eddie brings us an in-depth insight into the traditions surrounding Irish wakes. He speaks about how our relationship with death has changed over time, and the importance of honouring the rituals surrounding it. In particular, Eddie focuses on the games that would occur at wakes, amusements and customs that helped pass the long night with the departed. Arm wrestling, cards, rope climbing and dancing with the dead - all games found at an Irish wake. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor ..read more

Eddie recites the frightening tale of what happens when two farmers from Quin in Co. Clare interfere with the Good People who called Corbally's fort their home. On an October's evening, Pat and Sean were returning home from an unproductive day's hunting. On glimpsing a goose on the grounds of the fort, a rifle shot rang out and the two men thought their hunting luck was improving. What they didn't realise was the true nature of the beast they had just injured, and the retribution that would follow their actions. This tale is taken from Eddie's recently republished story collection entitled 'Th ..read more

Dogs and cats and horses and rats. Eddie explores how these animals have long been the subject of Irish folklore stories, and what messages or foreboding they may bring. He explains the long held belief that dogs and horses have the gift of seeing the Other, especially in the dark of night. Eddie also recalls the terrible fate that may befall you if you offended a poet and they decided to send the rats on you out of spite. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information ..read more

This month, Eddie speaks of the banshee in Irish culture, and the fear her wail instilled in those who heard it. The banshee, or the badhbh as she is also known, is a female spirit who gives a warning of impending death. Eddie reflects on a frightening story once told to him by an elderly man that left him convinced that the banshee is more than just a dark figure of the imagination. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information ..read more

Eddie speaks about the macabre subject of graveyards in Ireland, and the rituals and piseogs that surround them. He explains the delicate process of burying a body, and what charms and objects may be placed in the grave, from a deck of cards to a fiddle bow. He also mentions the care required around one's behaviour in a graveyard, unless they wish to find that the next hole being dug is one intended for themselves. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

This month, Eddie speaks about Christmas customs and traditions in Ireland in the olden days. A time for preparations, rituals and feasts. The point of midnight on Christmas Eve is a special time, a moment when magic can happen. It's said that animals have the gift of speech, but make sure you don't listen in on their conversations. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

We're back at last. This month, Eddie speaks about the great trees of Ireland, and why they held such a profound spiritual power over the native Irish people - from druids, to saints and farmers. He discusses the traditions and folklore that surround Irish trees, and how the Irish translation of their names give us an important insight into the geography and history of the island of Ireland. This episode is proudly part of the 'Whose Woods These Are' festival taking place from the 17th - 20th of December. 'Whose Woods These Are' is a four day celebration of trees in music, art, film, talks and ..read more

This month, Eddie recounts his experiences of talking and conversing with the old people around Ireland. Through documenting their stories and experiences, Eddie has developed a rare insight into the beliefs and customs that came to define old traditional life in Ireland. He also reads some of the surreal writing of one patient named Jimmy who Eddie used to visit over the years in Our Lady's hospital in Ennis. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more

This month, Eddie tells a story from his own parish of Brosna in Co.Kerry about two cruiteacháns - local hunchbacks known as Ned Murt and Pat Mickey Seán. On a dark night, a chance meeting with the fairies and the ensuing singsong showed how na daoine uaisle have the ability to heal certain afflictions. But make sure you sing the song correctly, or you might find yourself worse off than before. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information ..read more