Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
This collection of folklore was recorded and produced by Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert, facilitated by The GAFF and supported by The Arts Council, Limerick Arts Office, St. Mary's National School and Thomond Primary School.
List of Contents
00:00 – Introduction. Mick asks about ghost stories.
00:32 – Jack talks about his grandfather hearing the Banshee — his friend died shortly afterward.
00:55 – Aly talks about the Banshee Rock that the builders broke up, and warns to never pick up a comb off the ground.
01:15 – Aly repeats the Banshee Rock story.
01:32 – Mick asks about the Three Nuns. Aly says they live on Mary Street and that they chopped the head off the Headless Horseman.
02:18 – Mick asks where the nuns live and mentions "ghosty nuns." Aly tells the claw marks on the bridge story near Jack Monday’s.
02:55 – Aly repeats the story of a witch being thrown over Thomond Bridge. Jack shares his version — the witch would pull you into the water after midnight.
03:22 – Mick asks about the Green Lady at the back of the handball alley.
03:45 – Aly talks about the Green Lady.
04:13 – Aly tells the story about ducking when you see a train.
04:29 – Jack tells the story of touching the four corners in the handball alley. Aly has the same story and describes her crying. Jack then says his father or grandfather did it too.
06:02 – Aly talks about the superstition of not complaining over spilled milk, and also about waving at magpies. Great stories here about good luck and bad luck.
06:31 – Aly talks about Bloody Mary and the mirror.
06:46 – Mick asks about dropping a knife on the floor. Aly recites the rhyme.
07:04 – Jack tells the story of holding your hands out after 12 o’clock in the bathroom and saying “Blue Baby.”
07:20 – Aly talks about Googoo’s Hill and the heart you hit with a stone.
08:07 – They both tell the Googoo’s Hill story.
08:28 – Aly talks about the superstition of touching wood.
08:42 – Aly and Jack talk about blessing themselves with holy water fonts and their grandparents blessing them. Aly mentions blessing yourself when you see a statue, an ambulance, or when going on a journey — especially on the backroads or motorway. Great stories.
10:21 – Jack talks about a holy medal his granny gave him, which he carries for luck. Aly has a similar story.
11:46 – Aly talks about New Year’s customs, like leaving doors open.
12:21 – Aly tells a story about his neighbour having a holly bush in the garden. His granny says it’s good luck.
12:53 – Mick asks what they do at Hallowe’en. They talk about not being able to buy eggs, as they’re used for egging people.
13:30 – Mick asks about Bonfire Night, which is on April 30th in Limerick City. Aly explains how it’s a competition between Weston and Moyross.
14:28 – Aly repeats the Bonfire Night story, uses the word “axed,” and describes the local rivalry. May Bonfire Night is also celebrated in Arklow and North Wexford.
This collection of folklore was recorded and produced by Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert, facilitated by The GAFF and supported by The Arts Council, Limerick Arts Office, St. Mary's National School and Thomond Primary School.
List of Contents
00:00 – Introduction. Mick asks about ghost stories.
00:32 – Jack talks about his grandfather hearing the Banshee — his friend died shortly afterward.
00:55 – Aly talks about the Banshee Rock that the builders broke up, and warns to never pick up a comb off the ground.
01:15 – Aly repeats the Banshee Rock story.
01:32 – Mick asks about the Three Nuns. Aly says they live on Mary Street and that they chopped the head off the Headless Horseman.
02:18 – Mick asks where the nuns live and mentions "ghosty nuns." Aly tells the claw marks on the bridge story near Jack Monday’s.
02:55 – Aly repeats the story of a witch being thrown over Thomond Bridge. Jack shares his version — the witch would pull you into the water after midnight.
03:22 – Mick asks about the Green Lady at the back of the handball alley.
03:45 – Aly talks about the Green Lady.
04:13 – Aly tells the story about ducking when you see a train.
04:29 – Jack tells the story of touching the four corners in the handball alley. Aly has the same story and describes her crying. Jack then says his father or grandfather did it too.
06:02 – Aly talks about the superstition of not complaining over spilled milk, and also about waving at magpies. Great stories here about good luck and bad luck.
06:31 – Aly talks about Bloody Mary and the mirror.
06:46 – Mick asks about dropping a knife on the floor. Aly recites the rhyme.
07:04 – Jack tells the story of holding your hands out after 12 o’clock in the bathroom and saying “Blue Baby.”
07:20 – Aly talks about Googoo’s Hill and the heart you hit with a stone.
08:07 – They both tell the Googoo’s Hill story.
08:28 – Aly talks about the superstition of touching wood.
08:42 – Aly and Jack talk about blessing themselves with holy water fonts and their grandparents blessing them. Aly mentions blessing yourself when you see a statue, an ambulance, or when going on a journey — especially on the backroads or motorway. Great stories.
10:21 – Jack talks about a holy medal his granny gave him, which he carries for luck. Aly has a similar story.
11:46 – Aly talks about New Year’s customs, like leaving doors open.
12:21 – Aly tells a story about his neighbour having a holly bush in the garden. His granny says it’s good luck.
12:53 – Mick asks what they do at Hallowe’en. They talk about not being able to buy eggs, as they’re used for egging people.
13:30 – Mick asks about Bonfire Night, which is on April 30th in Limerick City. Aly explains how it’s a competition between Weston and Moyross.
14:28 – Aly repeats the Bonfire Night story, uses the word “axed,” and describes the local rivalry. May Bonfire Night is also celebrated in Arklow and North Wexford.
