Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1876-08-04
MATCHMAKING IN ROsCOMMoN.
A Humorous Phase Of Irish Life.

In the west of Ireland, .he feelings of the
young woman are seldom consulted IN mat.
tiers matrimonial. Her father being the
best judge OF what is for his daughter
advantage, opposition on her part is Of very
rare occurrence, except where.she has taken
the precaution of providing herself with a
husband beforehand. When a match is
made and the bargain concluded, if the girl
declines to accept the husband selected, she
quickly loses caste, the young men consider
ing that disobedient daughter must of ne.
cessity make an uncomfortable wife.
Still more exceptional is any objection on
the part Of the yonng man to the wife Sc.
lected for him by his father, as he feels quite
satisfied that experience enables his parent
to judge OF the temper and qualifications Of
woman much better than he possibly could.
Moreover, the father has the advantage of
being able to examine her merits with a per-
fectly impartial, and at the same time fairly
critical eye. Interest and inclination alike
lead him to make the best selection; he does
it only after an infIite amount of cogita.
ton; but when his choice is made, it is IN.
alterable; and he will obstinately contend
for his sons interest, without a single
thought Of the young woman's inclination
taking it for granted that they will be in
accordance with her fathers wishes. The
mother has little to say on either side. She
never goes matchmaking, and is not in any
way consulted, being only acquainted with
the intentions Of her husband for their son
when he has made up his mind. Marriage
is matter OF business, and it is like any
other bargain, made with the shrewd, humor-
Gus, calculating caution which characterizes
the Connaught man. Marriage gifts such
as pigs, poultry, COW, etc, play an impor.
tant part in the arrangements, and the girls
father has been known to refuse to give her
a single penny of fortune until the BRIDE
groom's parent had conceded to her favor.
ito Matching goose The following is a spec.
linen Of the way in which matrimonial affairs
arc managed west Of the Shannon.
SECT out my Sunday clothes, Judy" said
old Corny O'Byrne, one evening when he
returned from his work, "I'm goin' over to
Pether Linskey's tonight"
"Musha, Corny, an what are ye goia'
for ?" Judy asked, as she unlocked a large
deal-chest painted red, which stood near the
fireplace, and carefully took out n blue
frieze tail-coat, with bright metal buttons, a
pair Of light.colored cord knee breeches
ribbed wOrsted stockings, pair of strong
shoes, and billycock hat, which, with a
red cotton pocket-handchef with a Powered
border (which he carried in his hat), and a
stout blackthorn shillelah, constituted Corny 5
Sunday suit.
"Sure, I'm goin' to make between our
DermOtt an Katie Linskey," be said at last
in reply to his wife's question. "She's a
purity colleen, an the boy is mighty plased
with her, intirely."
$50 she is, Corny laukie little girl, an
she'll have snug fortune, maybe. Pether
Is a dacent honest man !"
"Faith, Judy, an he is that same, or it
isn't Corny O'Byrne that would cut, shuttle,
or dale with him or his; an Dermott tells
me Katie likes him."
can why wouldn't she, Corny9 There's
not as purity boy in the parish nor bet.
ther." Judy said proudly.
"Ihrue for ye, ashore give us out the
ould stockin,' an we'll make match of it
this Shrovetide, with the blessin o. St. Path.
rick !" Cony replied.
From the furthest corner of the chest,
Judy drew out carefully an old worsted
stocking, and handed it @ her husband, who
weighed it in his hand, and then, with a sly
wink, buttoned it into one of his pockets.
"Ihis'll do the business Judy" he said as
he left the house, with many BaaauqIth.
Laths tGOd prosper, or be with you) from
his wife.
Peter Linskey was a small farmer living
about quarter Of mile from Corny's
cabin. lie had several sons, and one daugh.
ter, Katie, who was considered the "beauty"
Of the village of Ballymoyne. Her eldest
brother was about to be married, and bring
his wife home; and her father considered it
would be very advisable to get Katie mar
rled and settled before the arrival of her
sister-in'lawi and Dermott O'Byrne-a fine,
strapping young fellow, very "stsady" and
gOOd-natured-Old Peter thought would
make very good husband Tor his girl
Especially as he was an only ehlldl, if no
better sutton offered
When Corny O'Byrne reached Peter Lin
skey's cabin, he put in his head over the half.
door, and said in Irish "God save all here !"
the customary form Of greeting in that and
many other parts OF ireland.
"God save 20 kindly, Corny," Peter re-
piled from the chimney.corner; "come in
and take q sate."