The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-07-29
THE PRESS.
From Chambers Journal
Irish Matchmaking.


opposition on her part is of very rare occur
renee, except where she has taken the pre-
caution of providing herself with husband
before. When a match Is made and the
bargain concluded, If the girl declines to ac-
cept the husband selected, she quickly loses
caste, the young men considering that a
disobedient daughter must of necessity make
an uncomfortable wife.
Still more exceptional is any objection on
the part of the young man to the wife select
Ell for him by his father, as be feels quite sat-
isfied 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 per-
fectly impartial and at the same time fairly
critical eye. Interest and inclination alike
lead him to make the best selection; he does
1t only after an infinite amount of cogitation;
but when his choice is made it is unalterable;
and he will obstinately contend tor his sons
interest without single thought of the
young woman's inclinations, taking it for
granted that they will be in accordance with
her fathers wishes. The mother has little to
say in the matter on either side. She never
goes matchmaking, and is not in any way
consulted, being only acquainted with the
Intentions of her husband Tor their son, when
he has made up bis mind. Marriage is a
udttCI VI UucluCco, duu IL 10 lihG dIy OIucI
bargain, made with the shrewd, humorous,
calculating caution which characterizes the
Connaught man. Marriage gifts, such as
pigs, poultry, cow, ETC., play an important
arrangement; and the girls father has been
known to refuse to give her single penny of
fortune until the bridegroom's parent had
conceded to her famous Matching goose!
The following is specimen of the way in
which matrimonial affairs are managed west
of the Shannon:
sect out my Sunday clothes, judy" said
old Corny O'Byrne one evening when he re-
turned home from his work. ''Pm goin'
over to Pether Linksey's tonight"
"Musha, Corny, an what are ye goin'
for?' Judy asked, as she unlocked large
deal chest, painted red, which stood near the
fireplace, and carefully took out blue freize
tail-coat, with bright metal buttons, pair
of bright-colored knee-breeches, ribbed
worsted stockings, a pair of strong shoes, and
billycock hat, which with a red pocket
handkerchief with Powered border (which
he carried in his hlt,, and stout blackthorn
shillelah, constituted Corny's Sunday suit.
''Sure Pm goin' to make match between
our Dermott an Kate Linksey," he said at
last in reply to his wife's question. "She's a
purity colleen, an the boy is mighty pleased
with her entirely"
$50 she is, Corny. laukie little girl, am
BIC ii lave d SuuS lOfGuuc, IudyUcs IctuSI
is a dacent, honest man."
s'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 DeImott tells
me Katie likes him.
"An'iwhy wouldn't she, Corny? There's
not as purity boy in the parish, nor a bet
ther," Judy said proudly.
"Thrue for ye, ashore; give US out the
could steckin' am we'll make match oft
- do x,st f1o - ~ Dat
rickv' Corny replied.
From the furthest corner of the chest Judy
drew out carefully an old worsted stocking
and handed it to her husband, who weighed
it in his hand, and then, with sly wink, but
toned into one of his pockets. ''This'll do
the business, judy he said as he left the
house, with many Banaughth-Laths-Go God
prosper, or be with you-from his wife.
Peter Linksey was small farmer living
about quarter of mile from Corny's cabin.
He had several sons and one daughter Katie,
who was considered the "beauty" of the vii
lage OF Balleymoyne. Her eldest brother
was about to be married and bring his wife
home, and her father considered it would be
very advisable to get Kate married and set
tied before the arrival of her sister-in-law,
and Dermott O'Byrne-a fine, strapping
young fellow, very steady and good naturey-
old Peter thought would make a very good
husband for his girl, especially as he was an
only child, if no better sutton offered.
When Corn y O'Bryne reached Peter Link
sey's cabin he put his head over the half
door and said in Irish, "God save all here p
the customary form of greeting in that aud
many other parts of Ireland.
"God save ye kindly, Corny," Peter re-
piled from the chimney corner, "come in and
take sate."
Corney entered with both his hands behind
his back, and took his seat on three legged
stool that Linksey had pushed in front of the
fire for him,
Zine weather for the crops, Corney," Pc
ter said, poking up the fire with his shoe.
can Mary, throw on couple o. dry turf,
an sweep up the hearth, will yep
Mary did as her husband desired, and then
going to a recess in the wall by the fireplace
took out from thence new clay pipe and
piece of tobacco. (probably got at the last
wake she had been at) "Will ye light the
pipe, Corny?" she, said. handing them to the
old man, who with nod and "Thank We
kindly" and filled slowly, kindlng with a
coal from the hearth, blew a few whiffs in
grave, dignified silence, and then handed
IL to Peter, who in equal silence, smoked it
for few moments, and then handed it back
to Corny and proceeded to light his own
pipe.
They both smoked steadily for time, then
Mrs. Linksey pulled small table between
them, produced from her chest stone Jar of
potheen and couple of cracked glasses,
which she set on the table with noggin of
cold water, and taking up her pail, procesd-
ed to the barn to milk the cows.
"That's purity colleen of yours, Pether,"
Corny said, after long sileuce.
"Thrue for ye, an good, sensible little
girl into the bargain; it's happy's the man
thatll get her." Peter replied, after due con-
sideratiol.
''That's what l said myself, an come
over to see if we can't make a match be-
tween my Dermott am herself?' O'Byrne
said after another interval.
"He's likely boy" pursued Peter reflect
lively.
"Ye may veil say that, Pether, an he'll
make good husband, no doubt, for he's
good son. What do you say to To" Corney
asked, leaning forward on his stool.
'sPm pleased"
''God save all herev' said harsh, grating
voice, and a head appeared in the doorway:
"Good evening to ye, Petherr'
''Good evening, kindly" Peter returned.
Come in and take safe, Tom"
The new conner entered and took a stool.
and, casting questioning glance at Corny
O'Byrne, proceeded to light his pipe and
smoked for some minutes. He was a stout,
harsh-featured man with loud voice. He
was uot uuCu VI b ldVOTlCe IN Inc village,
and especially disliked by Corney O'Byrne-
who never lost an opportunity of annoying
Tom Dillon. He was comfortable farmer.
and one of his sons had been ''making up''
to Katie Linksey sometime BEFORE" After
silence, during which time the three old
men smoked theoretically, Dillon cleared his
throat two or three times, and then said
abruptly:
"Pether, want to make match between
your little girl and my Martin: have We any
thing to say agin II? '
"Sorra one word, Tom; only me neighbor
Corny O'Byrne and mesef were speaking of
the thing when ye come mp Peter replied,
with a shrewd glance at them both.
First come, first served, Pether," Corny
said, shaking the ashes from his pipe and
knocking the bowl against his thumb-nai;
"mind thatv'
"To be sure, to be sure" Peter replied:
and then there was another long pause.
"An' we may as well clunch the bargain at
oncet," Corny continued.
"To be sure, to be sure" Peter again as
scented, smoking steadily.
"Ye have nothin' agin my Martin, have
ye, Peter Linksey?" Tom Dillon said, laying
down his pipe.