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Interview with John Kneen speaking Manx Gaelic

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Date(s): 20 January 1952

Creator(s): Manx Society

Scope & Content: John Kneen in conversation, in Manx, with others, about visiting the fairies at Ballaugh. John describes being 'taken by the fairies' on a 10 mile walk: description of walk home and houses, including occupants. They talk about the fairy market; fairies flying to the Isle of Man from Ireland and Scotland; making knives and forks from cabbages; selling cattle,horses and pigs; Dooiney Oie, Fynnodderee, and Lhiannoo Shee; Cry of the Dooiney Oie, sign of bad weather; fairies waiting under bridge at Ballaugh interfering with people of the North going to Peel for herring, then drinking all the beer; Tarroo Ushtey, Buggane, and the Moddey Dhoo; how old folk competed to tell best fairy yarn; fairy boats made of rushes; fairy market; fairy looks; Shenn laa Nollick, cows kneeling, Myrhh blooming; fairies and the harvest moon.

They then talk about fishing superstitions; nicknames for creatures when at sea; unlucky things not to do: Ben Rein ny hoie.

A story that mentions Kelly Chalse in Andreas; the White Boys who John made swords for; John's opinion of the interviewers Manx.

[Attempt has been made to improve the quality of the original sound recording. Despite this, the sound recording is difficult to listen to near the end as the speed of the original recording increases.]

Administration / Biographical History: John Kneen, native Manx speaker (1852-1958). John William ('Bill') Radcliffe, Manx scholar (1917-1984). Walter Clarke, Manx speaker and translator (1928-2007). Douglas Faragher, Manx speaker. Tom Braide, Manx language student (1920-1979).

This recording was made by Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh (Manx Society) as part of a collection of recordings made on 29 paper tapes from 1951-1953 by members of Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh on a ‘sound mirror’ recording machine. The machine was owned by Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh, purchased for them by member John Gell. Recording sessions usually took place on Sunday afternoon. In most cases speakers were interviewed in their own homes, usually by two or more interviewers.

Language: Manx Gaelic

Extent: 40 min. 59 sec.

Item name: magnetic recording tape

Collection: Sound Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: SA 0004

Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.

Subject tags : #UOSH

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