So7}ie Ckaracterisius of Irish Folklore. 273
were made to the well, and the bark was stripped by the pilgrims off the surrounding trees.
To complicate the matter further, John Richardson, writing in 1727, records under date St. Valentine's Eve,*'* " superstitions " connected with an '• idol," which was kissed by the devout, who made ofterings, rounds, and prayers at the well.
Richardson noted of the image — or as he has it, " idol " of St. Gobinet, that in addition to the annual customs, " the image is kept by one of the Family of the O' Harlehys, and when any one is fick of the Small-Pox, they fend for it. Sacrifice a Sheep to it, and wrap the Skin about the fick Perfon, and the Family eat the Sheep. But this Idol hath now much loft its reputation, becaufe two of the O'Harlehy's died lately of the S)nall-Pox." ^^
But the Saint's day is yet to settle, and a fourth authority, Smith, the historian of Co. Cork, gives February 14 as the Patron Day of Ballyvourney, Muskerry, and Kilshanick, where another holy well is dedicated to St. Gobinet.*^
Whitsuntide further complicates the matter, for the saint is honoured also on O'Hanlon says Whit-Sunday, Richard- son Whit-Thursday, and Smith Whit-Monday.
It is little wonder that confusion should arise over a question of chronological exactitude, where customs have had such a plenitude of official interference as in Ireland. In the second year of the reign of Queen Anne an Act was passed putting down " Pilgrimages by vast Numbers at certain Seasons ; by which, not only the Peace of the Publick is greatly disturbed, but the Safety of the Govern- ment also hazarded by the riotous and unlawful assembling together of many Thousands of Papists, to the said Wells
- ■* This is the only reference to St. Valentine I have come across in any book
on Ireland.
- ^ Ike Great Folly, Superstition and Idolatry of Pilgritiiages in Ireland^
pp. 76-7.
"Vol. i., bk. ii. p. 1S5.
