On Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, the Clonmany Genealogy & Heritage Group will host an event entitled ‘Cures, Remedies and Old Wives Tales’ in the Market House, Clonmany. This event is part of National Heritage Week 2024 and is a celebration of the belief in the healing power of plants, and other ‘cures’, as well as shining a light on the important medical roles played by women in Irish rural society before access to modern medical practices became available. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Derry Journal, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
The project also looks at traditional cures mentioned in Irish folklore and in local legends and examines why some individuals were believed to hold almost magical curative powers. Sometimes it is believed cures can be achieved by prayer, by undergoing a pilgrimage or by visiting a sacred place, such as a Holy Well. The event will feature an exhibition displaying some of the plants and materials used to treat illness and other conditions in the past and local historian and folklorist, Dessie McCallion, will conduct a talk on the subject in the Market House at 4pm on Saturday, August 24, when local people will be invited to add their own knowledge of this fascinating subject.
The exhibition will feature many photos, stories and posters relating to this hugely interesting subject. A number of additional events are being planned for what should be a wonderf.