Biddy Early

Biddy Early (1798-1874) was born in Killanena and lived most of her life in Feakle in Co. Clare. She was a ‘bean feasa’ or wise woman (literally a ‘woman of knowledge’). She was famous as a woman of otherworldly knowledge and the power to cure people’s ills, whether physical, psychic, spiritual, or even economic.

In more recent times she has been casually called a witch, but that word and concept belong to other cultures. This notion did not really exist in the Gaelic culture of 19th century West of Ireland and it is inaccurate to apply it to Biddy Early.

These stories are told mostly by local people Paddy O’ Malley, Peggy Hogan, Mary O’ Connor, May Tuohy, Rita Flaherty, Kevin Dunleavy and Joe Tuohy, with two from West Clare (Francie Kenneally, Catherine Talty). The interviewers are Tomás McConmara, Paula Carroll and Tara Sparling.Find transcript of the story told by Francie Kenneally here

Many Cuimhneamh an Chláir oral history collections are available in the Digital Repository of Ireland. Contributors above that you can explore in more detail in the DRI are Peggy Hogan, Mai Tuohy and Catherine Talty.

BOOKS REFERRED TO:
Biddy Early, The Wise Woman of Clare by Meda Ryan

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
‘Sí Gaoithe’ (fairy wind): A mysterious strong gust of wind that seems to whip up from nowhere on an otherwise fine day. Said to be caused by the fairies.
Baker’s Bread: Bread bought in a shop (yeasted), rather than made at home (unleavened).
‘Terrible Make Way’: A big fuss.
Piseogs: A form of folk magic, always malevolent. Performed to cause misfortune to someone, such as burying an animal carcass on someone's land.
Series 2 of The Clare Oral History Podcast is supported by The Ireland Funds
Follow Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Instagram, Facebook, X or LinkedIn