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Questionnaire: Tinkers [Travellers]

Abstract Questionnaire and collected material on the subject of Tinkers [Travellers] in Ireland, issued by the Irish Folklore Commission.

In collection 

Archival description  

Date
1952/1956
Extent
143 items
Location of original
Original items located in the National Folklore Collection UCD.
Repository
National Folklore Collection UCD
Irish Virtual Research Library and Archive
Language
English ; Irish
Scope and Content
In February 1952, a questionnaire entitled Tinkers: 'Travellers' was issued by the Irish Folklore Commission to its full-time and part-time collectors and to its network of correspondents throughout Ireland. Acknowledging the relative dearth of knowledge among the settled community about Travellers, the Commission’s Honorary Director, Séamus Ó Duilearga, explained:
"Comparatively little is known about them […] as no serious attempt has hitherto been made to collect information about them from all over the country in a systematic way."
The dual title, Tinkers: 'Travellers', was selected as it embodied both the term 'Tinker', commonly used by the settled community at the time (and among whom the questionnaire was for the most part circulated), and 'Traveller' the term preferred by the Travelling community itself. Respondents were cautioned:
"This questionnaire is not intended as a means of collecting information about individuals who travel the road alone (tramps, beggarmen). It refers only to tinkers who move about in family or other groups and ply a trade or calling, such as tin-smithwork or horse-dealing."
The questions encompassed the following areas:
  1. Generic name(s)/title(s) of Tinkers.
  2. Local Tinker groups
  3. Areas within which Tinker groups operate.
  4. Customs and superstitions of Tinkers.
  5. Religious and social practices of Tinkers.
  6. Visits and local encampments of Tinkers.
  7. Tinker crafts and means of livelihood.
  8. Tinker behaviour.
  9. Physical and other characteristics of Tinkers.
  10. Tinker personalities/'famous' Tinkers.
  11. Tinker society.
  12. Tinker language(s).
  13. Origins and history of Tinkers.
  14. Sayings, proverbs or songs about Tinkers.
This collection presents the responses to the questionnaire and sundry related material (e.g. newspaper clippings). Responses consist either of information supplied by individual collectors or information recorded by them from their own local networks of informants. In some instances, information was recorded directly from members of the Travelling community.
Arrangement
The bulk of the questionnaire replies are bound in two volumes – NFC vol. 1255 (provinces of Munster and Leinster) and vol. 1256 (provinces of Connacht and Ulster). The material includes notebooks on which responses were written, cover correspondence, title pages for each province, copies of the list of questions (in English and Irish) and instructions to collectors.
Each manuscript has its own continuous pagination, irrespective of any original numbering. A date-stamp from "Coimisiún Béaloideasa Éireann" (Irish Folklore Commission) normally appears at the beginning of each contributor’s response.
Material returned later than 1952 is interspersed within other manuscripts (NFC vols. 1379, 1540, 1565 and 1669), and is also presented here.
Subjects
Ireland--Ethnology
Irish Travellers (Nomadic people)
Questionnaires--Ireland
Record source
Finding aid encoded in EAD by the Irish Virtual Research Library and Archive (AC), 16 July 2007.

Finding aid author
Irish Virtual Research Library and Archive (AC)

Archive contents  

1. Information returned from the provinces of Munster and Leinster (1952).

2. Information returned from the provinces of Connacht and Ulster (1952).

3. Information returned from various locations (after 1952).

1.   Information returned from the provinces of Munster and Leinster (1952).

1 Toradh Ceistiúcháin ar Na Tíncéirí [Questionnaire on Tinkers]   [View...]
2 [List of questions for the questionnaire on 'Tinkers'; and instructions to collectors / by James Hamilton Delargy.]   [View...]
3 Cúige Mumhan [Province of Munster]   [View...]
4 [Response from Eibhlín Bean Uí Loingsigh, Corkaguiny, Co. Kerry, collected by Pádraig O Deaghdha.]   [View...]
5 [Response from Seán Ó Dúbhda, Carraig, Ballynagall, Dingle, Co. Kerry.]   [View...]
6 [Response from Séamus Mac Domhnaill, St. Brendan's, Ballyvelly, Tralee, Co. Kerry.]   [View...]
7 [Response from Séamus Mac Gearailt, Liospóil, Corkaguiny, Co. Kerry (sourced from Tomás a' Choimin and Pádraig Ó Súilleabháin), collected by Seán Ó Súilleabháin, Cluain Cumhra, Liospóil, Co. Kerry,   [View...]
8 [Information collected by Mrs. E. Foley, Killorglin, Co. Kerry, from 'many different people' ]   [View...]
9 [Response from Donnchadh Seán O'Sullivan, Lacaroe, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.]   [View...]
10 [Response from Eibhlín Bean Mhic Conchoille, Rathmore, Co. Kerry.]   [View...]
11 [Response from P. J. Fleming, Countess Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry.]   [View...]
12 [Letter from P. J. Fleming (Countess Road, Killarney) to Seán Ó Súilleabháin (Archivist, University College, Dublin), giving his opinion on the 'Tinker Tribe'.]   [View...]
13 [Response from Michael O'Brien, Scartaglin, Co. Kerry.]   [View...]
14 [Information collected by Elizabeth Godfrey, Ballynakeen, Kilbrittain, Co. Cork, at a meeting of the Kilbrittain Guild of the Irish Countrywomen's Association.]   [View...]
15 [Response from Diarmuid Ua Mathghámhna, Castletown, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
16 [Response from William J. Kingston, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
17 [Response from Ciarán Ó Síothcháin, Clear Island, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
18 [Response from Siobhán Ní Mhurchadha, An Bothar Buí, Áth Treasna, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
19 [Response from Ned Buckley, Knocknagree, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
20 [Response from Máire Bean Uí Urdáil (Mary Harrington), Eyeries, Beara, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
21 [Response from Tadhg Ó Murchú O.S., Liscarroll, Mallow, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
22 [Response from Pádraig [Ó Dearmhúmhne ?], Maghchromtha, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
23 [Response from Michail Daly, Knockraha, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
24 [Response from Seán Ó Duinnshléibhe, Gleann an Phreacáin, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
25 [Response from Patrick Barry, Mondaniel, Rathcormac, Co. Cork.]   [View...]
26 [Information collected by Pádraig Ó Luinneacháin, 6 Bothar San Criostóir, Montenotte Park, Cork.]   [View...]
27 [Response from Gympna O'Brien, Newcastle, Co. Limerick, collected by N. [Broainach ?], Newcastle, Co. Limerick.]   [View...]
28 [Letter from Dáithí Ó Ceanntúil (David Cantwell), (Croom, Co. Limerick) to Seán Ó Súilleabháin, enclosing a newscutting of an article entitled 'To quit caravan'.]   [View...]
29 [Information collected by Bill Cantwell, St. Augustine's College, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.]   [View...]
30 [Response from David Cantwell, Croom, Co. Limerick.]   [View...]
31 [Letter from Bill Cantwell (St. Augustine's College, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford) to his father, David Cantwell, concerning the collection of information for the Irish Folklore Commission's survey on Tinkers.]   [View...]
32 [Response from Michael Hanly, Killinane, Co. Limerick (native of Knightstown, Wilkinstown, Navan, Co. Meath), collected by Philip O'Connell (Pilib Ó Conaill), Sráid Lochtarach, Killinane, Co. Limerick.]   [View...]
33 [Response from Pádraig Mag Floinn, Lahinch Co. Clare.]   [View...]
34 [Response from Bean Uí Dhéaghaidh, Deerpark, Co. Clare, collected by Seamus P. Mac Gearachaigh, Inagh, Co. Clare.]   [View...]
35 [Response from Conchubhair Ó Néill, Cratloe, Co. Clare, collected by Sean A. Breathnach, Cratloe, Co. Clare.]   [View...]
36 [Response from Pádraig Mac Conmara, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare.]   [View...]
37 [Response from Tomás Ó Cuana, Boston, Co. Clare, collected by Eoghan Rua Ó Néill, Scoil na Buachaillí, Míliuc, Co. Limerick.]   [View...]
38 [Response from Michael S. Meany, Tulla, Co. Clare.]   [View...]
39 [Response from Michael Martyn, Dromeilithe, Co. Clare, collected by [Margaret Josephine ?] Martyn, Principal, Girls' School, Cooraclare, Co. Clare.]   [View...]
40 [Response from Máire Brigid Uí Eochaidh, Killadysert, Co. Clare.]   [View...]
41 [Response from Micheál Mac an Oirchinnig, Cluain Doireládh, Co. Clare.]   [View...]
42 [Response from Máire Bean Uí Riain, Coill an Easbuig, Dundrum, Co. Tipperary.]   [View...]
43 [Response from Patrick Lyons, Post Office Lane, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.]   [View...]
44 [Letter from Patrick Lyons (Post Office Lane, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary) to Seán Ó Súilleabháin, providing further information for the questionnaire on Tinkers.]   [View...]
45 [Letter from Patrick Lyons (Post Office Lane, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary) to the Irish Folklore Commission, providing further information for the questionnaire on Tinkers.]   [View...]
46 [Response from Kate Manning, 74 Leinster Road, Rathmines, Dublin.]   [View...]
47 [Information collected by Margaret Steveley from members of the Cahir Guild of the Irish Countrywomen's Association, Carrigeen, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.]   [View...]
48 [Response from Lábhras Ó Floinn, Lios Gearóid, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.]   [View...]
49 [Response from Eilis Ní Plant, St. Johnstown, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.]   [View...]
50 [Information collected by Mrs. Mary Finn, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, from members of the Dualla Guild of the Irish Countrywomen's Association, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.]   [View...]
51 [Letter from Eamonn Delaney (Thomastown, Golden, Co. Tipperary) to Seán Ó Súilleabháin, containing information for the questionnaire on Tinkers.]   [View...]
52 [Information collected by Eamonn Delaney, Thomastown, Golden, Co. Tipperary, from people in the area of Golden.]   [View...]
53 [Response from Labhrás Ó Cadhla, Co. Waterford.]   [View...]
54 [Response from Miss Isabel Grubb, Coolros, Grange Park, Co. Waterford.]   [View...]
55 Toradh Ceistiúcháin ar Na Tíncéirí; Cúige Laighean [Questionnaire on Tinkers; Province of Leinster]   [View...]
56 [Response from Pádraig Ó Broinn, Scoil na mBuachaillí, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.]   [View...]
57 [Information collected by [Allenwood Boys' National School], Allenwood, Co. Kildare.]   [View...]
58 [Response from Thomas Donnelly, Knockatomcoyle, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow.]   [View...]
59 [Two responses from Conchubhar Mac Suibhne, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow (native of Mourne Abbey, Mallow, Co. Cork).]   [View...]
60 [Response from Mabel G. Vaughan, Hollyfort, Gorey, Co. Wexford.]   [View...]
61 [Response from Énrí Tréinfhear, Booleyvogue, Ferns, Co. Wexford.]   [View...]
62 [Response from Micheál Ó Murchadha, Ballyfad, Gorey, Co. Wexford.]   [View...]
63 [Response from Frances Kelly, Monktown, Navan, Co. Meath.]   [View...]
64 [Information collected by Máiréad, Bean Uí Chondúin, Dún Riabhach, Co. Meath, from school children who obtained information from their parents.]   [View...]
65 [Response from Pádraig Mac Sochagháin, Cluain na Saileach, Potal Riabhach, Lios Dubh, Co. Meath.]   [View...]
66 [Response from Mrs. A. Kirby, Monasterevin (Monasterevan), Co. Kildare. March 1952.]   [View...]
67 [Response from Áine Ní Dhúbhlaoich O.S., Scoil Eoin Naofa Girls' School, Kilkenny.]   [View...]
68 [Response from Criostóir Ó Droin, Sean Leithghlinn S. N., Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow.]   [View...]
69 [Response from Cáit Uí Chonchubhair (Cáit Rua), Delvin, Co. Westmeath, collected by Siobhán Nic Shiomóin, Delvin, Co. Westmeath.]   [View...]
70 [Letter from Seán O'Casey (Rathconrath, Co. Westmeath) to Seán [Ó Súilleabháin], concerning the questionnaire on Tinkers, which Ned Buckley has forwarded on his behalf.]   [View...]
71 [Response from Mrs. Christina Flanagan, Moyvoughley, Moate, Co. Westmeath.]   [View...]
72 [Response from Tomás P. Mac Gáraidh, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath.]   [View...]
73 [Information collected from various unidentified people by Liam P. Mac Coiligh, Church St., Moate, Co. Westmeath.]   [View...]
74 [Response from D. Ó Rúnaí, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, collected by Pádraig T. Mac Siúrtáin, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.]   [View...]
75 [Response from Mrs. Anne Bannon, Abbeyshrule, Co. Longford, collected by Philip Hedwith, Ballycloghan, Carrickboy, Co. Longford.]   [View...]
76 [Response from Patrick J. Corkery (Pádraig Ó Corcora), Gort na Cloiche, Co. Longford.]   [View...]
77 [Response from Garda Mícheál Mac Aodha, Éadondoire, Co. Offaly, collected by Pádraig Ó Conchubhair, O.S., Scoil na mBuachaillí, Éadondoire, Co. Offaly.]   [View...]
78 [Response from Énrí Ó hAnluain, Coill mo Lúdoig, Cúl an tSúdaire, Co. Offaly.]   [View...]
79 [Response from Pádraig Ó Maolmhuaidh, Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly.]   [View...]

2.   Information returned from the provinces of Connacht and Ulster (1952).

80 Toradh Ceistiúcháin ar Na Tíncéirí; Cúige Chonnacht [Questionnaire on Tinkers; Province of Connacht]   [View...]
81 [Response from an unidentified 'Tinker woman', collected by Séamus Mac Ábhuidhe, Dún an Ochta, Co. Galway.]   [View...]
82 [Letter from J. O'Donnell, ('Prague', Newcastle Park, Galway) to [the Irish Folklore Commission], apologising for not being able to supply any worth-while information for the questionnaire on Tinkers.]   [View...]
83 [Response from Beartla Mac Donncha, Ard West, Carna, Co. Galway, collected by Séamus S. Mac Donncha, Drumraney, Co. Westmeath.]   [View...]
84 [Response from Máire Ní Bhrian, Drishaghaun, Co. Galway, collected by Eibhlín Ní Cháirr, Drishaghaun, Cloonbur, Co. Galway.]   [View...]
85 [Response from Nora Lally, Ballinruane Upper, Menlough, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.]   [View...]
86 [Information collected from various unidentified local people by S. [Séamus] Ó h-Allmhuráin O.S., Cillalachtáin, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.]   [View...]
87 [Response from Seán Ó Cuinneagáin, Knockananna, Ballyglunin, Co. Galway.]   [View...]
88 [Response from Miss Kathleen Hurley, Ballymoe, Co. Galway.]   [View...]
89 [Response from Gearoid R. O Laodhigh, Scoil Chuimin Naomhtha, Oughterard, Co. Galway.]   [View...]
90 [Response from John O'Dowd, Faelduff Lodge, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo.]   [View...]
91 [Response from Michael F. Waldron, Knox St., Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, enclosing two newscuttings.]   [View...]
92 [Response from Tomás Ó Cíoráin, Ballindine, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.]   [View...]
93 [Information collected from various unidentified people in the area by Caitlín Bean Mhic Mhághnusa, Irishtown, Co. Mayo.]   [View...]
94 [Response from P. J. Walshe, Cloghan's Hill, Tuam, Co. Galway.]   [View...]
95 [Response from Seán Ó Callaráin O.S., Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.]   [View...]
96 [Response from Séamus Ó Ruadháin, Mullach Ruadh, Clogher, Ballina, Co. Mayo, collected by Pádhraic Bairéad, Mullach Ruadh, Clogher, Ballina, Co. Mayo.]   [View...]
97 [Response from Frank Corduff and others, Rossport, Co. Mayo, collected by Michael Corduff, The Lodge, Rossport, Ballina, Co. Mayo.]   [View...]
98 [Response from Bean Uí Rodaí, Cruachán, Co. Mayo, collected by Bríd Ní Cheallaí.]   [View...]
99 [Information collected from 'Tinkers and other people' by Tréalach Ó Cartháin, Cill Ruis, Templeboy, Co. Sligo, ]   [View...]
100 [Response from Mairéad Ní Chiaráin, Doireleathan, Grange, Co. Sligo.]   [View...]
101 [Response from Seosamh Mac Cionnaith, Fornocht, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.]   [View...]
102 [Information collected from various unidentified people in the area around Kiltyclogher, by Lorcán Ó Rúanaidhe, Corrán Mór, Kiltyclogher, Co. Leitrim.]   [View...]
103 [Response from Liam Ó Briain, Tullaghow, Co. Leitrim.]   [View...]
104 [Response from Séamus Magh Floinn, Corrach Saileach, Bealach a' Doirm, Co. Roscommon.]   [View...]
105 Toradh Ceistiúcháin ar Na Tíncéirí; Cúige Uladh [Questionnaire on Tinkers; Province of Ulster]   [View...]
106 [Response from Seán Ó Beirn (John Byrne), Malin, Co. Donegal.]   [View...]
107 [Response from Mrs. Stokes (née Mongan, of Roscommon), Cluain Máire, Co. Donegal, collected by P. O Caomhanaigh, Cluain Máire.]   [View...]
108 [Response from Seaghán Mac Meanman, Glenties, Co. Donegal.]   [View...]
109 [Response from Máire Ní Cholchuir, Creeslough, Co. Donegal.]   [View...]
110 [Response from Seán C. Ó Dómhnaill, Templedouglas N.S., Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.]   [View...]
111 [Response from Seaghan Mac Cuinneagáin, An Carraig, Leathbhearr, Co. Donegal.]   [View...]
112 [Response from Seán Ó Núnáin, Killygorden, Co. Donegal.]   [View...]
113 [Response from J. S. Hamilton, Brownhall, Ballintra, Co. Donegal.]   [View...]
114 [Letter from Gwen D. Thorpe, (Altikeeragh, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, N. Ireland) to the [Irish Folklore Commission], returning the uncompleted questionnaire on Tinkers.]   [View...]
115 [Response from Ellen MacDonagh (Traveller), collected by Nora O'Toole, 83 Downshire Road, Holywood, Co. Down.]   [View...]
116 [Response from Mr. P. Feeney, Coney Island, Ardglass, Co. Down, collected by Domhnall Ua Cearbhaill, O.S., 24 Clifton Crescent, Belfast, Co. Antrim.]   [View...]
117 [Response from Rev. John L. Spence, The Rectory, Glynn, Co. Antrim.]   [View...]
118 [Response from Annie Davison, Kinbally, Broughshane, Co. Antrim.]   [View...]
119 [Response from Francis Murphy, Lenish, Clonduff, Co. Down, collected by Francis McPolin, Ballymaghery School, Hilltown, Newry, Co. Down.]   [View...]
120 [Response from Daniel Ward, Warrenpoint, Co. Down.]   [View...]
121 [Response from Florence E. Harrison, Ullinagh N.S., Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.]   [View...]
122 [Response from Stiophán Mac Philib, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan.]   [View...]
123 [Response from Máire Bean Uí Odhráin, Rawdeerpark N.S., Clones, Co. Monaghan.]   [View...]
124 [Response from Louis A. Duffy, Inniskeen N.S., Inniskeen (Inishkeen), Co. Monaghan.]   [View...]
125 [Letter from S. S. Henderson to [the Irish Folklore Commission], returning the 'enclosed' and informing the recipient of her husband's death.]   [View...]
126 [Response from Bernard McGilly, Maghery, Derryle, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.]   [View...]
127 [Response from Richard Laird, Ardstraw Manse, Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone.]   [View...]
128 [Response from Patrick McCullagh, Currainalt, and various other unidentified people, collected by Michael J. Murphy, Glenhull, Omagh, Co. Tyrone.]   [View...]
129 [Response from Alex McConnell, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.]   [View...]
130 [Response from Thomas Greene, Crosskeys N.S., Co. Cavan.]   [View...]
131 [Response from Francis O'Reilly, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, collected by Thomas F. O'Grady.]   [View...]
132 [Response from Seán Ó hAdarnáin, Virginia, Co. Cavan.]   [View...]

3.   Information returned from various locations (after 1952).

133 [Information collected from various unidentified people by Seán Carty, Roscor, Belleek, Co. Fermanagh.]   [View...]
134 [Information collected from various unidentified people by Philip O'Connell (Pilib Ó Conaill), Lower Main Street, Kilfinnane, Co. Limerick.]   [View...]
135 [Response from Dónall Mac Liaim, Co. Kilkenny, collected by Aoise Ní Liaim, The Rower, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny.]   [View...]
136 [Vocabulary of the Cant or Gammon of Irish travelling Tinkers, given by Tommy Hendrigen and Larry Donovan of the Donovan Tribe, to James Hugh Nagle, 52 Quay Street, Skerries, Co. Dublin.]   [View...]
137 [Information collected by Seán Óg Ó Dubhda, Baile an Óigre, Cloghane, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry, from various unidentified people in the area around Castlegregory.]   [View...]
138 [Response from Seán Ó Partlón (John Bartley), Greannchoill, Barr na Tragha, Ballina, Co. Mayo.]   [View...]
139 [Response from [Eón Ó Ceallaigh ?], Co. Kilkenny.]   [View...]
140 [Response from [Eón Ó Ceallaigh ?], Co. Kilkenny.]   [View...]
141 [Response from Pádraig Ó Cearbhaill, S. N. Caisleán Nua, Newcastle, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.]   [View...]
142 [Response from an unidentified individual.]   [View...]
143 [Response from Tomás Ó Brian (Traveller), Glenflesk, Co. Kerry, collected by Donncad O Spiollaín, Glenflesk, Co. Kerry.]   [View...]

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