The Wran, the Wran, the king of all birds
On St Stephen’s day was caught in the furze
His body is little but his family is great
So rise up landlady and give us a trate
And if your trate be of the best
Your soul in heaven can find its rest
And if your trate be of the small
It won’t plaze the boys at all
A glass of whiskey and a bottle of beer
Merry Christmas and a glad New Year
So up with the kettle and down with the pan
And give us a penny to bury the Wran
Ballydehob – here in West Cork – has an active Wran tradition on the day after Christmas: 26 December, St Stephen’s. In some parts of Ireland they call it The Wren, but with us there is no doubt – it’s The Wran.
The day was cold and wet: harsh winter ended our year. Nevertheless, the group perambulated the village, visiting each one of the hostelries, where they were well received.
The Irish Whip was lively. The Wran Song was duly sung, and music ensued.
Over the last few years, Ballydehob has lost two of its establishments: Coughlan’s and Daly’s. It now has to make do with five: Levis’, Irish Whip, O’Brien’s, Sandboat (below) and Rosie’s. All were accommodating – no doubt to ensure good luck and fertility throughout the coming year.
This is a record of the Straw Boys and the Wran celebration in Ballydehob on St Stephen’s Day, 2023. I have written about the whole tradition in some previous posts – here’s a selection. I will continue to follow Ballydehob’s custom – and record it – as the years go by . . .
Roaringwater Journal 