In reverence to their local saint, Saint Manchan, the people of Lemanaghan in Offaly refuse to sell milk.
In the seventh century, Saint Manchan lived and died in Lemanaghan, County Offaly. At a time when old traditions are dying out, Lemanaghan remains deep in its faith. Prayer in the ruins of Saint Manchan's church plays a big part in parish life. The saint’s feast day on 24 January is observed as a local holiday in Lemanaghan.
Legend has it that Saint Manchan had a cow that provided milk to the whole parish, without any charge being made by the saint. Out of respect Saint Manchan, Lemanaghan people do not sell milk. Some 13 centuries later, this tradition is still being observed.
People in Lemanaghan generally own a cow or two. Those who do not, have milk delivered from outside the area. The local shop sells milk, but it is never from Lemanaghan cows. Surplus milk is not sold. It is mainly used to fatten cows or is simply given away.
Local man, 75-year-old Pat Keegan would not sell a bottle of milk even if offered £100 for it. Another elderly man agrees,
I'd give him a bottle of milk; I wouldn't take his money.
There is a strong belief that,
Evil will befall anyone who accepts money for milk.
Paddy Keegan recalls the schoolmaster dismissing the tradition as an old piseog or superstition. Defying all advice from neighbours, he attempted to sell local milk. This endeavour was not a success. When one of his cows fell sick and died, the schoolmaster began to think there might be something behind the superstition.
Similarly, the other elderly Lemanaghan local recalls that when Master Lehane dared to break with tradition, he lost some of his herd. A building beside the schoolhouse that he put up for sale remains unsold.
The choice not to sell milk has not benefited Lemanaghan but,
It has brought no misfortune anyway, I can tell you that.
Paddy Keegan considers that the only benefit the tradition has brought to Lemanaghan is luck. He explains that the ruins of Saint Manchan's Church have a holy water font, the water of which is believed to cure warts. Those requiring a cure must place an offering like a coin or a pin into a hole in the font.
People from the younger generation in Lemanaghan might be too sophisticated to believe in these cures, but even they will never, ever sell milk.
A 'Newsround' report broadcast on 4 May 1975. The reporter is Ronnie Turner.
