Folklore: The Whiteboys in Kilmaine
Collector: Seán de Buitléir
Location: Mayo
Informant: Thomas Canny
In the time of the White-boys, I often heard my father say that no man of the name of Mullen, Moloney or Staunton was allowed to join or take the oath of the White-boys. People of the name of Mullen, Moloney or Staunton were regarded as being of the breed of spies and informers.
Ainm an duine a bhfuaireas on sgéal suas: Thomas Canny, Roundfort, Hollymount, Co. Mayo, aged 80 years.
He was a native of Kilmaine Parish originally. He was an ex-RIC pensioner. He told me the above story in 1937. - Donnchadh Ó Riain, oide sgoile.
N.B.
(i) I regard this information as important because it explains the reference in the poem: "Donnchadh Bán" "A Mhic Uí Mholáin, a sciursa a mhí-adh......"
(ii) Moloney was the surname of "Seaghan na Sagart"
(iii) Staunton was the surname of those who murdered Eadmon de Burca in Lough Mask.
(iv)Mullan (Ó Moláin) was surname of the traitor in "Donnchadh Bán"
Credit to the Dúchas project at the National Folklore Collection, University College Dublin.
Please find more of their fascinating work here:
https://www.duchas.ie/en/info/res