Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:00:17 +0100
From: "archivist (Mike Lynch)" <archivist@kerrycolib.ie>
Subject: 09212009 Killarney lake monsters
To: Richard Muirhead <richmuirhead@ntlworld.com>
Dear Richard
I have searched our records here, and can not come up with anything beyond folklore references to any lake monsters in Killarney or elsewhere in Kerry.
One reference is to a "piast" or serpent that was supposed to have been tricked by a local saint (Cuan) into putting a cauldron on its head forever. Lore has it that its back appears every May Day, but not its head as the cauldron still covers it.
(from: "Triocha Chead Chorca Duibhne", by An Seabhac).
The Schools Folklore Collection for the Killarney area also refers to the Lake Horses of Cúm na gCapall (pronounced Coomnagopple). The person relating the tale states: "Now it is well known that all Irish Lakes have a guardian spirit, which often takes the appearance of a horse, sometimes a serpent or "worm"." (from: Schools Folklore Commission Reports, 1937/38, Lough Guitane School, S454, pages 305-307).
Other than these 2 references, I can find nothing on lake monsters.
Yours sincerely
Michael Lynch
Archivist, Kerry Library
Tel: +353 66 7121200
Email: archivist@kerrycolib.ie <mailto:archivist@kerrycolib.ie>
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