June Bonfire Tradition from Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford

Sticking with the recent St. John's Eve bonfire posts here is Martin O’Connor from a neighbouring village of mine called Kilmuckridge chatting to me about a bonfire on a hill called Tulloughanna on the 29th of June. This date marks the feast of St. Peter and Paul while tomorrow, the 24th of June is the Feast of St. John.
Martin’s father remembered the bonfires as a child however it was gone when he was growing up. In most cases in Ireland the St. John’s bonfires were done on the 23rd, the eve of St. John’s Day while there were cases here and in Newfoundland where they were done on the 24th.
However there are further exceptions including the 29th as Martin explains. A quick search through the School’s Folklore Scheme and I can see this was the case in other counties too and in one account I read from Westmeath they said the bonfires on the 23rd were more for the children while the 29th bonfires were for the adults.
No right or wrong, just differences. Anyway, great to get this information from Martin as it was local to me and I just love Martin’s accent - an accent found along the east coast of Wexford. Well worth a listen for the accent alone!
Text: Michael Fortune