Roskilmanor Wrenboys in Leitrim celebrate 40th anniversary

Roskilmanor Wrenboys celebrated their 40th anniversary ‘Join’ in McHugh’s Bar Glenfarne on Friday, January 6.

 The  Join as it is known is a night of celebration that Wrenboys and Mummers  have held throughout the ages to celebrate, and to distribute monies raised to worthy causes.  This night was no different.

Even though the Wrenboys only got out one night this year, covering Manorhamilton, Rossinver, Kiltyclogher and Glenfarne, they raised €900 to give away.

In attendance on the night was local and eminent historian, as well as author of many books on local folklore, Joseph McGowan from Mullaghmore.

He gave a brief history on serving his apprenticeship with the Roskilmanor Wrenboys before setting off to set up his own Sligo Mumming Group, where the two groups interacted with each other for different events over the years. 

Jim Ledwith from Enniskillen who is a Social Historian of Masked Traditions and Rituals, and was also a Manager of the Aughkillmaude Museum at the time of its inception, also joined us on the night. He also works at the Mummers Foundation.

Jim reminisced on the close bonds between the Cashel and Belcoo Mummers. He also referenced the international element, where members from Roskilmanor, Cashel and Belcoo, as well as from Dublin, Limerick and Down had travelled to major masked festivals in Pernick, Bulgaria and Sardinia. These trips were inclusive as all communities, North and South, were represented. 

Seamus Ferguson, Captain of the Roskilmanor Wrenboys, gave a small talk on the formation of the Roskilmanor Wrenboys which was formed in 1982.

The “Roskilmanor” name was derived from the localities that members came from at the time, and these included Rossinver, Kiltyclogher, Manorhamilton and Newtownmanor. 

In later years, group members came in from other counties to continue and further the cause of continuing tradition as well as raising funds for worthy causes.

Seamus especially remembered a retired couple, John and Tess Gordon RIP, who were instrumental in the revival of this tradition and were a great help in the remembering of the rhymes as well art and skills of making the straw hats and skirts.  

Up until 1982, apart from small sporadic groups across the hinterland, the tradition had died away in the Sligo / Leitrim areas.

Seamus also thanked Ben, Susan and Oonagh for their hospitality on the night, and for providing a lovely venue and refreshments for all who attended the Join.

Captain Seamus Ferguson presenting a cheque for €900 to Seamus Mc Gowan in aid of Alzheimers and Dementia research fund

In this period of time,  the Roskilmanor Wrenboys raised €160,000 for different charities, including North West Hospice, Irish Kidney Association, Minna Missions, North West Parents and Friends, Kilgar Project, Sao Paulo Missions, Mutomo Missions to mention but a few.

Seamus McGowan is the oldest member of the group at 95 years of age and he has never missed a night on the road over the past 40 years.

He went on to stress the importance of keeping these old traditions and customs alive for the generations to come. 

He said that if the Wrenboy and Mumming traditions had not been revived in 1982, and kept alive for 40 years, it may well have been lost forever.

Seamus also thanked all the musicians, dancers and storytellers who came to celebrate the 40 year anniversary with them.

He also thanked Ciaran and Maureen from Seattle who joined us this year on the road.