Ancient hill climbing tradition kept alive in Kilkenny

Many people followed in the footsteps of their ancestors this year by taking part in the ancient tradition of climbing Tory Hill on the second Sunday of July.

In the early afternoon, more than 50 people were present to hear Michael Fortune give a talk at the summit, organised by the South Kilkenny Historical Society, on the traditions associated with Fraochan Sunday, also known as Bilberry, Hurt or Hurst Sunday.

Michael Fortune grew up in a family immersed in story, superstition and folk belief in an area known as The Macamores, an old Gaelic stronghold stretching along the East coast of Co Wexford.

According to Michael the event was closely associated with the festival of Lughnasa, Hungry July, (when the old crops were done and the new ones were not yet ready) and the anticipated impending harvest.

Michael went on to say that traditionally it was celebrated throughout Ireland, Europe and Newfoundland, where the tradition emanated from the migrants from the South-East of Ireland.

He also likened the event to Reek Sunday, the yearly pilgrimage to the top of Croagh Patrick in late July and went on to say that in the past the event involved picking bilberries (Fraochans), eating, drinking, dancing, folk music, games, matchmaking and sporting contests.

In the evening young girls would incorporate the berries into a cake and at the dance that evening present the cake to whatever fella they had their eye on.

Michael also spoke about visiting wells and pattern days during Lughnasa and went on to talk about ritualistic/symbolic faction fighting, which often occurred at these events, where ‘bloody knees from devotion and bloody heads from fighting were not uncommon’.

The society would like to thank Kilkenny Co Council for financial assistance received for this event, under the Community Events Grants Scheme 2023.