THE WREN BOYS

“The Wren, the wren the king of all birds,
St. Stephen’s day he was caught in the furze,
Up with the kettle and down with the pan,
A penny or two to bury the wren,
We came tonight to Listowel so grand,
To display the gems of our native land,
With song and dance and music gay,
To chase your worries and cares away,
As in the fireside of long ago,
The Tuar na Fola wren boy show.”
 

TOURNAFULLA WRENBOYS----THE TRADITION

There is a very strong tradition of “ Wrenboys” in our parish. For many years the batch competed in the all Ireland wrenboy show in Listowel on the Friday night that marked the end of race week.

In the early years big Jim McEnery had the distinction of being king. The batch had a few requirements, a king , an óinseach, an amadán, dancers, not to mention an array of musicians that invariably included a troop of bodhrán players, and of course, singers.

The king had the job of introducing the show, with that old verse, “ the wren, the wren, king of all birds, on St. Stephens day, got caught in the furze” etc. The batch always had torch bearers, who, with lighted sods of turf soaked in paraffin, would lead the batch , complete with banner bearers and performers, from the plaza to the square in Listowel. Many a great nights entertainment was had by all.

The tradition lives on in the area, on St. Stephens day, when many a batch still braves the wintry weather to perform in the many houses in the parish. It is an integral part of the day. Many batches now collect for various charities or organisations. Noble causes indeed, but we still have the few diehards who continue the tradition of “the wren party” whereby an old vacant house, or indeed a family home would be the venue for the party. It’s a great night of music song and dance that goes on until morning, with porter flowing from make shift bars and barrels!

It is , without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable sociable experiences of the year, which brightens the dreary months of winter, and after the celebrations of Christmas time, these parties are much sought after, and are enjoyed by young and old, neighbour and wrenboy alike.

Long may the tradition last.!!