Borrowing Days of March and April
Laethanta na Bó Riach - days of the brindled cow
Here in West Cork, Ireland, there is a rich and vibrant tapestry of folklore that has been passed down from generation to generation. One such tale, that of the Bó Riach, is deeply ingrained in the local culture and has been the subject of fireside stories for centuries. Known as An tSean Bó Riabhach in other parts of the country, this mystical cow known as the Bó Riach here in West Cork has become a symbol of resilience and her tale as a cautionary reminder to the unpredictable nature of the Irish weather.
Note: Bó is the Irish word for cow and Riach, Riabhaí or Riabhach all regional variants of the Irish word for brindled or streaked. The breed still exists here in Ireland and the Irish Rare Breeds Society are working hard to save these beautiful cows from extinction.
The Legend of Bó Riach
The Bó Riach, or "Brindled Cow," is said to be an old and wise cow with a distinctive reddish-brown and white coat. She is said to roam the rugged landscapes of West Cork, offering sage advice to the farmers who are fortunate enough to encounter her. Many tales recount the wisdom of this mythical creature, her understanding of the elements, and her ability to adapt to the ever-changing Irish weather.
My father, a born storyteller, used to recount the story of the Bó Riach to us during our childhood. His eyes would sparkle, and his voice would take on a dramatic tone as he told us of her encounter with the treacherous Irish weather. It was said that the Bó Riach, in all her wisdom, believed she had outsmarted the harsh climate and beaten the bitter cold of the month of March.
The month's, however, had a cunning plan in store for the Bó Riach. It is said that March, jealous of the Bó Riach's resilience, borrowed three days from April to unleash a bout of unpredictable and violent weather upon the unsuspecting creature. In the end, the Bó Riach, despite her strength and wisdom, succumbed to the wrath of the days March had borrowed, unable to withstand the bitter cold and relentless gales.
My father usually concluded the tale with the details of when the Bó Riach finally gets to April not realising that March had borrowed some extra days "She cocked her tail and ran down the field, then she dropped dead" Not all folk tales have happy endings!
"Mo grádh fé an Earraig tá an geimhreadh caithte"
There are hundreds of variants of the story of the Bó Riach in the Folklore Collection.
Note the beautiful handwriting in this one gathered from the Sheep's Head Peninsula. Here the brindled cow says "My love under the spring, the winter has passed"
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0274, Page 197
A Cautionary Tale
The story of the Bó Riach serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to never underestimate the power and unpredictability of the Irish weather. Just as the wise and experienced Bó Riach fell victim to the deceptive calm before the storm, we too must remain vigilant and prepared for our ever-changing maritime climate here along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Moreover, the legend of the Bó Riach illustrates the importance of respecting and honoring the natural world around us. The fickle weather, the shifting seasons, and the wisdom of the Bó Riach are all part of the rich tapestry of West Cork and Ireland's unique heritage. By preserving and sharing these stories, we pay tribute to the land and its people, as well as to the generations that have gone before us.
The enigmatic Bó Riach, or An tSean Bó Riabhach, will continue to captivate the hearts and minds of those who hear her tale. As we gather around our firesides over the next few days and we share the story of her battle with the unpredictable Irish weather, we are reminded of the resilience of both the land and its people. The legend of the Bó Riach serves as a testament to the rich folklore of West Cork, and as a reminder to always be prepared for whatever the Irish weather may bring.
