The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IRISH WAKE STORY

Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.

IT SEEMS MC CARTHY WAS ON HIS WAY TO VIEW THE REMAINS OF
HIS FRIEND. ON THE WAY TO THE FUNERAL PARLOR, HE MET
O'BRIEN WHO AGREED TO ACCOMPANY HIM TO THE BEREAVEMENT.
SEEKING TO FORTIFY THEMSELVES, THEY STOPPED AT CLANCY'S
BAR AND AFTER A FEW HOURS WERE FEELING NO PAIN. THEY
STRAGGLED DOWN THE STREET IN THE DIRECTION OF THE
FUNERAL PARLOR, BUT BECAUSE OF THEIR CONDITION, THEY
TURNED IN ONE DOOR TOO SOON. THEY ACTUALLY WALKED INTO
A SALOON. THEY REMOVED THEIR HATS AND IN THE DIM
LIGHT, THEY KNELT DOWN IN FRONT OF THE PIANO. AFTER
SAYING A FEW PRAYERS, THEY STEPPED OUTSIDE, WHEREUPON
O'BRIEN SAID, "MC CARTHY, I DON'T KNOW WHO YOUR FRIEND WAS,
BUT HE SURE HAD A BEAUTIFUL SET OF TEETH."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1965