Rosie

On a slightly sad note, our family lost one of our most beautiful,loyal little characters. Rose our Sheep & Cattle dog passed away on December 28th aged 13 years. She always had a smile and a wag of her tail for us. Belle our Sheepdog pup never left Rose's side when she was ill. We will all miss you Rosie! You were a fantastic companion!

Droimeann (Droim Fhionn) mentioned in History, Folklore, Songs and Poetry

The Droimeann (Droim Fhionn)is a breed which has been associated with ancient Celtic history as far back as 1000 years ago where it existed commonly all over Ireland. Evidence for this breeds existence is supported through famous poetry and songs from this era of Celtic/Irish history. The 920AD poem ‘Bo Bithbliacht Meic Lonan’ and such ancient songs as ‘AnDroimFhionn Donn Dilis’ and ‘Ailliu na Gamhna’ all contained descriptions of DroimFhionn cattle. This breed would surely have played a large role in Irish society throughout this time period where the economic structure of the country was heavily reliant on its livestock resources. 
The breed is well attested in ancient Irish lore and also the Brehon laws, songs and poetry. Early paintings of Irish cattle and even early photographs of fairs also attest to their existence and cement their place in the history of this Magical Island.

Two of the most well known songs referring to the breed are A Dhroimeann donn dílis and Bó na Leath Adhairce (One-Horned Cow)- Click on the links below to listen to these beautiful songs.

Droimeann donn dílis

Bo Na Leath Adhairce

A Dhroimeann Donn Dílis

A dhroimeann donn dílis, a shíoda na mbó,
cá ngabhann tú san oíche is cá mbíonn tú sa ló?
Bíonn mise ar na coillte is mo bhuachaill i m’ chomhair
agus d’fhág sé siúd mise ag sileadh na ndeor.
Níl fearann, níl tíos agam, níl fíonta ná ceol,
níl flatha i m’ choimhdeacht, níl saoithe ná sló
ach ag síoról an uisce go minic sa ló
agus beathuisce agus fíon ag mo naimhde ar bord.
Dá bhfaighinnse cead aighnis, nó radharc ar an gcoróin
Sasanaigh a leidhbfinn mar a leidhbfinn seanabhróg
tré chnocaibh is tré ailtibh, is tré ghleanta dubha ceo
agus siú mar a shaorfainn mo dhroimeann donn óg.

Bó na Leath Adhairce (One-Horned Cow)

Híos cois na toinne 'sea beathaíodh mo chaora
Ag Diarmuid Ó Duilleán ó Bharra na hAoine
Mac dearthár athar dom a chuir le faill í
Easpa tobac a bhí ar an gcladhaire.

Bó, bó, bó na leath adhairce
Bó, bó, sí an tseana chaor adharcach
Bó, bó, bó na leath adhairce
Bó dhroimfhionn dhearg is ní fheadar cá bhfaighinn í.

B'fhearr liom ná scilling go bhfeicfinn mo chaora
'Teacht go dtí an doras ar maidin nó istoíche
Thálfadh sí bainne orm, bheathódh sí uan dom
Chuirfeadh sí jacketeen deas ar mo ghualainn.

Chonacsa beirithe í, chonac á roinnt í
Chuireas-sa dúil inti ach blaise ní bhfaighinn di
Ó nár dheas í, ó nár mheidhreach
Ó nár dheas í an tseana chaor adharcach.

Dá mbéinnse i rachmas, i ngradam is in oidhreacht
Thabharfainnse gini ar chúpla sladhas di
Ó nár dheas í, ó nár mheidhreach
Ó nár dheas í an tseana chaor adharcach.

D'íosfainn lán píce di, d'íosfainn lán oighin di
D'íosfainn straice den tseana chaor adharcach
Ó nár dheas í, ó nár mheidhreach
Ó nár dheas í an tseana chaor adharcach.