AN IRISH LEGEND.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1588, 6 May 1887, Page 4

AN IRISH LEGEND.

As might be expected, the whole locality of Ross Island, Killarney, is rife with memorials oi the great O'Donoghue of Ross, lord of the lake and its islands. Whatever may be the historic truth relating to this great chieftain, it has long been objure, and now only lives in a legendary form. The Halls tell the story with their usual charm of narration. "In ages long passed O'Donoghue of Ross was lord of the lake, its islands, and the land that surrounded it. His Bway was just and generous, and his reign propitious; he was the sworn foe of the oppressor ; he was brave, hospitable, and wise. Annually, since his death, or rather disappearence, he is said to revisit the pleasant phces amongst which he lived. Every May morning he may be sapn eliding o'er the lake, mounted on a white steed richly caparisoned, preceded and followed by youths and maidens, who strew flowers in his way, while sounds of unearthly sweetness slide along the waters, and become thunder as they mike their way up the surrounding hills. Although he appears in state only on May morning, he is seen on various other occasions; and lucky is the child of earth by whom the immortal spirit s encountered, for, be he peer or be he peasant, good fortune will be sure to wait upon him; and, therefore many are they who peer with longing eyes along the lake at sunrise or in twilight to catch a glimpse of the chieftain, and listen with eager ears for the muaic that heralds his approach." Another writer gives the legend in somewhat different form, telling us that the prince is doomed to dwell beneath the waters till by an annual, or some say septennial, ride over the surface of the lake or till the silver shoes of his white horse are worn out by coming in contact with its waves. "As he approaches his ancient residence everything returns to its former magnificence—his castle, his library, his prison, and his pigeonhouse are reproduced as in olden time." —From " Our 0;?n Country."