The Devil is an Irishman

A collection of stories recounting Irish encounters with the Devil.'Don't mind the light, Martin. There'll be plenty o' that where you're going - an' heat to go with it.' If the Devil is no Irishman, he surely deserves to be, because from time immemorial he has frequented the land of Ireland, held constant and intimate commerce with the people of Ireland and shown every sign of attachment to both the country and its population. If this does not entitle him to at least honorary Irish citizenship there is little in the way of justice in this world - or the next. An odd fact, but one not entirely to be wondered at, is that Devil stories far outnumber tales about his opposite number - God - in Irish tradition. Can it be that we Irish are in some fallen way more comfortable with the infernal than with the celestial?

About the Author

Eddie Lenihan was born in Brosna, County Kerry and now lives in Crusheen, County Clare. He is best known as a storyteller and folklorist. His books include In Search of Biddy Early, Stories of Old Ireland for Children and the beautifully-illustrated, multiple award-winning Irish Tales of Mystery and Magic.

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