The Fairy's Question

County Sligo

When funerals take place in County Sligo, the spade and shovel that were used for digging, are left in the shape of a cross at the open grave. This custom has been handed down through generations by St Patrick.

Once a saint had a servant by the name of Domhnaill. One day Domhnaill was gathering wood in order to start a fire. He accumulated too much wood, and in the end he didn't have the strength to lift it all on his own.

All of a sudden, one of the Faery People appeared. He was a tiny man, but he had the strength to lift the entire bundle and placed it upon where the fire was supposed to be lit. However, the man told Domhnaill that he owed a favour in return.

The favour would entail Domhnaill asking St Patrick what would become of the Little People on the Last Day of Judgement, while the following day's mass was taking place.

As asked Domhnaill posed the question to St Patrick in the middle of the church service. Shocked by the interruption, St Patrick said, "They will be lost." Later that day, St Patrick had a quiet word to the servant, asking why he had asked such a question at such a time when the service was taking place.

Domhnaill told St Patrick that he was obliged as a favour to the fairy. Domhnaill knew that the Faery People would not be pleased with the verdict of the question.

By now St Patrick was becoming increasingly worried about the safety of his servant. St Patrick explained to Domhnaill that he must complete the favour with the fairy, but also be careful and not risk his own life in the cause. St Patrick suggested that Domhnaill should dig a grave large enough to lye in, then he should lye in it for 24 hours.

At the top of the grave, should remain a spade and shovel, that are placed whereby they form a cross. The form of a cross would drive away wicked spirits.

The following day Domhnaill met with the fairy, who asked the question, "What will happen to the Little People on the Last Day of Judgement?" "They will all be lost," Domhnaill replied hesitantly.

From the moment the last word left Domhnaill's lips, the painful screams of millions upon millions of fairies could be heard from all around where Domhnaill was standing. Immediately, a ferocious storm broke out, with thunder, lightning, and flash flooding all contributing like they had never done before.

The fairies were in the mood for revenge, they wanted to take there anguish out on someone or something! However, Domhnaill was perfectly safe, so long as he remained lying down beneath his cross in the ground.

Domhnaill remained in his grave for a full two days, then he emerged safely. By this time, the fairies cries had diminished to rueful sounds of grief.

Ever since, the crossed spade and shovel have been placed above newly dug graves.