Fionn is said to have lived about ? fifty one thousand three hundred years after the birth of Christ.

He was leader of a great band of fighting men who guarded the ? castles mountains coast of Ireland, and kept peace within the land.

Fionn’s men were called ? the Fianna the crew the Lords . They were all tall, and strong, and brave.

No man could join them without passing severe tests.

Standing in a hole in the ground, up to his chin, he had to defend himself against ? seven sisters hurling rocks at him eleven hunters and their dogs nine men throwing spears at him .

He had to run through a wood ? without breaking a twig under his feet without shoes without falling over and without ruffling his hair in the trees.

He had to be able to jump over ? a giant rabbit a tree as high as his forehead a five metre gate and to stoop under a branch as low as his knee.

He had to know ? six two twelve books of verse and to be able to make a poem himself.

Each man had to obey Fionn and to be faithful to the High King and to be gentle with women.

Fionn and his men spent the time hunting. They had hunting dogs of such great size and strength. Fionn’s dogs were larger or finer than ? the King's any in Ireland money could buy .

? Penny Wheat Bran was the name of his favourite, and she was as gentle as she was strong. Sometimes Fionn led her by a ? golden chain silver chain iron chain , which was linked to a ? golden collar silver collar iron collar .

When the day was done, the men used to ? camp out on the hills sing old songs write poetry .

Deep pits were dug. These were used as ovens, or cooking places.

No man sat down to eat without first ? shaving singing a song to his friends bathing in a nearby stream or pool .

In some parts of Ireland "Fenian Ovens" are to be found today.

They remind us of the great days of Fionn and his men.

Home