After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal - Episode Summary

Episode Title: Ireland's Darkest Folk Legends
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling
Guest: Cecily Gilligan, Author of Cures of Ireland: A Treasury of Irish Folk Remedies

Introduction to Irish Folklore and the Changelings

The episode delves deep into the eerie and tragic tale of Bridget Cleary, a woman accused of being a changeling in late 19th-century Ireland. Hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling, alongside guest Cecily Gilligan, explore the dark intersections of folklore, societal beliefs, and personal tragedy.

Anthony Delaney sets the stage by quoting WB Yeats' The Stolen Child:
"Where dips the rocky highland of Sleuth Wood. In the lake there lies a leafy island..." (02:26), emphasizing the rich oral traditions that permeate Irish history.

The Tragic Case of Bridget Cleary

Bridget Cleary, a literate and accomplished dressmaker married to Michael Cleary, faced immense societal pressure due to infertility. Her deteriorating health led her family to suspect she was a changeling—a fairy impostor grasped from Irish folklore.

Cecily Gilligan explains the cultural backdrop:
"In Irish folklore, the tradition of the changeling has been very strong and has probably existed for thousands of years." (06:10). Bridget's family believed that fairies took her to sustain their lineage, leaving behind a weakened version of her. This belief culminated in a brutal exorcism where Bridget was force-fed and covered in urine, leading to her tragic death.

Anthony Delaney highlights the societal impact:
"Her husband was convinced she was a changeling, an evil fairy, and within 24 hours, he would kill Mrs. Bridget Cleary." (05:20).

Changelings in Irish Culture

Changelings, in Irish lore, are believed to be fairy replacements for humans, often taking children or young women to fulfill the fairies' own needs. Cecily Gilligan details how these beliefs provided explanations for unexplained illnesses and high mortality rates in impoverished rural communities.

Cecily Gilligan:
"The changeling was a way to understand or soften maybe the blow of people who were sick or people who died. Infant mortality was really high." (08:15).

Intersection of Folklore and Catholicism

The episode explores how pre-Christian beliefs in fairies coexisted and sometimes conflicted with the dominant Catholic faith in 19th-century Ireland.

Cecily Gilligan:
"They coexisted. People had this pre-Christian belief or this mythical belief of fairies, but they also had very strong belief in the Catholic Church and in God." (09:40).

The Catholic Church often Christianized pagan sites, such as holy wells, allowing both belief systems to persist side by side. However, tensions arose, especially concerning "wise women" who possessed traditional knowledge, leading to conflicts like the persecution of Bridget Cleary.

Cursing Stones and Rituals

A significant portion of the discussion centers on cursing stones—pre-Christian artifacts used for laying curses. Located in regions like Northern Cavan and Inishmary Island, these stones were integral to local rituals aimed at transferring bad luck or ailments onto others.

Cecily Gilligan describes one such site:
"There are about 50 stones of varying size... people would have walked three times around that particular altar and they would have lain their curse." (22:57).

These practices underscored the deep connection between the landscape and folklore, with rituals often involving specific movements and items to ensure the curse's effectiveness without backfiring on the caster.

Healing Remedies in Irish Tradition

Cecily Gilligan shares insights from her book, detailing various folk remedies that blend herbal knowledge with spiritual practices. These cures often involve rituals, prayers, and the use of natural ingredients to heal both the body and spirit.

Cecily Gilligan recalls a personal anecdote:
"As a child, I actually had jaundice. And my father went to the pulp, and he came home one night and he had a bottle that I had to drink. So it was a herbal cure for jaundice." (33:17).

Another notable remedy involves a ritual for heart problems using oatmeal and prayers, highlighting the holistic approach to healing that combines physical and spiritual elements.

Modern Relevance and Revival of Folklore

Despite the decline in traditional beliefs over the past century, Cecily Gilligan posits that folklore remains relevant in modern Ireland. There is a burgeoning interest in holistic healing and alternative therapies, which has allowed some folk practices to persist and even thrive.

Cecily Gilligan:
"I believe that the traditional Irish cures in the Irish context are part of that kind of broader, more holistic approach to healing." (36:37).

Additionally, the episode touches on the cyclical nature of folklore, where ancient practices resurface in contemporary contexts, reinforcing cultural identity and offering solace in an increasingly modern world.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Irish Folk Legends

The episode concludes by reaffirming the profound impact of folklore on Irish society and individual lives. The story of Bridget Cleary serves as a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained beliefs can lead to tragic outcomes. Yet, the enduring presence of folklore also offers a sense of identity and continuity, bridging past and present.

Anthony Delaney wraps up the discussion:
"It's one of those cases... it's still a very emotive case when her name comes up, and rightly so, because the inhumanity meted on her is actually unbelievable." (16:12).

Listeners are encouraged to explore Cecily Gilligan's Cures of Ireland and further episodes to gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of Irish myths, legends, and their lasting influence.

Notable Quotes:

1. Anthony Delaney (02:26):
   "So where dips the rocky highland of Sleuth Wood..."
   — Introducing WB Yeats' The Stolen Child to highlight Ireland's rich oral traditions.

2. Cecily Gilligan (06:10):
   "In Irish folklore, the tradition of the changeling has been very strong and has probably existed for thousands of years."
   — Explaining the deep-rooted belief in changelings.

3. Anthony Delaney (05:20):
   "As Anthony has explained, they sourced herbs from her, they beat her, they shout at her, they poured urine on her."
   — Describing the brutality inflicted upon Bridget Cleary.

4. Cecily Gilligan (09:40):
   "They coexisted. People had this pre-Christian belief or this mythical belief of fairies, but they also had very strong belief in the Catholic Church and in God."
   — Discussing the coexistence of folklore and religion.

5. Cecily Gilligan (36:37):
   "I believe that the traditional Irish cures in the Irish context are part of that kind of broader, more holistic approach to healing."
   — Highlighting the modern relevance of folk remedies.

This episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal offers an illuminating exploration of Ireland's darkest folk legends, intertwining historical events with rich folklore to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural forces that shaped tragic narratives like that of Bridget Cleary.