Seanfhocail na Gaeilge (Irish Proverbs)
Breandán Ó Heaghra of the Galway City Museum discusses Irish proverbs
Seanfhocail na Gaeilge (Irish Proverbs) are words of advice based on age-old experience. These have been passed on by word of mouth over the centuries, yet are still relevant in the modern world. They can be self explanatory or frustratingly cryptic, humorous quips or words of warning. Here are some well-known Irish proverbs:
Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin
There's no hearth like your own hearth, meaning there's no place like home
Ní bhíonn airgead amadáin i bhfad ina phóca
A fool's money is not long in his pocket, meaning a fool and his money are soon parted
Is maith an t-anlann an t-ocras
Hunger is the best sauce, meaning that if you are hungry all food will be satisfying
Is minic a bhris beal duine a shron
It's often a person's mouth breaks his nose, meaning if you insult someone it may result in a broken nose
Breandán Ó Heaghra at the Galway City Museum
Here Breandán Ó Heaghra of the Galway City Museum discusses some Irish proverbs from a book by Tomás S. Ó Máille entitled Seanfholca Chonnacht (a collection of proverbs from the Province of Connacht, and particularly Connemara).
Introduction
Humour and Wisdom
The Family
Superstition
Anyone interested in learning more about Irish Proverbs should visit the Daltaí na Gaeilge Seanfhocal Archive page.