Irish-Language

Dinnseanchas agus Seanfhocal - an Irish placename and a proverb

<b>CA-BAAA:</b>&nbsp;Sheep taking a stroll in the hamlet of Cappagh in Sean Sweeney's picture from 2004<address>&nbsp;
CA-BAAA: Sheep taking a stroll in the hamlet of Cappagh in Sean Sweeney's picture from 2004
  CA-BAAA: Sheep taking a stroll in the hamlet of Cappagh in Sean Sweeney's picture from 2004
 

DINNSEANCHAS

Cappagh - Ceapach - a tilled plot of land

The Tyrone parish of Cappagh is derived from the Irish Ceapach Mhic Cuarta  or McCourt’s tillage plot, the McCourts being the ancient erenaghs or church tenants of the parish. 

Elsewhere in the county, the townland of Cappagh in the parish of Pomeroy appears to be derived from a related word, An Cheapóg ‘the little tillage plot’. 

The element derives from the root ceap ‘stock, stump’ referring to a piece of ground where trees have been felled. There are 20 townlands named Cappagh across Ireland including examples in Cos Down, Derry and Armagh. For Cappagh in Co. Down, early forms appearing as Kilkappie indicate that the area was previously named Coill Cheapaí ‘wood of the cleared plot’, with the loss of the coill component accompanying the loss of the woodland.

See also placenamesni.org and @placenamesni on twitter.

SEANFHOCAL

Is fearr uaigneas maith ná droch-chuideachta.

It is better to be alone than in bad company.

There are people who can’t stand doing things unless there is someone with them. You only have to look at the forlorn men sitting outside the ladies changing rooms in a clothes shop and you will know what is meant.

However, it is fair to say that the Bluffer is fond of his own company. 

He is quite happy to go to a gig or a film or a football match or a coffee shop all on his owney-o. 

Some people become very self-conscious when they are alone and think everyone else is wondering what is wrong with them. Have they no mates? Are they just odd?

However, it is the Bluffer’s experience that other people don’t even notice you’re there so be happy in your splendid isolation.