The Irish Folklore Centre

Providing a focus for the whole Irish folk tradition

Three men had to make their way past the gatekeeper to the Underworld. They were in order the Earl of Desmond, his cousin the Lord Fitzmaurice and last in line Rory Mor of Ross, the Chief of Onaght O Donechu.

When the Earl of Desmond was told to declare himself when he reached the Gatekeeper, he said; “Take the man behind me…”

When lord Fitzmaurice was challenged he told the gatekeeper the same thing; ”Take the man behind me”.

When The O’ Donoghue came up he also said; “Take the man behind me…”

That is why to this day The O Donoghue Mor of Ross does not cast a shadow.

The End.

Submitted by Tighe O’Donoghue/Ross

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