QUESTIONS

Q: The motive given by the husband of Tipperary woman Bridget Cleary for her killing in 1895 was that she was cursed by fairies. Were crimes attributed to superstition or the supernatural common in Ireland during this period? Pat Caffrey, via email. Q: Did Brian Kerr ever play soccer before management? James O’Brien, Dublin 2. Q: Why do we ‘turn the air blue’ when swearing? Billie Smith, Dorking, Surrey.