“On Wren Day, the only place to be is Dingle”

CHRISTMAS without the wren would be like summer without a swallow, such is its place in the hearts, minds and cultural fabric of Dingle - and if you’ve any straw handy right now, I’m sure there’s many a man from the quartet of Dingle’s wrens that would willingly take it from you!

Naturally, if you happen to be a native of Corca Dhuibhne or An Daingean, you certainly don’t need me to tell you that preparations are at an advanced stage for the ‘few rounds of the town’ this St Stephen’s Day. But for many, the wren is still an enigma that belongs to an ancient tradition which thankfully isn’t going anywhere soon.

Dingle has four main wrens: Sráid Eoin, the Quay wren, the Green and Gold, and the Goat Street wren, all of whom will be giving the goatskin its annual flaking in the chilly, mid-winter air around Dingle. Last year I spoke with Vince Manning from the Goat Street Wren, and this year it’s the turn of Fergus O’Flaherty from the Green and Gold to have a chat.

“We’ve already started off getting the straws and costumes ready. We’ ll be heading off around 1pm on the day where we’ ll do a full march of the town first and then head out to a few other locations. There’s four mains wrens in the town and there’s great friendly rivalry involved. In fact, that’s what has kept it going for so long for if you had one big wren it would have died years ago; whereas when you have four wrens, each one thinks theirs is the best!

“I suppose my involvement goes back to the 1960s and if anything the wrens have improved over time. There was always down periods in the past but wrens are as strong now as ever. It’s a great interest and it’s a great local event. We always raise a bit of money too and it would be decided maybe a week or two before what charity or charities would benefit.” And what’s the standout moment of the day for Fergus?

“I suppose the highlight of the day for me is always that first march around the town when all the troops are together and in formation and everyone is out shouting for their own crowd, long may it continue.”