There are many tales about goats in Irish folklore, but since St Patricks Day is upon us; the following extracts from the Schools’ (Folklore) Collection of the late 1930s, contributors from Attymon and Menlough tell stories in which the people of Monivea milk St Patrick’s goat(s) and pay the price.

“When St. Patrick was in Ireland long ago. One day he was travelling through Monivea and he had a Goat with him. He went into the church to pray, and whilst he was inside somebody in Monivea milked the Goat. St. Patrick was vexed, and when he was leaving Monivea he looked back and said that he hoped Monivea would be neither better or worse. So Monivea stands the very same way ever since and it is not better or worse” (told by John Naughton, 71, Attymon, Co. Galway).

“Once when St Patrick was passing through Monivea the people milked his goats. He did not like this and he put a curse on them. He said that they should never be any better or worse than what they were on that day. The are just the same today as they were on that day” (told by Pat Fahy, 54, Menlough, Co. Galway).

Fortunatly we know these days, that drinking goats milk and eating goat milk cheese is very good for you we know you'll be all the better for consuming it! 

Neals Yard Dairy in London certainly know how good Irish cheeses are and we have been working with them for over 20 years developing our beautitful cheesese. Take a look at the video attached and see for yourself the great work that comes from collaboration. https://youtu.be/AW7AoI4x9oY

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy St Patricks Day! 

Siobhán