Seo libh cupla sean-fhocail agus nathanna cainte
(Proverbs and sayings collected by Silé Bean Uí Chroinín, Ceim An Fhia, Ballingeary, Co. Cork)
1.Ding an leamhán a scoilteann é féin.
("A wedge of the elm splits itself". This could be used where it takes a person’s family to quieten them)
2. Luigh leis an slat a luighfidh leat.
(Be satisfied with what you have)
3. Seachaín na mná ‘is an t-ól, mar chuirfidh siad cloca an bhacaigh ort.
(Women and drink will leave you in beggar’s clothes!!)
4. Ní buan é cogadh na gcarad
(Fights between friends don’t last very long.)
5. Nuair is fuar é an teachtaire, is fuar é an freagra.
(A cold message brings a cold response)
6. Muna mbionn agat ach pocán gabhar, bí i lár an aonaigh leis.
(If you have only a puck-goat, be in the middle of the fair with him)
7. Gioraíonn beirt bothar.
(Two people shorten the road for each other)
8. Ón lá a bpósfaidh tú, beidh do chroí i do bhéal agus do lámh i do phoca.
(From the day you marry your heart will be in your mouth and your hand in your pocket)
9. Suas go meán oiche, síos go méan lae.
(Up until midnight, in bed until noon)
10. "Fan reidh go leór, tá dithneas orainn" a duirt an fear lena mhac agus iad ag treabhadh.
(Take it easy, we’re in a hurry", the man said to his son and they ploughing)
11. Cad a dheanfaidh mac an chait ach luch a mharú
(What would the young cat do but kill a mouse. i.e. like father, like son.)
12. Cuir sioda ar ghabhar agus is gabhar i gconaí é.
(Put silk on a goat and it’s still a goat)
13. "Ní bhionn an rath ach mar a mbionn an smacht" mar a duirt an macagus é ag buaileadh a athair.
("There is no luck except where there is discipline" as the son said while beating his father.)
14. Na trí nithe is geire ar bith;
Súil circe ndiadh gráinne,
Súil gabha i ndiadh tairne agus
Súil caillí i ndiadh bean a mhic.
(The three sharpest things on earth;
A hen’s eye after a grain,
A blacksmiths eye after a nail and
An old woman after her son’s wife.)
15. Trí solás an tseanadhuine;
Tine, taé agus tobac.
(Three comforts of an old person;
Fire, tea and tobacco.)
16. Fear an bó féin, é fein ar a heireaball.
(The cow’s owner holds the tail or stands behind her)