Cailleach an t-Sibinn

This sculpture is based on the Cailleach an t-Sibinn (The Old Lady of the Shebeen), a woman I learned about in Donald Black’s book A Tale or Two from Lismore. Below is an excerpt about the Cailleach from his book, I hope you enjoy reading her story!

“On the south-western tip of Lismore (Fiart) stands a ruined cottage dating from the late 18th century, the lone guardian of many lost secrets.

Here lived 'the Old Lady of the Shebeen. She moved here after being evicted from the northern tip of Lismore. That was her punishment for illegal distilling – whether by the Laird or the Excise Officer remains unclear! Anyway, she very soon resumed her former trade. The whisky produced at Fiart was said to be of singularly high quality – surly this old shebeener should have been regarded as an entrepreneur, not a common criminal!

The Excise Officers (gaugers) soon took the trail again, hoping to capture her red-handed. They failed miserably, with no evidence being visible anywhere. Nevertheless, they were patient and cunning! A change of routine was decided upon which would ensure success, and the remorseless net of authority would end - once and for all - the Old Lady of Shebeen's activities.

Now the waters of Ruba na Fiart are notoriously dangerous: there are many reefs and conflicting currents which are sure to trap the unwary if they venture near. The revenue cutter suddenly appeared from the sound of Mull, and her inexperienced helmsmen made an error – just one – and stranded the vessel on a semi-submerged reef. To complicate matters, the tide was ebbing, endangering the cutter even further.

There was no lifeboat service in those days, yet their prayers were answered – by none other than their adversary, the Old Lady of the Shebeen, who was familiar with every reef and swirling current. Soon they were looking towards her with very different eyes. This criminal whom they had hoped to arrest had become their guardian angel. All were rescued, and maybe, if they were lucky, they were even given a wee dram to speed their recovery – and drink to their rescuer’s health!

Ever afterwards the gaugers turned a Nelson-like blind eye towards Rubha na Fiart when sailing past!”

Domhnall MacIlleDhuibh. (2006). A Tale or Two from Lismore. Glasgow: The University of Strathclyde. Page 74.