On November 3rd 1324 in Kilkenny City, Petronilla of Meath became the first woman to be burned at the stake for witchcraft in the British Isles. As maid to Dame Alice Kyteler, she was found guilty of heretical sorcery, having been tortured to illicit a confession.
We can be thankful that the murmurs of witchcraft accusations have long faded from the streets of Kilkenny. The experiences of Kilkenny women in recent decades are far removed from the challenges faced by women of the 14th century. Through Mná Feasa/Wise Women, we explore these experiences and give women of Kilkenny the voice that Petronilla of Meath was not afforded.
This podcast has been curated by Helena Byrne, with the support of Kilkenny County Council Library Service and Heritage Office, following her visits and recorded conversations with dozens of older women across the county of Kilkenny.
This collaboration is kindly funded by commemorative initiatives under the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Recorded and produced by Helena Byrne. Featuring stories from Ann Lawlor, Bridget Forrestal, Bridget Murphy, Carmel Cummins, Carmel Fennelly, Eileen Little, Joan Cleere, Liz Cleere, Residents of Gahan House Graiguenamanagh, Mai Shefflin, Marie Reilly, Mary Holden, Mary Little, Peggy Kealy, Sally Hayden and several participants who prefer to anonymously share their stories.
Click on the pictures below to listen to each episode.
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