Note 30 — DONNYBROOK FAIR.
Reading edition
I do not think that the southern and western Irish have, or ever will have, any ardent brotherly affection for their northern fellow-countrymen (exclusive of differences in religion). The former descended direct from the aboriginals of the land; the latter are deduced from Scotch colonists, and those not of the very best occupations or character either.
An anecdote told of Sir Hercules Langreish and Mr. Dundas is illustrative of this observation, and was one of our standing jokes, when Ireland existed as a nation.
Mr. Dundas, himself a keen sarcastic man, who loved his bottle nearly as well as Sir Hercules, invited the baronet to a grand dinner in London, where the wine circulated freely, and wit kept pace with it. Mr. Dundas, wishing to procure a laugh at Sir Hercules, said:—
“Why, Sir Hercules, is it true that we Scotch formerly transported all our criminals and felons to Ireland?”
“I dare say,” replied Sir Hercules; “but did you ever hear, Mr. Dundas, of any of your countrymen returning to Scotland from transportation?”