Note 141 — THE BOOK OF THE DEAN OF LISMORE.

This is a curious piece. The dog without doubt entered largely into the mythology of the ancient Celts. Some have supposed that it was an object of worship with them. Mr. O’Curry informs the editor that the “Concheannaich or Dogheads were an ancient race who inhabited Magh O’Coin-chinn, now Moygonihy, in Kerry. They were said to be great enemies of Finn. This poem may really describe an attack upon them.” One of the Irish kings was called “Cairbar Cinn Chait,” or Cairbar of the Cat’s-head. The latter portion of the poem, referring to the banners of the Feine, has been preserved in tradition, although the editions of it are various.