In 1582, when Pope Gregory X111 updated the calendar, there was a defference of 10 days between the old Julian calendar (which had been in existence for about 1500 years) and the new Papal (Gregorian, or new style) one. Many people accepted the new updated calendar; others did not. Among those who did not agree with it were the monks on the Skelligs Rock off the coast of South Kerry, but close to the Beara Peninsula as well. In those days marriage was not allowed during Lent, so if people weren't married by Shrove Tuesday night, they would have to wait until Easter. But those who kept to the old calendar rather than to the updated one of the Pope could go out to the Skelligs Rock and have one of the monks perform the marriage ceremony up to 10 days after the Papal date for Shrove Tuesday had expired. This also gave rise to the renowned "Skelligs List" when poems were made up matching together all the eligible unmarried people who hadn't "tied the knot" by Shrove Tuesday night. They were the source of "amusement" in pubs or in gatherings in houses at night ---- until, of course, some one of the eligible bachelors "coupled up" found out the name of the "poet" who composed the rhyme making fun of him. Then there followed the real meaning of the old Irish/Gaelic saying "'Tis often a fellow's mouth was the cause of getting his nose broken" !! I retired from "poetry" after one such narrow escape !! At the time I was very involved in athletics. Sprinting came in very handy !! ----- Riobard