Folklore

The Tale of the Stolen Cow

Sir Henry Piers in his book "A Chorographical description of the County of Westmeath", written in A.D. 1682, relates the following story: -

A poor fellow in a frosty season attempted to drive a cow he had stolen across the lake. The ice being strong enough and he in haste he drove somewhat hard and the cow chancing to stumble or slide fell and in th fall broke one of her legs. Hereupon not knowing better how to dispose of her, he kills her in the place and with the help of his companions carries off the hide and flesh. When safe and at rest he found he had forgotten his knife, immediately he returns to the place where the blood and the entrails of the cow lay, which by this time had so far thawed the ice that when he drew near the ice broke under his weight and falling in the ice closed again about his neck and cut off his head.

The man falling made a hideous outcry which was heard at a great distance - "Oh Oh ! I have received a sad or severe sentence or judgement ".

Hence translated Sir Henry Piers states Lough Direvreagh means lake of a severe or hard judgement. Fr Paul Walsh in his book the Placenames of Westmeath disagrees with Sir Henry Piers regarding the derivation of the name; he contends the name comes from Loch Dairbhreach " the Lake of the Oaks" .