The Stations
Taken from Our Inis Eoghain Heritage by Brian Bonner

The custom of holding "stations" in the houses of the people twice yearly still continues in these parishes. Each parish is divided into "Station areas", usually consisting each of two or three townlands. The parish priest and curate attend to hear confessions and say Mass. The station is held in the spring during Lent and in the late autumn, usually in October. Each house in the station area will have the station in turn. In practice, it means that the station will be held in each house once in say seven or eight years, depending on the number of houses.

The origin of this custom is related to the period of Penal Laws but it is not clear how it started. Owing to the risks involved the station could not have been held in private houses when the Penal Laws were rigorously imposed. The custom probably started around 1780, when the laws were relaxed. The purpose was to enable all, especially the older people to attend Mass and receive the sacraments.

The people regard the station as a privilege and take great care to have their houses well prepared for the occasion. Up to the early part of this century all the neighbours gave a hand in the preparation of the house at which the station was to be held. A dance was held on the night of the station day and all who helped were invited to the festivities, but this custom has now died out.

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