Stop no. 5

 

Cross of Finnoe

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"I sat for a while at the Cross of Finnoe, 

where young lovers would meet when the flowers were in bloom"

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​​Finnoe Cross is located approximately 3 kilometres from the town of Borrisokane. In years gone by it was a popular gathering place, the scene of many summer evenings’ crossroads dancing, games of Pitch and Toss and just neighbours and friends meeting for a chat.

The Lynch family danced at this Cross and often spoke of the fun there. The Cross is immortalised in Shane's iconic song The Broad Majestic Shannon
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Cross Roads Dancing:
 

Crossroads dancing in Tipperary, and across Ireland, was a traditional social event where people gathered at a crossroads to dance, often on wooden platforms. These dances were popular up until the mid-20th century and featured sets of couples dancing or solo performances by skilled dancers. It was a popular way of meeting and quite a few marriages began at a crossroads dance.  The tradition declined due to factors such as the development of dancehalls and the arrival of the motor car. 

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Pitch and Toss:

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Pitch and toss is a traditional gambling game in Ireland where players throw coins at a mark or wall. The player whose coin lands closest is the winner of that round and can then "toss" all the other players' coins, claiming those that land heads up. Variations exist, but the core concept is a test of skill and luck involving coin tossing for stakes. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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