Page 43 - Memories of Giant MacAskill In Gaelic from MacTalla, 1893

ISSUE : Issue 72

Published by Ronald Caplan on 1997/6/1

soirbh. Ged a bha e cho mor so, cha n- itheadh e barrachd air duin' eile. Chithear o na leanas gu robh e eadhon na oige anabarrach laidir. Bha e aon latha a treabhadh le paidhir de dhaimh oga, agus dh-fhas iad gu math leisg air mu'n d'thanig am feasgar, 's bha iad ag iarridh moran greasaidh. Mu dheireadh ghabh e an fhearg, leig e as na daimh, rug e air an t-slabhridh e fein, 's dh- iarr e air athair breth air a chrann, agus thoisich e air obair 's chriochnich e 'n treabhadh romh bheul na h- oidhche. Aig am eile, bha dithis dhaoine a feuchinn ri bata Ian truisg a thoirt gu tir agus bha e fairtleachadh or- ra. Thanig Mac Asguill Mor an rathad. Thuirt e ris na daoine 'dhol fear air gach taobh dhe'n bhata agus a chumail comhnard 's gun toi- readh esan gu tir e. Ghabh e gu toiseach a bhata agus thug e aon draghadh air a toirt leis toiseach a bhata na laimh. Air uair eile, bha e tighinn gu tir le bata, agus bha na tuinn cho laidir ' s gun deachidh am bata thairis gle fhaisg air a chladach sich na gillean a bha air talamh tioram ri farraid a dheanamh air, ag radh gu robh a leor aig a Ghille Mhor ri dheanamh a nis, ach bu mhor an ioghnadh nuair a chunnic iad an Gille Mor a togail a bhat air a ghuallainn 'sa coiseachd gu tir leis, agus an sin a dol direach gu creig mhoir a bha faisg air laimh 'sa stracadh a bhata rithe gus an robh e na mhirean beaga, ag radh nach rachadh e cho faisg sid air duine bhathadh am feasda tuilleadh. An deigh so bha e uair eile le damh a toirt dhachidh craobh mhor bheatha gu con- nadh a dheanamh dhi; bha an damh aona A visitor wearing the late Giant MacAskill's clothes Thoi- prise when they saw him lift the boat onto his shoulders and walk to land with it. He then went directly to a big rock that was close by and pounded the boat on it until it was in little pieces, saying that it would never again come that near to drown? ing a man. On another occasion he was haul? ing home a big birch tree with an ox, to make fire? wood of it. The ox was too stubborn to pull the tree, or couldn't. Angus got cross, put the tree on his shoulders and carried it home. Shortly after that, a Frenchman from Cheticamp came to fight MacAskill. He was very big himself,and fully expected that he could beat him. On the eve? ning that they were to fight they shook hands, and the Frenchman's hand was so badly crushed that he had to spend some time in the hospital trying to get his broken fingers healed. Another time, MacAskill came over to buy something from Mr. Munroe, who was a mer? chant at that time in the place where my father has a store today. Munroe was a big strong man and a good wrestler, and he was very ready to try MacAskill's strength. After much urg? ing, MacAskill agreed to go against him and before the other man knew where he was, he was thrown to the other end of the building among barrels and boxes. Munroe told after? wards that there were lumps on his body where MacAskill grabbed him. While MacAskill was fishing, as I mentioned Ml Water Parks OPEN MAY to SEPT. 12 mi. from Sydney on Hillside Rd. 564-1824 Cafe: Delicious Hot Meals 1 Chicken Fingers * Hamburgers * Pizza Drinks * Light Groceries * Camp Supplies J LOVELY BEACH & DOCK • KIDS' GAMES ROOM TENTING/TRAILER SITES • LAUNDRY/SHOWERS ~ On the Beautiful Mira River ~ Available for Birthday Parties Picnics Special Events Special Rates for Groups Ettjoy the European flavour of a menu created by our Scandinavian chef in a fully licensed dining room * which caters to the public as well as our guests. Reservations advised. • Cozy, turn-of-the-century home • Victorian decor with many antiques • Each deluxe guest room has its own particular theme, private bath ensuite with Jacuzzi, some with gas fireplaces • Views of ocean or woods & stream • Smoke-firee environment • Great for that overnight get away! • Not suitable for children under 10 yrs. In residence hosts: Carole & Bill Swander 17 Wolfe Street • LOUISBOURG • (902)733-2171 TOLL FREE In U. 8. & Canada: 1-800-929-0222 43

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