Finnchuisg

[John]

I read of an Irish chief who made the Finnchuisg – what on earth is the Finnchuisg?

Information on this greatly appreciated

[Onuvanja]

Perhaps a compound of “finn” (white, bright) + “cosc” (control, restraint, hindrance, punishment)? What is this chief called? Is it a character from Irish mythology? It would be helpful if you could give us some background information.

[John]

Thank you for replying.

All I have is one tantalising line in a genealogy “Manus an O Cathain Chief made the Finnchuisg” He died in 1468. ( O’Cathain territory in Co Derry)

I have no idea if the genealogy was constructed from earlier bits – so could it be Old Irish?

[Onuvanja]

Sounds intriguing. 🙂 Another wild guess: fionnuisge or fionnuisce means “freshwater”, though I’m not sure making freshwater would be considered much of a feat… Hopefully someone else has an idea.

[John]

Many thanks – your suggestion seems very plausible: providing fresh drinking water could in many circumstances be a cause of rejoicing.

[Author]

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