John Canny was a hermit who lived in a cave on the Isle of Doagh in County Donegal. He had worked in the US for many years but was unfortunately robbed of everything on his way home to Ireland (story goes that he was robbed by a black haired woman and he hated the sight of black haired women ever after!). Back home with nothing, he dug a 12 foot space into the sandbanks and existed there for a number of years, mainly on fish and birds – including seagulls and crows. One particularly harsh winter, the locals feared for his survival. Stones were collected and everyone came together, building him a house in a day. He eventually agreed to leave his cave and move into the house.
The little house still survives in Doagh.
A cool little story!
Ah thank you. XXXXMarie
Great door story and beautiful tiny cottage.
It’s a tiny little thing – but a palace after a cave no doubt!
What an amazing story, showing the height and depths of human behavior. Thank you for sharing this with Thursday Doors.
Glad you enjoyed, Dan. XXXMarie
Fabulous
Thanks Sheree 🥰 😘
You’re very welcome Marie
What a wonderful story! It’s great that this little house still survives and I’m sure helps keep his memory alive 😀
I wasn’t able to find any date reference at all – I’d love to know when it was built…
What a lovely story, warms the cockles of one’s heart in these days of politicians – and others – spewing hatred all around. A lovely red door, too.
Hopefully that sense of community still exists…
What a great story!
Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed.
Brilliant! I love this tale and that wee sweet cottage.
Thank you 🥰 😘
Nice story for a pretty little house with a red door.
It’s great that the roof hasn’t fallen in – someone is obviously looking after it… XXXMarie
Touching story!!
It is – they put in a bed and lit the fire – imagine how wonderful it must have been to move in …
That’s an lovely story.
It is Emma – we came across it by chance..
What an interesting story. Love the red door and the stones.
I really love the stonework – a good day’s work!!
It looks like such a friendly house, that the story just fits
And it’s nice to think he was surrounded by good neighbours…