Title: Halloween Tradition: Cork‘s First Trick-or-Treaters Gear Up for Another Adventure
As Halloween 2023 approaches, the spirit of trick-or-treating takes on a special charm in the suburbs of Cork, where a pair of cherished community figures are gearing up for yet another night of door-to-door antics. Con Prout and John A Murphy, proudly claiming the title of Ireland’s first trick-or-treaters, have been delighting and surprising neighbors since they started their Halloween journey in 1977—long before the tradition became widely popular across Ireland.
A Unique Beginning
In the late 1970s, Halloween festivities in Ireland were starkly different from today’s exuberant celebrations. Con and John A, then in their 20s, found the Halloween customs of the day—a mere game of apple bobbing—decidedly uninspiring. Captivated by images of American children joyfully calling out “trick or treat,” they resolved to bring the fun to Cork.
“Back then, Halloween was very boring. We didn’t want to just stay inside and eat an apple like everyone else,” John A recalled. With creativity as their ally, they crafted their own costumes to embark on this new adventure.
Costume Capers and Community Engagement
Their first foray into trick-or-treating was a delightful blend of spontaneity and creativity. While John A insisted on donning Batman attire, Con favored a Viking ensemble. The resolution? A hybrid approach, resulting in John A dressed as Batman and Con embracing his inner Viking.
“Con really wanted to go as a Viking, and we weren’t going to fight about it. We’ve been best friends all our lives,” John A shared. This camaraderie has remained unshakeable; the duo has never had a dispute despite traveling the world together over the decades.
Surprising Reactions: A Mixed Bag
As trick-or-treating was relatively unknown in Cork during the late 70s, John A and Con found themselves navigating an array of bewildered reactions. “One woman saw Con coming with the sword. It was just a prop, but she thought we were there to do evil. She recited the rosary to ward us away!” he remembered, chuckling at the incident.
Their costumes also provided a unique cover when engaging with young women—though not always successfully. “It was much easier to talk to girls we liked when we were in costume. One time we spoke to a father who was home alone, and he threatened to call the gardaí. It turned out hilarious later,” John A recounted.
Eggs, Sweets, and Spontaneous Celebrations
Through the years, Con and John A have experienced both elation and some occasional chaos in their trick-or-treating endeavors. “Kids don’t take kindly to us taking their candy, so we have been pelted with eggs before,” John A remarked jokingly.
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Con and John A have expanded their Halloween entourage to include friends like nurse Katie Duggan and painter Martin Murphy. They have seen local households beginning to stock up more generously to accommodate these older trick-or-treaters.
“We share the sweets with the kids, but the drinks are a different story—ciders, cans of lager, and small bottles of whiskey,” John A explained. “But we wait until we get home to enjoy them. Those quiet moments help us remember the people we may have missed during our rounds.”
A Commitment to Tradition
At 65 and 66, Con and John A are resolute in their determination to continue this beloved tradition. “The only time I’ll stop is if I end up in a nursing home and the nurses won’t let me out for the night,” Con quipped, reflecting their unwavering spirit.
For Halloween 2023, they plan to keep things simple. With John A opting for a mummy costume and Con planning to improvise, the pair are excited to embrace the festivities. “John A and I were considering a pantomime horse, but we realized that someone would miss out on the night. We’re happy to keep it simple,” Con stated.
The duo’s story not only encapsulates the enduring nature of Halloween traditions but also serves as a reminder of the joy and laughter that can be found in the most unexpected places.
This Halloween, as you fill your own pumpkin bowls with candy, take a moment to appreciate the cherished traditions that help bring communities together. Share your own Halloween stories or memories in the comments below. After all, it’s the laughter, friendship, and shared experiences that truly make October 31 a night to remember.
For more on Halloween traditions and community celebrations, check out other engaging articles on Shorty-News and beyond.
Please note that this article is a tribute to the enduring spirit of Halloween and the unique stories that shape our communities.
