The Story of “Fury” the heroic Irish Wolfhound.

There are many legends and stories in Ireland the origins of which are often lost in time and who knows whether they have been changed or embellished over the years.  So, it’s great when one such legend is proved with physical evidence.

“Fury” the hero dog..This story got me right in the heart during a visit to Portumna Castle  with Stephen. The Castle itself in County Galway was, in it’s time the grandest in Ireland built in around 1610 but it was the story of “Fury” the dog that had the greatest impact on me.

The story goes that Fury was an Irish Wolfhound or Whippet who, in April 1797 was on the grass underneath one of the castle windows. Tragedy struck when the young girl of the house fell from the window. Fury broke her fall and she landed on his back which resulted in poor Fury’s death. The brave dog saved her life and the family placed a plaque on his grave.

To Fury

This Stone is erected to the Memory

of a much lamented Animal

Who with a beauteous form possessed

Those Qualities which are esteemed

most valuable in the Human Species:

Fidelity and Gratitude.

And Dying April 20th 1797 aged 11 Years

was Interred near this Place.

Alas! poor Fury.

She was a Dog, Take her for All in All

Eye shall not look upon her like again.

Excavation:

Excavation in 1997 discovered the bones of poor Fury. A number of vertebrae were missing in the middle of its back and this supported the legend that the likely cause of death was of a broken back. The presence of nails in each corner of the grave site indicated that she was indeed buried in a coffin. If you are a dog lover you will know that of course Fury with his unconditional love and innate goodness saved the girl’s fall without hesitation. A true hero.

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest breeds and it would seem with the largest heart too. Thank you Fury we will think of you with so much gratitude and fondness.