Under any discouraging or distressing circumstances, the expressions 'God help me' and 'God help us' are continually in the mouths of the people. They are merely translations of _go bh-fóireadh Día orruinn_, &c. Similarly, expressions of pity for another such as 'That poor woman is in great trouble, God help her,' are translations. { 196}
In Dublin, Roman Catholics when passing a Catholic church (or 'chapel') remove the hat or cap for a moment as a mark of respect, and usually utter a short aspiration or prayer under breath. This custom is I think spreading.
When one expresses his intention to do anything even moderately important, he always adds 'please God.' Even in our English speech this is of old standing. During the Irish wars of Elizabeth, it was told to an Irish chief that one of the English captains had stated he would take such and such a castle, when the chief retorted, 'Oh yes, but did he say _please God_': as much as to say, 'yes if God pleases, but not otherwise.'
'This sickness kept me from Mass for a long time; but _with the help of God_, I'll venture next Sunday.' 'Yes, poor Kitty is in great danger, but _with the help of God_ she will pull through.'
'I am afraid that poor Nellie will die after that accident.' 'Oh, God forbid,' is the response.
People have a pleasing habit of applying the word _blessèd_ [2-syll.] to many natural objects, to days, nights, &c. 'Well, you have teased me terribly the whole of this blessèd day--you young vagabone.'
'Were it not that full of sorrow from my people forth I go, By the blessèd sun 'tis royally I'd sing thy praise Mayo.'
Translation of Irish Song on 'The County Mayo.'
A mother says to her mischievous child, 'Oh blessèd hour, what am I to do with you at all at all!'
'Oh we're in a precious plight By your means this blessèd night.'
'God help me this blessèd night.' ('Mun Carberry and the Pooka' by Robert Dwyer Joyce.)
A man is on the verge of ruin, or in some other great trouble, and the neighbours will say, 'the Lord will open a gap for him': meaning God will find some means of extricating him. Father Higgins, who sent me this, truly remarks:--'This is a fine expressive phrase showing the poetical temperament of our people, and their religious spirit too.'