The Search for the Tinker Chief

Bríd Mahon (1922-2008) joined the Irish Folklore Commission in 1949, then taught in the Department of Irish Folklore at University College Dublin. A prolific writer, her works for children are heavily influenced by Irish folklore. The Tinker Chief was hugely popular and was optioned by Disney. Mahon uses the word ‘tinker’, an outmoded term now offensive, to refer to members of the travelling community.