Paddy NcNaughty went to confession: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.”
“And what is it that you have done, my son?”
“I made love to one of the girls in the village.”
“My God!” said the priest, “and which of the village girls did you commit sin with?”
“Ah, Father, that I cannot tell.”
“And if you will not tell me, then I shall not give you absolution.”
“Ah dear!” said Paddy.
“Was it Molly O’Flaherty?” asked the priest.
“No, it was not Molly O’Flaherty.”
“Then was it Flora Fitzgibbons?”
“Ah no,” said Paddy, “it was not Flora Fitzgibbons.”
“Was it Maggie Muldoon, then?” persisted the priest.
“Ah, sure no, it was not Maggie Muldoon.”
“Then who in heaven’s name was it?”
“Ah, sure, Father — that I cannot tell.”
“And if you don’t tell me I shall not give ya absolution.”
“Ah, Father, that’s too bad!” said Paddy and walked out of the confessional.
His friend, Michael, was waiting outside. “Well, Paddy, did ya get yar sins forgiven?”
“No,” said Paddy, “but I got the names of a few good broads!”
