Irish Stories for Christmas

Those who believe in the universality of the Irish spirit will be especially touched and delighted by these original, gentle and wry holiday stories. Keane (Durango), a popular Irish playwright and storyteller, is at his best when combining an intriguing conceit with descriptions of the customs and rituals of the Emerald Isle. ``The Scubblething'' tells of a Christmas party that evolves around an annual vitriolic argument between Martin Scubble and his wife, Mary. ``The Miracle of Ballybradawn'' is one of several humorous morality tales about poaching, describing the transformation of a poacher who discovers the sanctuary of the Church while on the lam. ``Groodles'' traces the journey of an old tomcat who ends up taking a fatal dip in the holiday soup. The lesser stories meander a bit, although even in those outings the strength of Keane's regional prose rarely flags. Country humor, holiday spirit and insightful characterization are found in abundance in these 15 stories. 7000 first printing. (Dec.)