mayomack

That's what bothers me, really! That "aye" (diphthong "ei") sound doesn't really occur in Irish, in my experience (some of our local pedants will no doubt come up with examples, nonetheless!).

My immediate reaction when I heard the word was an image of the sort of spike on which shopkeepers used to stick receipts. Given the time-frame suggested above, this might not be a crazy idea - some sort of "chit" system? I'll see if I can find out anything more.

Regards