Jump to content

Glenamaddy: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 53°36′22″N 8°33′36″W / 53.606°N 8.560°W / 53.606; -8.560
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(39 intermediate revisions by 15 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|settlement_type = Town
|settlement_type = Town
|name = Glenamaddy
|name = Glenamaddy
|other_name = {{Pad top italic|Gleann na Madadh}}
|native_name = {{native name|ga|Gleann na Madadh}}
|native_name_lang = ga
|image_skyline = IMG Glenamaddy2751.jpg
|image_skyline = IMG Glenamaddy2751.jpg
|image_caption = Glenamaddy
|image_caption = Glenamaddy
Line 19: Line 22:
|unit_pref = Metric
|unit_pref = Metric
|elevation_m = 87
|elevation_m = 87
|population_as_of = 2006
|population_as_of = [[2022 census of Ireland|2022]]
|population_total = 516
|population = 557
|population_footnotes = <ref name=cso2022>{{cite web | url = https://data.cso.ie/table/F1015 | title = Profile 1 - Population Distribution and Movement F1015 - Population: Glenamaddy, Co. Galway | publisher = [[Central Statistics Office (Ireland)]] | access-date = 21 July 2023}}</ref>
|population_footnotes = <ref name="cso2006">{{cite web|title=Census 2006 – Volume 1 – Population Classified by Area |work=Central Statistics Office Census 2006 Reports |publisher=[[Central Statistics Office (Ireland)|Central Statistics Office Ireland]] |date=April 2007 |url=http://www.cso.ie/census/documents/census2006_volume_1_pop_classified_by_area.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2011-06-14 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607074609/http://www.cso.ie/census/documents/census2006_volume_1_pop_classified_by_area.pdf |archivedate=June 7, 2011 }}</ref>
}}
}}


'''Glenamaddy''' ({{Irish place name|Gleann na Madadh}})<ref name="logainm">{{Cite web |url=https://www.logainm.ie/en/19008?s=glenamaddy |title=Gleann na Madadh/Glennamaddy |website=Placenames Database of Ireland |publisher=Dublin City University; Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |language=en-GB |access-date=2017-09-02}}</ref> is a small town in [[County Galway]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. It lies at the crossroads where the [[R362 road (Ireland)|R362]] and [[R364 road (Ireland)|R364]] [[Regional road (Ireland)|regional road]]s meet. Glenamaddy became the musical capital of [[Connacht]] during the 1960s when the [[Irish showband|showband]] craze swept the country.
'''Glenamaddy''', or '''Glennamaddy''' ({{Irish place name|Gleann na Madadh}}),<ref name="logainm">{{Cite web |url=https://www.logainm.ie/19008.aspx |title=Gleann na Madadh / Glennamaddy |website=logainm.ie | publisher = Placenames Database of Ireland | language=en-IE |access-date=22 February 2023 }}</ref> is a small town in [[County Galway]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. It lies at the crossroads where the [[R362 road (Ireland)|R362]] and [[R364 road (Ireland)|R364]] [[Regional road (Ireland)|regional road]]s meet. Glenamaddy became a musical focal point in [[Connacht]] during the 1960s during the [[Irish showband|showband era]].{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}


To the east of the town lies [[Loch Lurgeen]], a [[raised bog]]. The origins of the parish lie in the village of [[Boyounagh]], which lies to the northwest of Glenamaddy.
To the east of the town lies [[Loch Lurgeen]], a [[raised bog]]. The origins of the parish lie in the village of [[Boyounagh]], which lies to the northwest of Glenamaddy.
Line 32: Line 34:
It is unclear what the exact meaning and [[Irish language|Irish]] translation for Glenamaddy is. It could be derived from the Irish ''Gleann na Madadh'',<ref name=logainm /> ''Gleann'' meaning [[glen]]<ref name="heritage">{{Cite web |url=http://heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/places/towns-and-villages/glenamaddy |title=Glenamaddy - Galway County Heritage Office |date=2015-02-22 |website=Galway County Heritage Office |publisher=Galway City Council |language=en-GB |access-date=2017-09-02}}</ref> (valley) and ''madhadh'' from ''madra'' meaning dog. This would suggest that the name means Valley of the Dogs. This name could have originated from the shape of the [[Glenamaddy Turlough]] as looked at from above.
It is unclear what the exact meaning and [[Irish language|Irish]] translation for Glenamaddy is. It could be derived from the Irish ''Gleann na Madadh'',<ref name=logainm /> ''Gleann'' meaning [[glen]]<ref name="heritage">{{Cite web |url=http://heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/places/towns-and-villages/glenamaddy |title=Glenamaddy - Galway County Heritage Office |date=2015-02-22 |website=Galway County Heritage Office |publisher=Galway City Council |language=en-GB |access-date=2017-09-02}}</ref> (valley) and ''madhadh'' from ''madra'' meaning dog. This would suggest that the name means Valley of the Dogs. This name could have originated from the shape of the [[Glenamaddy Turlough]] as looked at from above.


Glenamaddy might also have come from ''Gleann na Maighe Duibhí'' or Valley of the Black Plain,<ref name="byways">{{Cite web |url=http://irelandbyways.com/ireland-routes/byroute-14/byroute-14-1/2/ |title=Glenamaddy // Kilkerrin (Co. Galway / North) |website=Ireland Byways |language=en-GB |archive-url= |access-date=2017-09-02}}</ref> presumably because of [[Glenamaddy Turlough|the]] [[Turlough (lake)|turlough lake]] in the area which dries up every year leaving behind a black plain of [[limestone]].
Glenamaddy might also have come from ''Gleann na Maighe Duibhí'' or Valley of the Black Plain,<ref name="byways">{{Cite web |url=http://irelandbyways.com/ireland-routes/byroute-14/byroute-14-1/2/ |title=Glenamaddy // Kilkerrin (Co. Galway / North) |website=Ireland Byways |language=en-GB |access-date=2017-09-02}}</ref> presumably because of [[Glenamaddy Turlough|the]] [[Turlough (lake)|turlough lake]] in the area which dries up every year leaving behind a black plain of [[limestone]].


==History==
==History==
{{Refimprove section|date=September 2017}}
{{More citations needed section|date=September 2017}}
Glenamaddy was located in what was the medieval kingdom of [[Uí Díarmata]], ruled by the O Concannon dynasty.
Glenamaddy was located in what was the medieval kingdom of [[Uí Díarmata]], ruled by the O Concannon dynasty.


The town itself did not develop until the 1820s when a church was built and regular markets began in the town. From this time on the town began to grow and shops and pubs sprang up around the square and on the four roads leading into the town which are famous from the song of the same name. In 1853 a workhouse was built on the [[Creggs]] road.
The town itself did not develop until the 1820s when a church was built and regular markets began in the town. From this time on, the town began to grow and shops and pubs were built around the square and on the four roads leading into the town.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} These "four roads" are reflected in a song of the same name.<ref name="indo2015">{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/failing-rural-towns-eerie-silence-falls-on-famed-town-of-the-four-roads-31030809.html |title=Failing rural towns: Eerie silence falls on famed town of the 'Four Roads' |first=Clare |last=McCormack |publisher=[[Irish Independent]] |date=1 March 2015 |access-date=2015-03-01}}</ref> In 1853, a [[workhouse]] was built on the [[Creggs]] road.


In 1904 St. Patrick's church was built to replace the older church which was in the grounds
In 1904, St. Patrick's church was built to replace the older church which was in the grounds of where the town graveyard stands today. In 1909, St. Bridget's Town Hall was built. In 1924, a mill was built in Leitra and gave employment in the area. Other local historic sites include a [[megalithic tomb]] at Ballinastack and a [[Crannog|crannóg]] on Kiltullagh lake.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}
of where the town graveyard stands today. In 1909 St. Bridget's Town Hall was built and played an important role in the social and cultural life of the parish. In 1924 a mill was built in Leitra, this gave badly needed employment to the area. Other places of interest include a [[megalithic tomb]] at Ballinastack, a crannóg on Kiltullagh lake and the Jeremiah Mee Memorial on the wall outside Phelan's lounge.


In the early 20th century markets were hugely popular in the town as for some small cottage industries it was the main outlet for their wares. Cattle, pigs, sheep, animal feeds, and household supplies were all sold at these markets and large crowds gathered in the town on these days. All goods being sold in the town were weighed at the weigh-house.
In the early 20th century, markets were common in the town as for some small cottage industries it was the main outlet for their wares. Cattle, pigs, sheep, animal feeds, and household supplies were all sold at these markets and large crowds gathered in the town on these days.


[[File:Cross roads, Glenamaddy - geograph.org.uk - 1265004.jpg|thumb|Cross roads in Glenamaddy]]
[[File:Cross roads, Glenamaddy - geograph.org.uk - 1265004.jpg|thumb|Crossroads in Glenamaddy]]


In recent years, Glenamaddy has seen significant decline after the loss of its [[Bank of Ireland]] and [[Ulster Bank]] branches, in 2006 and 2013, respectively. The town has lost over 120 of its young people to emigration and faces the possibility of further abandonment in the future.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/failing-rural-towns-eerie-silence-falls-on-famed-town-of-the-four-roads-31030809.html |title=Failing rural towns: Eerie silence falls on famed town of the 'Four Roads' |first=Clare |last=McCormack |publisher=[[Irish Independent]] |date=1 March 2015 |accessdate=2015-03-01}}</ref>
In the 21st century, Glenamaddy has some decline, including with the loss of its [[Bank of Ireland]] and [[Ulster Bank]] branches in 2006 and 2013 respectively.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} As of 2015, the town had reportedly lost over 120 of its young people to emigration.<ref name="indo2015"/> In the ten years between the 2006 and the [[2016 census of Ireland]], the population of Glenamaddy decreased by four percent, from 500 to 480 people.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://citypopulation.de/en/ireland/towns/galway/0460__glenamaddy/ | website = City Population | title = Glenamaddy (Ireland) Census Town | accessdate = 22 February 2023 }}</ref>

This is the home of the Great Thomas Hussey who left to work in Birmingham and built the Post Office Tower, Birmingham Central Library (now demolished). Rotunda, Spaghetti Junction, A38 Aston Expressway, He provided employment for Irish men in the Erdington part of Birmingham

,


===Esker Mass Rock===
===Esker Mass Rock===
A priest would travel to Esker from some unknown place and celebrate Mass at the site. Very often a screen or curtain divided the priest from the congregation, this was to protect the priest’s identity. During the time of the Penal Laws, around the 1790s a priest was celebrating Mass at Esker. An informer had notified the authorities that the priest would be there. Although scouts were positioned along the hilltops they didn’t see the Red Coats because they were dressed as common people and mingled among the crowd. As soon as the priest arrived he was captured and was given a mock trial. He was hanged from a tree which is now called Sceach na gCloigeann the white thorn tree of the heads. Along with the priest a number of people were massacred. The valley in which this occurred is known as Gleann an tSagairt, the priest’s valley. The rock on which sentence was delivered is called "Carraig an Bhreithiunais”. A bell was found in a nearby field some years later. A brass cross was also found with no base, which had been painted black to prevent reflection of sunlight. For the millennium, Mass was celebrated by Canon Michael Goaley P.P. and Fr. Tom Kearney C.C.
During [[penal times]] (17th and 18th centuries), a priest would travel to Esker to celebrate mass at the site of a local [[mass rock]]. On one occasion, around the 1790s, a priest was celebrating mass at Esker. An informer had notified the authorities that the priest would be there. Although scouts were positioned along the hilltops, they didn't see the military authorities because they were dressed as common people and mingled among the crowd. As soon as the priest arrived, he was captured and was given a mock trial.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} He was hanged from a tree which is now called ''Sceach na gCloigeann'' (white thorn tree of the heads).{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} The valley in which this occurred is known as ''Gleann an tSagairt'' (the priest's valley). A bell was found in a nearby field some years later.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} A brass cross was also found with no base, which had been painted black to prevent reflection of sunlight. For the year 2000 [[millennium celebrations]], Mass was celebrated at the mass rock.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}


==Culture==
==Culture==
Glenamaddy boasts a long tradition of music and drama. The Esker Ballroom was once one of the most popular dance venues in the country. Built by James Keaveney in 1947 on the Kilkerrin Road in Glenamaddy, the ballroom failed to get a license to hold dances or operate a bar because it was during wartime. Eventually, on the 27th of April 1949, the first dance was held in The Esker Ballroom. The dance was very successful and was the first of many, held every second Sunday, which would make the Esker Ballroom famous throughout the country. In 1970 the Esker Ballroom closed as marquees who were in direct competition with the Ballroom became more and more popular in the area. [[The Sound of Music]] opened by Jim "Pete" Keaveney, with opposition from the church. The building was sold to Joe O'Neill who then set up the Sound of Music night club which was also a huge success for many years and drew crowds from all over Connaught and indeed Ireland.
The Esker Ballroom was once one of the most popular dance venues in the country.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} Built in 1947 on the Kilkerrin Road in Glenamaddy, the ballroom initially failed to get a license to hold dances or operate a bar.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} Eventually, in April 1949, the first dance was held in the ballroom. Further dances were held every second Sunday.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} In 1970, the Esker Ballroom closed as marquees, who were in direct competition with the ballroom, became more popular in the area. The building was sold and a night club was opened in its place.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}


The song "Four Country Roads", which mentions Glenamaddy,<ref name="indo2015"/> was a hit for [[Big Tom]] in Ireland in 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=title&placement=Four+Country+Roads | website = irishcharts.ie | publisher = [[Irish Recorded Music Association]] | title = Search - Title - Four Country Roads | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20230222012850/http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=title&placement=Four+Country+Roads | archivedate = 22 February 2023 }}</ref>
The popular song, "Four Country Roads", mentions Glenamaddy and it became a hit for [[Big Tom]] in Ireland in 1981.


==Notable people==
== Education ==
⚫
Glenamaddy Community school was founded in 2002 by the Sisters of Mercy and County Galway VEC following the amalgamation of Coláiste Seosaimh and St. Benin's Vocational School.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}
⚫
*[[Luke and Brian Comer]], property developers, founders of [[Comer Group]]<ref name="irishtimes1">{{cite web|author=John McManus |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/luck-timing-and-a-few-master-strokes-key-to-comer-brothers-success-1.1846340 |title=Luck, timing and a few master strokes key to Comer brothers’ success |publisher=Irishtimes.com |date=27 June 2014 |accessdate=2017-05-14}}</ref>

== Community School ==
⚫
Glenamaddy Community school was founded in 2002 by the Sisters of Mercy and Co. Galway VEC following the amalgamation of Coláiste Seosaimh and St. Benin’s Vocational School.


==Sport==
==Sport==
⚫
[[Glenamaddy GAA|Glenamaddy C.L.G.]] is the local [[Gaelic Athletic Association]] club and plays [[Gaelic football]].<ref name="gaa">{{Cite web |url=http://homepage.eircom.net/%257Eglenamaddyplayers/webgaa/gaahistory.htm |title=The History of Glenamaddy GAA |website=Glenamaddy GAA Club |access-date=2017-09-02}}</ref> Glen Celtic is the local soccer club.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}
*[[Glenamaddy C.L.G.]], the local [[Gaelic Athletic Association]] club
⚫
*[[Gaelic football]]<ref name="gaa">{{Cite web |url=http://homepage.eircom.net/%257Eglenamaddyplayers/webgaa/gaahistory.htm |title=The History of Glenamaddy GAA |website=Glenamaddy GAA Club |access-date=2017-09-02}}</ref>
*Glen Celtic local soccer club


==See also==
==Notable people==
{{See also|Category:People from Glenamaddy}}
* [[List of towns and villages in the Republic of Ireland|List of towns and villages in Ireland]]
⚫
*[[Luke and Brian Comer]], property developers, founders of [[Comer Group]]<ref name="irishtimes1">{{cite web|first=John |last = McManus |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/luck-timing-and-a-few-master-strokes-key-to-comer-brothers-success-1.1846340 |title=Luck, timing and a few master strokes key to Comer brothers' success |publisher=Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com |date=27 June 2014 |access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>
* [[Glenamaddy Turlough]]
* [[Jeremiah Mee]] (1889–1953), leader of the [[Listowel mutiny]]<ref>{{Cite web|publisher=Dictionary of Irish Biography |url=https://www.dib.ie/biography/mee-jeremiah-a5783|access-date=29 May 2023 | website = dib.ie| title = Mee, Jeremiah | doi = 10.3318/dib.005783.v1 | date = 2009 | first = J. Anthony | last = Gaughan }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 85: Line 78:


{{County Galway}}
{{County Galway}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Towns and villages in County Galway]]
[[Category:Towns and villages in County Galway]]

Latest revision as of 23:15, 13 December 2023

Glenamaddy
Gleann na Madadh (Irish)
Town
Glenamaddy
Glenamaddy
Glenamaddy is located in Ireland
Glenamaddy
Glenamaddy
Location in Ireland
Coordinates: 53°36′22″N 8°33′36″W / 53.606°N 8.560°W / 53.606; -8.560
CountryIreland
ProvinceConnacht
CountyCounty Galway
Elevation
87 m (285 ft)
Population
 (2022)[1]
557
Irish Grid ReferenceM627620

Glenamaddy, or Glennamaddy (Irish: Gleann na Madadh),[2] is a small town in County Galway, Ireland. It lies at the crossroads where the R362 and R364 regional roads meet. Glenamaddy became a musical focal point in Connacht during the 1960s during the showband era.[citation needed]

To the east of the town lies Loch Lurgeen, a raised bog. The origins of the parish lie in the village of Boyounagh, which lies to the northwest of Glenamaddy.

Name[edit]

It is unclear what the exact meaning and Irish translation for Glenamaddy is. It could be derived from the Irish Gleann na Madadh,[2] Gleann meaning glen[3] (valley) and madhadh from madra meaning dog. This would suggest that the name means Valley of the Dogs. This name could have originated from the shape of the Glenamaddy Turlough as looked at from above.

Glenamaddy might also have come from Gleann na Maighe Duibhí or Valley of the Black Plain,[4] presumably because of the turlough lake in the area which dries up every year leaving behind a black plain of limestone.

History[edit]

Glenamaddy was located in what was the medieval kingdom of Uí Díarmata, ruled by the O Concannon dynasty.

The town itself did not develop until the 1820s when a church was built and regular markets began in the town. From this time on, the town began to grow and shops and pubs were built around the square and on the four roads leading into the town.[citation needed] These "four roads" are reflected in a song of the same name.[5] In 1853, a workhouse was built on the Creggs road.

In 1904, St. Patrick's church was built to replace the older church which was in the grounds of where the town graveyard stands today. In 1909, St. Bridget's Town Hall was built. In 1924, a mill was built in Leitra and gave employment in the area. Other local historic sites include a megalithic tomb at Ballinastack and a crannóg on Kiltullagh lake.[citation needed]

In the early 20th century, markets were common in the town as for some small cottage industries it was the main outlet for their wares. Cattle, pigs, sheep, animal feeds, and household supplies were all sold at these markets and large crowds gathered in the town on these days.

Crossroads in Glenamaddy

In the 21st century, Glenamaddy has some decline, including with the loss of its Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank branches in 2006 and 2013 respectively.[citation needed] As of 2015, the town had reportedly lost over 120 of its young people to emigration.[5] In the ten years between the 2006 and the 2016 census of Ireland, the population of Glenamaddy decreased by four percent, from 500 to 480 people.[6]

Esker Mass Rock[edit]

During penal times (17th and 18th centuries), a priest would travel to Esker to celebrate mass at the site of a local mass rock. On one occasion, around the 1790s, a priest was celebrating mass at Esker. An informer had notified the authorities that the priest would be there. Although scouts were positioned along the hilltops, they didn't see the military authorities because they were dressed as common people and mingled among the crowd. As soon as the priest arrived, he was captured and was given a mock trial.[citation needed] He was hanged from a tree which is now called Sceach na gCloigeann (white thorn tree of the heads).[citation needed] The valley in which this occurred is known as Gleann an tSagairt (the priest's valley). A bell was found in a nearby field some years later.[citation needed] A brass cross was also found with no base, which had been painted black to prevent reflection of sunlight. For the year 2000 millennium celebrations, Mass was celebrated at the mass rock.[citation needed]

Culture[edit]

The Esker Ballroom was once one of the most popular dance venues in the country.[citation needed] Built in 1947 on the Kilkerrin Road in Glenamaddy, the ballroom initially failed to get a license to hold dances or operate a bar.[citation needed] Eventually, in April 1949, the first dance was held in the ballroom. Further dances were held every second Sunday.[citation needed] In 1970, the Esker Ballroom closed as marquees, who were in direct competition with the ballroom, became more popular in the area. The building was sold and a night club was opened in its place.[citation needed]

The song "Four Country Roads", which mentions Glenamaddy,[5] was a hit for Big Tom in Ireland in 1981.[7]

Education[edit]

Glenamaddy Community school was founded in 2002 by the Sisters of Mercy and County Galway VEC following the amalgamation of Coláiste Seosaimh and St. Benin's Vocational School.[citation needed]

Sport[edit]

Glenamaddy C.L.G. is the local Gaelic Athletic Association club and plays Gaelic football.[8] Glen Celtic is the local soccer club.[citation needed]

Notable people[edit]

See also: Category:People from Glenamaddy

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Profile 1 - Population Distribution and Movement F1015 - Population: Glenamaddy, Co. Galway". Central Statistics Office (Ireland). Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Gleann na Madadh / Glennamaddy". logainm.ie. Placenames Database of Ireland. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Glenamaddy - Galway County Heritage Office". Galway County Heritage Office. Galway City Council. 22 February 2015. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  4. ^ "Glenamaddy // Kilkerrin (Co. Galway / North)". Ireland Byways. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  5. ^ a b c McCormack, Clare (1 March 2015). "Failing rural towns: Eerie silence falls on famed town of the 'Four Roads'". Irish Independent. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  6. ^ "Glenamaddy (Ireland) Census Town". City Population. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
  7. ^ "Search - Title - Four Country Roads". irishcharts.ie. Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023.
  8. ^ "The History of Glenamaddy GAA". Glenamaddy GAA Club. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  9. ^ McManus, John (27 June 2014). "Luck, timing and a few master strokes key to Comer brothers' success". irishtimes.com. Irish Times. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  10. ^ Gaughan, J. Anthony (2009). "Mee, Jeremiah". dib.ie. Dictionary of Irish Biography. doi:10.3318/dib.005783.v1. Retrieved 29 May 2023.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Glenamaddy&oldid=1189776971"