Termonfeckin
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| Termonfeckin Tearmann Feichin |
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| Province: | Leinster | |
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| County: | County Louth | |
| Population (2002) | 2,016 | |
Termonfeckin (can also be spelt Termonfechin) is a small picturesque village and parish in County Louth, Republic of Ireland. It is located some five miles north-east of Drogheda.
Tradition has it that a medieval monastery was founded in the village by St. Fechin of Fore in the 7th century. The monastic settlement was plundered by the Leinstermen and the Vikings in 1013, was plundered again in 1025, and finally in 1149. It gained ecclesiastical importance in the 12th century when an Augustinian monastery was founded in the village. A convent of nuns, also of the Augustinian order, was established shortly afterwards and while the monastery didn't survive the convent flourished in Termonfeckin up until its eventual closure in 1540, following the Reformation of Henry VIII.
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[edit] Termonfeckin Castle(s)
The extant castle in Termonfeckin is a 15th or 16th century tower house of 3 storeys, with good trefoil headed windows. Its most unusual feature is the corbelled roof, similar to the technique used for the Newgrange chamber roof, which is on the third storey. This castle was damaged in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 but was later repaired by a Captain Brabazon. It is now a National Monument.
Until the early 19th century Termonfeckin also had another castle. This was the Primates Castle which was used by the Archbishops of Armagh, both Catholic and Protestant, as an auxiliary residence to Drogheda for several centuries. Its most famous occupant was James Ussher who was Protestant Archbishop of Armagh from 1625 to 1656. He lived in Termonfeckin for much of his tenure, up until 1640 when he departed for England. This castle was also damaged in the 1641 Rebellion and was not repaired. It fell into disuse and was eventually demolished c.1830.
[edit] Gaelic Games
Termonfeckin is home to one of Louth's seven hurling teams. St Fechins play in Pairc Naomh Feichin along with St Feichins Gaelic Footballers. However, Gaelic football is much more common in the county so it is the hurling team which are most notable.
[edit] High Cross
In the graveyard of St. Fechin's Church of Ireland is a High Cross with a winged figure above the Crucifixion on the east face, and Christ in Glory on the west face; the rest of the cross is covered in interlacing and geometrical patterns. At the foot of the cross is a slab with a Crucifixion scene (probably 16th century) and nearby is the base of another cross. Built into the porch of St. Fechin's church is a stone with an inscription which reads 'A prayer for Ultan and Dubthach who made this stone fort'.
[edit] An Grianan
Termonfeckin is also home to An Grianan, a stately home built in the 18th century which was the first residential adult learning college in Ireland. Owned by the Irish Countrywomen's Association, it fulfills many of that organisation's educational and social requirements. An Grianan was also a horicultural college until 2003.
[edit] Local Golf
Seapoint Golf Club and Co Louth Golf Club (the latter hosted the Irish Open in 2004) are located in Termonfeckin.
Both are highly rated links courses.
[edit] Natives and Residents of note
- Molesworth Phillips, who sailed with Captain Cook on his last voyage to the Pacific and who was present at his death in Hawaii, had an estate in Termonfeckin and lived there for a time in the 1790s. His wife, Susan Burney, was a sister of the famous English author, Fanny Burney.
- Evanna Lynch, the actress who will portray Luna Lovegood in the film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Des Smyth, former PGA tour golfer, Ryder Cup Vice Captain and current Champions Tour player
