Castlebridge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Castlebridge Droichead an Chaisleáin |
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| Irish Grid Reference T054269 |
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| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Leinster | |
| County: | County Wexford | |
| Elevation: | 3 m | |
| Population (2002) | 1,013 | |
Castlebridge (Droichead an Chaisleáin in Irish) is a small village in County Wexford, Republic of Ireland, north of Wexford Town. It is located near the River Slaney and just north of Wexford Harbour. Castlebridge is an affluent satellite of Wexford town with a rapidly expanding population that increased by almost 30% from 783 in 1996 to 1,013 in the 2002 census.
In 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, was on a hunting expedition on the nearby North Slob. A debate arose over which was the fastest game bird in Europe: a golden plover or a grouse? Thus, the idea for The Guinness Book of World Records was born that night in the heart of Castlebridge, across from the Catholic church.
Coupled with its expansion has come an increase in traffic, petty crime and property prices - the side effects of a rapidly expanding economy which many formerly rural communities are experiencing.
The centre of the village contains a 60x30 foot handball alley. The handball club has produced many county and Irish champions and members have competed at world championships in the US.
Across the street, in the small park, there is a tree which was planted by Seán MacBride, a founding member of Amnesty International, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and son of Maud Gonne, muse of William Butler Yeats, on a visit to Castlebridge in the 1970s. Although it is unmarked, it has split into 2 equal halves making it easy to find.[citation needed]
Mr. P.D. Breen, who lived in Castlebridge but was originally from Bannow in the south of the county, was the first Wexfordman to be President of the G.A.A. (Gaelic Athletic Association) from 1924-1926. He also founded the Irish Handball Council and the St. Peters College (Wexford) Past Pupils Union. He is buried in Castlebridge cemetery.
Castlebridge is also home to the famous Bridge Rovers soccer club, who have a long and illustrious past. They play their games at 'The Bogside' across the road from the community centre.
