Desertmartin

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Desertmartin (Irish: Díseart Mhártain) is a small village in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 4 miles from Magherafelt. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 1276 people. It had a population of 2257 in 1837 and 3101 in 1910. It lies within the Magherafelt District Council area and part of the parish spreading over Slieve Gallion. A recent survey carried out by a journalist of the Mid Ulster Observer newspaper indicate that there was an increasing number of homosexuals and blacks moving into the area, however they were driven out by residents of Desertmartin.[citation needed]

Contents

[edit] History

In the early 17th century, the town was the de facto administrative centre of County Coleraine.

[edit] Places of interest

St. Mary’s (Roman Catholic) Church and adjacent Parochial House are landmark buildings. St. Comgalls (Church of Ireland) Church is a visually and historically significant building and a local landmark. It occupies the site of a medieval Church and is a listed building.

[edit] Transport

Desertmartin railway station opened on 20 July 1883, closed for passengers on 1 October 1930, and finally closed altogether on 3 July 1950.[1]

[edit] People

Tom Paulin (b. 1949) is a major Northern Irish poet, essayist, editor and lecturer, who has written a poem entitled Desertmartin.

[edit] Sport

Desert Martin had a world famous Motocross track at which big Motocross Events are held there including the BYMX and The British Motocross Championship.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Desertmartin station. Railscot - Irish Railways. Retrieved on 2007-09-23.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 54°46′N, 6°41′W