Glenamaddy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Glenamaddy Gleann na Madadh |
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WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates:
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| Irish grid reference M636612 |
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| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Connacht | |
| County: | County Galway | |
| Elevation: | 75 m | |
| Population (2002) | 457 | |
Glenamaddy (Irish: Gleann na Madadh) is a small town in County Galway, Ireland. It lies at the crossroads where the R362 and R364 regional roads intersect.
Glenamaddy is the most important town in the northeastern corner of County Galway. It became the musical capital of Connacht during the 1960s when the Showband craze swept the country. To the east of the town lies Loch Lurgeen, a raised bog. The origins of the Parish (which was originally called Boyounagh) lie in the village of Boyounagh which lies to the North West of Glenamaddy Town.
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[edit] Name
It has been argued for a long time what the exact meaning, and Irish for Glenamaddy is. Some say it is derived from the Irish Gleann na Madadh, Gleann meaning valley and madhadh from madra meaning dog. This would suggest that the name means Valley of the Dogs. The suggested meaning for this being the shape of the Glenamaddy Turlough as looked at from above.
The other explanation that has been given is that the name comes from Gleann na Maighe Duibhí meaning Valley of the black plain, because of the lake (turlough) in the area which dries up every year leaving a black plain.
[edit] History
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.
In 1904 St. Patrick's church was build 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 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 there 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.
[edit] 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. The Sound of Music opened by Jim "Pete" Keaveney, with opposition from the church. Glenamaddy has hosted the Drama Festival since 1960, and there have been all Ireland finalists on a number of occasions.
[edit] Sport
- Glenamaddy GAC is the local Gaelic Athletic Association club.
