Annaghdown
Encyclopedia
Annaghdown is a parish in County Galway
, Ireland
. It takes its name from Eanach Dhúin, Irish
for "the marsh of the fort". The village lies around Annaghdown Bay, an inlet of Lough Corrib
. The parish is situated in the Archdiocese of Tuam
.
, which would have been granted as a site for a church.
by King Áed mac Echach
of Connacht. However, some sources believe that as Áed's territory of Uí Bhriúin Aoi lay in County Roscommon
, it was not within his power to grant the land of another chieftain so distant from him.
The earliest reliable reference to Annaghdown occurs in Comainmniguid Noem nErenn, composed c. 800
, which contains a reference to Ciarán Enaigh Dúin, (Ciarán
of Annaghdown). This, together with placename evidence indicates an association with Ciarán of Clonmacnoise
as opposed to Brendan of Clonfert
. The connection with Clonfert may have been no more than a reflection of an attempt by Clonfert to justify its claim on the church of Annaghdown at a later period.
In the 12th century the diocese
of Annaghdown was established. Although not listed in the Synods of Rathbreasail or Kells, Annaghdown diocese survived nonetheless for many centuries through monastic outreach from Annaghdown Abbey. The title Bishop of Annaghdown
is known to have been in use from c. 1189. Several bishops, from 1189 to 1485, were systematically elected by its 'Cathedral Chapter' and, despite many counterclaims from Tuam, some were approved by Rome.
In 1410, Áedh Ó Flaithbheartaigh
financed the building of a church at Annaghdown.
In 1485, when the Wardenship of Galway was created, Annaghdown was formally united with Tuam by Papal decree, and some of its parishes, Claregalway, Moycullen and Shrule, were formally attached to the new wardenship However, the title still survives as Bishop of Eanach Dúin
, currently held by Bishop Octavio Cisneros
, Auxiliary Bishop of New York, since 2006.
The ruins of Annaghdown Abbey
and the 15th century cathedral
survive as a National Monument
.
Annaghdown Castle was erected by the O'Flaherties in the late 14th century, on the east shore of Lough Corrib, where it still stands, now restored.
. A memorial stone was erected at Annaghdown Pier in 1978 by the Annaghdown Anglers Club, 150 years after the tragedy occurred.
The Connacht Journal of September 4 reported the following:
It is said that two more were drowned and their bodies were later discovered: Thomas Cahill and Mary Ruane, making a total of 20. John Cosgrove saved two women, but was drowned in trying to save the third. He was a lime-burner by trade. The remains of his house are still to be seen in the Blake estate - "Teach Chosgardha". Raftery's poem seems to be in error in mentioning only 19 victims.
, is a sporting club which caters for both hurling and Gaelic football. The playing fields and clubhouse are located in Cregg townland, on the road linking Clonboo, on the N84, to Knockdoe, on the N17.
Corrib Celtic F.C.
is the Parishes local soccer club which has also been very successful through the years. Its grounds are adjacent to Annaghdown National School. Also beside Annaghdown National School is and indoor ball alley which caters for Handball and raquet sports such as Raquetball and Squash. The courts were run down for a number of years but have recently been refurbished and a Handball and Raquetball Club was set up about two years ago. You can get to Annaghdown National School through various access road's from the N84. Corrib R.F.C which is a Rugby club is located in the nearby town of Headford
.
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="CCCCCC"
! "Eanach Dhúin"!! English Translation
|-
|Má fhaighimse sláinte is fada bheidh trácht
Nár mhór an t-íonadh ós comhair na ndaoine
||If my health is spared I'll be long relating
What wild despair was on all the faces
|}
Irish songwriter Dick Farrelly
wrote the song, "Annaghdown". The song was recorded by Sinead Stone & Gerard Farrelly on the album, "Legacy of a Quiet Man
". Farrelly is best remembered for his song Isle of Innisfree
, theme of the film, "The Quiet Man".
Last verse from the song - published by Andic Songs / Mechanical Copyright Protection Society
And when once more the cuckoo’s in the meadow
And mayflies dance along the Corrib shore
In my beloved Annaghdown you’ll find me
And I’ll be back to say farewell no more.
contain a number of references to Annaghdown.
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. It takes its name from Eanach Dhúin, Irish
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
for "the marsh of the fort". The village lies around Annaghdown Bay, an inlet of Lough Corrib
Lough Corrib
Lough Corrib is a lake in the west of Ireland. The River Corrib or Galway river connects the lake to the sea at Galway. It is the second largest lough in Ireland . It covers 178 km² and lies mostly in County Galway with a small area of its northeast corner in County Mayo.The first canal in...
. The parish is situated in the Archdiocese of Tuam
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam
The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tuam is a Roman Catholic archdiocese in western Ireland. According to tradition, the "Diocese of Tuam" was established in the sixth century by St. Jarlath...
.
Etymology
The name Eanach Dhúin signifies the 'marsh of the Dún or fort.' The word Dún is one of the most common elements denoting secular settlement in early placenames. It usually refers to an enclosed settlement or ringfort and in the early historical period it appears to designate the principal dwelling of the local king or chieftain. The placename ... probably referred to the marshlands attached to the fort of the chieftain of Maigh SeolaMaigh Seola
Maigh Seola was a term used to describe the land along the east shore of Lough Corrib in County Galway, Ireland. It was bounded by the Uí Maine vassal kingdom of Soghain. Its rulers up to the 1220s were the Muintir Murchada, who took the surname O'Flaherty...
, which would have been granted as a site for a church.
History
Little is known of the early history of Annaghdown, which does not appear in the annals until the twelfth century. Two historical sources state it was granted to St. Brendan of ClonfertBrendan
Saint Brendan of Clonfert or Bréanainn of Clonfert called "the Navigator", "the Voyager", or "the Bold" is one of the early Irish monastic saints. He is chiefly renowned for his legendary quest to the "Isle of the Blessed," also called St. Brendan's Island. The Voyage of St...
by King Áed mac Echach
Áed mac Echach
Áed mac Echach Tirmcharna was a King of Connacht from the Uí Briúin branch of the Connachta. He was the son of Echu Tirmcharna mac Fergusso . He came to the throne in the year 557 and ruled till 575....
of Connacht. However, some sources believe that as Áed's territory of Uí Bhriúin Aoi lay in County Roscommon
County Roscommon
County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county...
, it was not within his power to grant the land of another chieftain so distant from him.
The earliest reliable reference to Annaghdown occurs in Comainmniguid Noem nErenn, composed c. 800
800
Year 800 was a leap year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. It was around this time that the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years, so from this time on, the years began being known as 800 and onwards.- Europe :* December 25 - Pope Leo III...
, which contains a reference to Ciarán Enaigh Dúin, (Ciarán
Ciarán
Ciarán , Ciaran in Scottish Gaelic, Ceiran, Kieran, Keeran, Kyran, Kiaran, Keiran, Kieren, Kieron, Keiron or Kiernan , is a personal name meaning "small dark one". Ciarán comes from the Irish word "Ciar" which means black or dark. Ciar can be linked back to Ciar, son of Fergus, King of Ulster...
of Annaghdown). This, together with placename evidence indicates an association with Ciarán of Clonmacnoise
Ciarán of Clonmacnoise
Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise was one of the early Irish monastic saints and Irish bishop. He is sometimes called Ciarán the Younger to distinguish him from Saint Ciarán of Saighir. He was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland....
as opposed to Brendan of Clonfert
Brendan
Saint Brendan of Clonfert or Bréanainn of Clonfert called "the Navigator", "the Voyager", or "the Bold" is one of the early Irish monastic saints. He is chiefly renowned for his legendary quest to the "Isle of the Blessed," also called St. Brendan's Island. The Voyage of St...
. The connection with Clonfert may have been no more than a reflection of an attempt by Clonfert to justify its claim on the church of Annaghdown at a later period.
In the 12th century the diocese
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
of Annaghdown was established. Although not listed in the Synods of Rathbreasail or Kells, Annaghdown diocese survived nonetheless for many centuries through monastic outreach from Annaghdown Abbey. The title Bishop of Annaghdown
Bishop of Annaghdown
The Bishop of Annaghdown is an episcopal title which takes its name after the small village of Annaghdown in County Galway, Ireland....
is known to have been in use from c. 1189. Several bishops, from 1189 to 1485, were systematically elected by its 'Cathedral Chapter' and, despite many counterclaims from Tuam, some were approved by Rome.
In 1410, Áedh Ó Flaithbheartaigh
Áedh Ó Flaithbheartaigh
Áedh Ó Flaithbheartaigh, Taoiseach of Iar Connacht and Chief of the Name, fl. c. 1377?-1407.-Reign:Few details appear to be known of him, he being the first of the family to appear in the annals since the time of Ruaidhri Ó Flaithbheartaigh....
financed the building of a church at Annaghdown.
In 1485, when the Wardenship of Galway was created, Annaghdown was formally united with Tuam by Papal decree, and some of its parishes, Claregalway, Moycullen and Shrule, were formally attached to the new wardenship However, the title still survives as Bishop of Eanach Dúin
Bishop of Annaghdown
The Bishop of Annaghdown is an episcopal title which takes its name after the small village of Annaghdown in County Galway, Ireland....
, currently held by Bishop Octavio Cisneros
Octavio Cisneros
Octavio Cisneros is a Cuban American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He currently serves as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, and is also Titular Bishop of Eanach Dúin-Early life and education:...
, Auxiliary Bishop of New York, since 2006.
The ruins of Annaghdown Abbey
Annaghdown Abbey
Annaghdown Abbey is a ruined house of the Arroasian canons in the townland of Annaghdown in County Galway, Ireland. The site was probably founded by Turlough O'Conor c. 1140 and was dissolved after the reformation in 1562...
and the 15th century cathedral
Cathedral
A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
survive as a National Monument
National Monument (Ireland)
The Irish state has officially approved the following List of National Monuments of Ireland. In the Republic of Ireland, a structure or site may be deemed to be a "National Monument", and therefore worthy of state protection, if it is of national importance...
.
Annaghdown Castle was erected by the O'Flaherties in the late 14th century, on the east shore of Lough Corrib, where it still stands, now restored.
Drowning Tragedy
On Thursday, 4 September 1828, 20 people travelling to Galway on the Caisleán Nua were drowned when a sheep put its foot through the floor of the boat. This tragedy later became the subject of a famous lament, Eanach Dhúin, composed by the famous blind Irish poet, Antoine Ó RaifteiriAntoine Ó Raifteiri
Antoine Ó Raifteiri was an Irish language poet who is often called the last of the wandering bards.-Biography:...
. A memorial stone was erected at Annaghdown Pier in 1978 by the Annaghdown Anglers Club, 150 years after the tragedy occurred.
The Connacht Journal of September 4 reported the following:
An old row-boat in a rotten and leaky condition, started from Annaghdown early in the morning, a distance from Galway up Lough Corrib of about eight miles, having, it is calculated, about 31 persons on board, who were coming to the fair of Galway; the boat and passengers proceeded without obstruction until they arrived opposite Bushy Park within two miles of Galway, when she suddenly went down and all on board perished except about 12 persons who were fortunately rescued from their perilous situation by another boat. Eighteen of the bodies of these unhappy creatures were taken out of the lake in the course of the day and presented a most heart-rending scene, being surrounded by their friends who came to identify them, and by whom they were removed in a boat to Annaghdown.
The boat was in such an unsound state as to render her unfit for the passage. The unfortunate accident happened by a sheep putting its leg through one of the planks, which produced a leak, in order to stop which one of the passengers applied his great coat to the aperture and stamped it with his foot. In doing so he started one of the planks altogether, which caused the boat's immediate sinking, having been overloaded; ten sheep, a quantity of lumber, and about 31 persons being on board.
Eighteen of the bodies have been found; 12 have escaped, and one is missing. Major Dickson and a party of the 64th Regiment attended and rendered every humane assistance in their power. An inquest was held on the bodies by John Blakeney Esq., Coroner, at which James O'Hara, Esq., M.P., and J. H. Burke, Esq., Mayor, attended, and the jury returned a verdict of "accidental drowning".
The following are the names of the persons drowned and taken out of the lake: Bridget Farragher, Mary Costello, Judith Ryan, Bridget Hynes, Mary Newell, Winifred Jourdan, Mary Flynn, Bridget Curley, Catherine Mulloy, Mary Carr, Michael Farragher, Michael Cahill, John Cosgrove, John Concannon, Thomas Burke, Patrick Forde, John Forde and Timothy Goaley.
It is said that two more were drowned and their bodies were later discovered: Thomas Cahill and Mary Ruane, making a total of 20. John Cosgrove saved two women, but was drowned in trying to save the third. He was a lime-burner by trade. The remains of his house are still to be seen in the Blake estate - "Teach Chosgardha". Raftery's poem seems to be in error in mentioning only 19 victims.
Sport
Annaghdown has Gaelic football, hurling and soccer clubs. The local GAA club, Annaghdown GAAAnnaghdown GAA
Annaghdown GAC is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in County Galway, Ireland. The club is a member of the Galway GAA and was founded in 1887. Underage teams in both hurling and football play in the Galway league and championships. Annaghdown are a dual club and currently cater for Gaelic...
, is a sporting club which caters for both hurling and Gaelic football. The playing fields and clubhouse are located in Cregg townland, on the road linking Clonboo, on the N84, to Knockdoe, on the N17.
Corrib Celtic F.C.
Corrib Celtic F.C.
Corrib Celtic F.C. is an amateur soccer club based in Annaghdown, Co. Galway, Ireland. The club is named after the nearby Lough Corrib. The club currently play in the Galway & District League Premier League. The club's home ground is Gort Scully, Annaghdown, Co. Galway, Ireland...
is the Parishes local soccer club which has also been very successful through the years. Its grounds are adjacent to Annaghdown National School. Also beside Annaghdown National School is and indoor ball alley which caters for Handball and raquet sports such as Raquetball and Squash. The courts were run down for a number of years but have recently been refurbished and a Handball and Raquetball Club was set up about two years ago. You can get to Annaghdown National School through various access road's from the N84. Corrib R.F.C which is a Rugby club is located in the nearby town of Headford
Headford
Headford is a town in County Galway, located 26 km north of Galway city in the west of Ireland. The N84 national secondary route from Galway to Castlebar passes through the town. The R333 road travels from Headford to Tuam. There are many other 'boreens' and third-class roads on the...
.
Eanach Dhúin
This poem was composed by the travelling Irish poet, Antoine Ó Raifteiri, as a lament of the twenty people drowned at Menlo, Galway, on 4 September 1828.{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="CCCCCC"
! "Eanach Dhúin"!! English Translation
|-
|Má fhaighimse sláinte is fada bheidh trácht
- Ar an méid a bádh as Eanach Dhúin.
- 'S mo thrua 'márach gach athair 's máthair
- Bean is páiste 'tá á sileadh súl!
- A Rí na nGrást a cheap neamh is párthas,
- Nar bheag an tábhacht dúinn beirt no triúr,
- Ach lá chomh breá leis gan gaoth ná báisteach
- Lán a bháid acu scuab ar shiúl.
Nár mhór an t-íonadh ós comhair na ndaoine
- Á bhfeicáil sínte ar chúl a gcinn,
- Screadadh 'gus caoineadh a scanródh daoine,
- Gruaig á cíoradh 's an chreach á roinnt.
- Bhí buachaillí óg ann tíocht an fhómhair,
- Á síneadh chrochar, is a dtabhairt go cill.
- 'S gurb é gléas a bpósta a bhí dá dtoramh
- 'S a Rí na Glóire nár mhór an feall.
||If my health is spared I'll be long relating
- Of that boat that sailed out of Anach Cuain.
- And the keening after of mother and father
- And child by the harbour, the mournful croon!
- King of Graces, who died to save us,
- T'were a small affair but for one or two,
- But a boat-load bravely in calm day sailing
- Without storm or rain to be swept to doom.
What wild despair was on all the faces
- To see them there in the light of day,
- In every place there was lamentation,
- And tearing of hair as the wreck was shared.
- And boys there lying when crops were ripening,
- From the strength of life they were borne to clay
- In their wedding clothes for their wake they robed them
- O King of Glory, man's hope is in vain.
|}
Irish songwriter Dick Farrelly
Dick Farrelly
Dick Farrelly born Richard Farrelly was an Irish songwriter, policeman and poet, composer of "The Isle of Innisfree", the song for which he is best remembered. His parents were publicans and when Dick was twenty-three he left Kells, County Meath for Dublin to join the Irish Police Force...
wrote the song, "Annaghdown". The song was recorded by Sinead Stone & Gerard Farrelly on the album, "Legacy of a Quiet Man
Legacy of a Quiet Man
Legacy of a Quiet Man is a music album by Irish singer Sinead Stone and musician Gerard Farrelly. The album was released in 2001 on the Seolta Records label and is a collection of songs written by Gerard’s father Dick Farrelly...
". Farrelly is best remembered for his song Isle of Innisfree
Isle of Innisfree
The Isle of Innisfree is a song composed by Dick Farrelly , born Richard Farrelly, who wrote both the music and lyrics. Dick got the inspiration for "Isle of Innisfree", the song for which he is best remembered, while on a bus journey from his native Kells, County Meath to Dublin...
, theme of the film, "The Quiet Man".
Last verse from the song - published by Andic Songs / Mechanical Copyright Protection Society
And when once more the cuckoo’s in the meadow
And mayflies dance along the Corrib shore
In my beloved Annaghdown you’ll find me
And I’ll be back to say farewell no more.
Education
- Annaghdown has four Primary schools, Corrandulla N.S, Annaghdown N.S, Currandrum N.S and Bawnmore N.S.
Annalistic references
The Annals of the Four MastersAnnals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
contain a number of references to Annaghdown.
- M1241.1. Bishop O'Flaherty (i.e. Murtough), i.e. the Bishop of Annadown, died.
- 1411. The monastery of Annadown in the county of Galway was burned.
See also
- Annaghdown GAAAnnaghdown GAAAnnaghdown GAC is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in County Galway, Ireland. The club is a member of the Galway GAA and was founded in 1887. Underage teams in both hurling and football play in the Galway league and championships. Annaghdown are a dual club and currently cater for Gaelic...
- Bishop of AnnaghdownBishop of AnnaghdownThe Bishop of Annaghdown is an episcopal title which takes its name after the small village of Annaghdown in County Galway, Ireland....
- Annaghdown AbbeyAnnaghdown AbbeyAnnaghdown Abbey is a ruined house of the Arroasian canons in the townland of Annaghdown in County Galway, Ireland. The site was probably founded by Turlough O'Conor c. 1140 and was dissolved after the reformation in 1562...
- BrendanBrendanSaint Brendan of Clonfert or Bréanainn of Clonfert called "the Navigator", "the Voyager", or "the Bold" is one of the early Irish monastic saints. He is chiefly renowned for his legendary quest to the "Isle of the Blessed," also called St. Brendan's Island. The Voyage of St...
- Corrib Celtic F.C.Corrib Celtic F.C.Corrib Celtic F.C. is an amateur soccer club based in Annaghdown, Co. Galway, Ireland. The club is named after the nearby Lough Corrib. The club currently play in the Galway & District League Premier League. The club's home ground is Gort Scully, Annaghdown, Co. Galway, Ireland...
- Cregg MillCregg MillCregg Mill is a converted 18th century watermill located near Corrandulla village in County Galway, Ireland, approximately 9 miles from Galway City. The mill serviced the local area, including neighbouring Cregg Castle, and served as a feeding centre for the poor of Corrandulla during the Great...