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Glenamaddy |
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Including
Clonberne,
Kilkerrin
Glenamaddy is the most important town in the north
eastern corner of County Galway. 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 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.
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Lough Lurgeen
To the east of the town lies Lough Lurgeen (seen above), a raised bog,
which is a National Heritage Area of international importance. It is an
area rich in plant life, flora, and a haven for migrating birds. Lough
Lurgeen is one of the little-known hidden gems of County Galway. It
consists of a lake and fen area in the centre of a large expanse of raised
bog and in addition to the plant and wild life, is of particular interest
because it is a part of an unusual complex of features the bog, the lake
and the nearby Glenamaddy turlough, all of which share the same body of
water.
Amateur Dramatics
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 later in the same
venue also received great acclaim. Glenamaddy has hosted the
Drama Festival since 1960 and have been all Ireland
finalists on a number of occasions. Glenamaddy Players, an
Amateur Drama group been involved on the Amateur Drama Circuit since 1972
qualifying for the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals on numerous
occasions.
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Glenamaddy Workhouse
The new Glenamaddy Union workhouse was erected in 1853 on a six-acre site to the
south-east of Glenamaddy. Designed by the Poor Law Commissioners' architect
George Wilkinson, the building was based on one of his standard plans to
accommodate 500 inmates. Its construction cost £5,250 plus £995 for fittings
etc. From around 1900, nursing at the workhouse infirmary was under the charge
of the Bon Secours Sisters. The main building was burnt down in 1921. The
hospital section later served as an orphanage and as the district dispensary.
The remains of buildings now lie derelict. A memorial stands at the roadside.
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There is lots to do in Glenamaddy. Karting,
horse-riding and four golf courses all within a half hour drive. Big annual
events are the Drama Festival in March, the Horse Show in June and a Summer
Festival in July-August. Glenamaddy Church has a wonderful Harry Clarke stained
glass window. The Town Hall Theatre also houses a museum, library and heritage
centre.
Glenamaddy Community Development Company (G.C.D.C.) was formed in 1995 with a
view to generating extra opportunities for local employment and creating an
atmosphere in the community of self-help. The objectives are to facilitate the
development of people's potential by creating opportunities for training,
education, personal and cultural development. |
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