Leaves on My Genealogy Tree
"two roads diverged in a wood, and I , ..I took the road less traveled by...." Robert Frost
HILL OF WARD
To this day the feast of Hallowe'en is celebrated all over Ireland on the night of the 31st October, with the younger generations imitating the old Celtic customs. As from Tara and the other Celtic hill-forts, the view from atop the hill is spectacular.
Athboy (Irish: Baile Átha Buí, meaning "The Yellow Ford"), is a small agricultural town in County Meath in Ireland. It is located on the junction of the N51 and R154 roads. The town is located on the Yellow Ford River, in wooded country near the County Westmeath border.
- In medieval times it was a walled stronghold of the Pale. Owen Roe O'Neill took it in 1643, and six years later Oliver Cromwell camped his army on the Hill of Ward nearby. Also known as Tlachtga, the Hill of Ward was the location for the pagan feast of Samhain, the precursor of modern day Halloween.
- The tower of St James, Church of Ireland is a remnant of a 14th century Carmelite priory. Behind the church are the remains of the town walls. The church boasts an interesting medieval table top. [1]
- In 1694, the town's 'lands and commons' and several other denominations of land were erected into a manor and granted to Thomas Bligh, MP for Athboy, who had earlier purchased almost 12 km˛ (3000 acres) in the area of Athboy. His son, John, was created "Earl of Darnley" in 1725 and the Blighs (Earls of Darnley) were landlords of all but six of the 27 townlands in the parish of Athboy throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
- In medieval times it was a walled stronghold of the Pale. Owen Roe O'Neill took it in 1643, and six years later Oliver Cromwell camped his army on the Hill of Ward nearby. Also known as Tlachtga, the Hill of Ward was the location for the pagan feast of Samhain, the precursor of modern day Halloween.
- The tower of St James, Church of Ireland is a remnant of a 14th century Carmelite priory. Behind the church are the remains of the town walls. The church boasts an interesting medieval table top. [1]
- In 1694, the town's 'lands and commons' and several other denominations of land were erected into a manor and granted to Thomas Bligh, MP for Athboy, who had earlier purchased almost 12 km˛ (3000 acres) in the area of Athboy. His son, John, was created "Earl of Darnley" in 1725 and the Blighs (Earls of Darnley) were landlords of all but six of the 27 townlands in the parish of Athboy throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. http://travelingluck.com/Europe/Ireland/Meath/_2963438_Kildalkey.html#local_map
Athboy is a medieval town and some of its medieval walls still survive in the grounds Church of Ireland as does an interesting medieval table tomb. The birthplace of Father O'Growney, helped to revive the Irish language at the turn of the century. A statue to his memory is at Saint James Church, Athboy. Located 3km from Athboy is the Hill of Ward, one time seat of the High Kings, an Iron Age Fort. In nearby Rathcairn there is a Gaelic speaking community where visitors interested in the Irish language, Irish music and song will find much enjoyment. http://www.irishabroad.com/travel/ireland/midlands/meath/towns.asp?id=1172
Fairyhouse Stable, Ratoath, Co. Meath
http://www.fairyhouseracecourse.ie/Content/Fairyhouse/fairyhouseInfo.aspx
The first meeting held at Fairyhouse was in 1848 when the Ward Union hunt held their point-to-point at this venue. From these small beginnings Fairyhouse quickly established itself as one of Ireland's premier racecourses. In 1870 the Irish Grand National was run for the first time and the winner was ‘Sir Robert Peel'. The Grand National quickly became Ireland's most valuable and prestigious steeplechase and each success has its own rich tale, none more amazing than the win in 1929 of a six year old mare ‘Alike', owned and ridden by 5'4” Frank Wise who was missing three fingers and who rode with a wooden leg.
Fairyhouse has always been one of the finest and fairest racecourses and continues to attract the leading horses both on the flat and over jumps. Arkle, Desert Orchid, Flying Bolt, Captain Christy, Prince Regent, Persian War, L'escargot and more recently Istabraq, Bobbyjo, Florida Pearl and Limestone lad are just some of the legendary greats that have graced the almost 2 mile circuit.
The racecourse opened The Powers Gold Label stand and the refurbished Jameson Stand in November 1999. Fairyhouse is now firmly established as one of the most modern facilities in the country, providing an outstanding level of comfort and service.
The first meeting held at Fairyhouse was in 1848 when the Ward Union hunt held their point-to-point at this venue. From these small beginnings Fairyhouse quickly established itself as one of Ireland's premier racecourses. In 1870 the Irish Grand National was run for the first time and the winner was ‘Sir Robert Peel'. The Grand National quickly became Ireland's most valuable and prestigious steeplechase and each success has its own rich tale, none more amazing than the win in 1929 of a six year old mare ‘Alike', owned and ridden by 5'4” Frank Wise who was missing three fingers and who rode with a wooden leg.
Fairyhouse has always been one of the finest and fairest racecourses and continues to attract the leading horses both on the flat and over jumps. Arkle, Desert Orchid, Flying Bolt, Captain Christy, Prince Regent, Persian War, L'escargot and more recently Istabraq, Bobbyjo, Florida Pearl and Limestone lad are just some of the legendary greats that have graced the almost 2 mile circuit.
The racecourse opened The Powers Gold Label stand and the refurbished Jameson Stand in November 1999. Fairyhouse is now firmly established as one of the most modern facilities in the country, providing an outstanding level of comfort and service.