Lydacan Castle
The boundaries of Uí Fiachrich Aidhne – the territory of the O Heynes – correspond with those of the Diocese of Kilmacduagh. The O Heynes built the castles at Dúnguaire, Ardrahan and Lydacan, Ardrahan in 1225 was the ‘principal residence’ of Owen O Heyne and was at that time a town of considerable importance. This Owen died in 1252. Walter de Burgo captured Ardrahan Castle from the O Heynes in 1264. It is probable that the chief branch of the O Heynes settled in Lydacan at this time. Mons Fahy in ‘The Diocese of Kilmacduagh’ tells us that -
"when in after times an O Heyne was elected chief of Hy. Fiachrach Aidhne, as in 1578, we find the appointment from the Lydacan branch of the family."
This Owen Mautach O Heyne succeeded his elder brother Ruadhri na Coilte O Heyne, referred to by the Four Masters as –
"a man who from the beginnings of his career until his death was distinguished for his hospitality and prowess."
A certain gentleman, Nehemais Follane was at this time searching deeds of land ownership in Connacht and for his `pains taken for her Majesty` received two quarters of the land Newtown, Gort. Owen Murtagh O Heyne submitting records showing less land than he actually controlled. By order of the `Council of Connacht 1586` this "oversight" was corrected and O Heyne was allowed keep the land of Crannagh and Cahercarna `in the vicinity of Lydacan`.
Owen O Heyne died that same year.
His son Hugh Boy was elected in his place.
Hugh manifested a selfish caution and surrendered his property to the crown and received a `regrant` of the same territory dated 22 July 1594. The lands conferred by re-grant included most of the present parish of Kinvara and important portions of Ardrahan and Clarinbridge.
The document dated 22 July 1589 granting unto " Hugh O Heyne of Lydacan in the Coy of Galway within the province of Connacht" mentions the following place names; Crannagh, Clonchil, Cahern, Crosseye, Rahassane, Sisselleidigan, Tuelgon, Corveighe, Kilterleveigh, Dungoire, Caherniadovishe, Powlenveigh, Rahalben, Ballibuige, Lawghcoure, Kiltwyne, Caherscaile, Ballevangrane, Monescrib, Mey, Fourchenbeg, Keapaghmore, Clogher, Knocklegan, Gortevallaile, Dromyn, Trelick, Fourchenmore, Rewe, Drowes, Ballyglara, Killily, Cloneste.
sinéad
Tulira
Since the 15th century there have been Martyns in Tulira. Going back to resent times, John the eldest born in 1801 who succeeded his father death in 1836 and Married to Annie Josephine, daughter of James Smyth of Masonbrook.
Her dowry at that time was her weight in gold.
The Castle was reopened in 1928 for the first time since the death of Edward Martyn in 1923. In the Winter time the household moved to the family town at 28 Fitzwilliam place in Dublin
Jack Monto worked in many capacities in his 26 years in Tulira
Loch Curpan is situated in a very fertile part of South Galway
It would be an ideal site for a tourist resort. It is a place not acquainted by many apart from local inhabitants who enjoy its peace and tranquility.
The Lake Loch Cupan is surrounded by some most historic ruins. The boundary to the north side was once the ancient thoroughfare between Gort and Galway City, the ancient milestone are still to be seen today. To the North is a hill with the ancient ruins of Killeenavarra where the Long Black Hand was seen
"In olden days when Seamus reigned and plenty crowed the land. A spirit was seen in Killeen’s Church
It was called The Long Black Hand."
There is one castle in the neighbourhood of the lake, which would be better forgotton. That is Drumharsna, the castle the Black and Tans occupied during the fight for freedom. There the Loughnane brothers were brought from Shanaglish and brutally, cruelly murdered.
Farming
In Ardrahan farming has been the chief occupation for many families for generations and will be for generations to come. Looking back at farming in 1999 the weather has had its ups and downs and the cattle in the mart have also had its ups and downs. The sheep prices in the mart at the moment are at a high. But earlier in the year the sheep prices were down. But grass is hard to produce. Nearly every farmer has a slated shed but some farmers still don’t have slated sheds. Nearly every farmer has had lambs just before Christmas. In the year 2000 farming should be improved that every farmer should have a slated shed. Farmers should have their yard concreted. It is coming to the end of winter and the grass is beginning to grow but the weather might not be so generous and we might not be able to make round bales of silage also square bales will be difficult to make and pit silage will also be hard to make.
The ducks and the drakes
All come to cruise
In the midst of the lake
2.It’s a beautiful lake
With its lovely sruthan
Burn the beauty of beauties
Are the hills Of ArdBan.
3.There are cowman and ploughmen
And men that can sweeten
And so we are told
At the B.G.A. meeting
4.There is courting and shooting
and rings there to stake.
There are seats there to rest on
That the great God has made.
5. Not far from the shore
There is Carraigaters of herdsmen
Themselves did reside.
6.And farther above
At Ardrahan Rail Station
You can see the great stores
Of their co-operation.
7.And further beyond
beneath heather and stones
Where God and his virtues
Dwells in their homes.
8.At their dances parties
There is welcome galore
There are stout hearts
And plenty in Cullenach Mor.
ARDRAHAN – At home and abroad
Eoghan Ó Catháin
We think of a land that is easy and free.
With balmy fresh breezes and the scent of the sea,
Encompassed by stone walls, its’ riches abound
In its’ green fertile fields and its’ crop all around.
Prize-winning sheep you ‘ find on this land
And cattle the finest throughout Ireland
And prime crops of best there’s no doubt we could
Grow
If only we once decided to sow.
The home of our youth, how we’ like to be there-
On this limestone terrain with its’ people so rare
Where kind folk will greet you saying ‘you’re welcome
Asthore’,
From Ballianamana to old Cahermore
Farmers, strong farmers a plenty are there
And wielders of camans and maidens so fair
And players of music both the mod. And the trad.
In Labane you’ll find them to make the heart glad!
The loughnane and Quinn merorial Hall
A place for a céilí, aplay or a ball
And where would you find the colleens more fair
As on this smooth maple floor,’neath the lighting
Rare?
Oh! Daughters and sons of old Ard Rathain
United in spirit-aon mhuintir amháin-
Some back home in Erin, some scattered afar
From far San Francisco to Min-East Behar.
St. Mary's Church, Labane:
Father John Nagle built St Tereasa's church in 1810. Fr Keogh is our current Parish Priest. He has been here since 1998. He is a very nice man. The first parish church was in Cregclare. The site of the second church was also in Cregclare
where the mausoleum is now. The church has lovely stained glass windows of St. Ann, St. Andrew, St. Peter and St. Robert. Behind the altar there is a window with the holy family on it. On the left hand side as you enter the church there is a mosaic of St Teresa of Avila, our Patron St. There is a stone holy water font beside the stairs leading up to gallery that is dated from the 1800's.
Flooding in South Galway
Once again South Galway has been hit by severe flooding last Winter. About five thousand acres of farmland is under water. Some of the roads were impassable such as the main road down by Shane Quinns and down in Tullira there were two roads impassable, which caused great hardship and inconvenience. Many homes were left without fresh drinking water and toilet facilities. The army was called in to bring some children to school, as the regular bus service could not operate. An emergency road, which was provided for flood relief in 1995 deluge, is now the only access to the local town. Little or no progress has been made to alleviate the problem despite the efforts of a local committee that have worked continuously to help those affected. A five man steering committee has been established which has been given the responsibility to prioritise areas of South Galway in need of drainage using the £2.5 million allocated for this propose in last years Budget. There has been huge pressure on the Government to address the flooding problems in South Galway since the £1 million Peach Report indicated that there was no overall solution to the rising flood waters although it did suggest measures which could alleviate localised difficulties.
Hopefully this new committee will have some success and that the flooding crisis will be resolved in the new Millennium.
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