Ballycanew

Ballycanew Irish: Baile Uí Chonnmhaí
County Wexford
Parish hall and church
Location
Grid reference:	T146524
Location:	52°36’32"N, 6°18’36"W
Data
Population:	516  (2016)
Local Government

Ballycanew (historically Ballyconway) is a small rural village in County Wexford, on the |R741 regional road five miles south of Gorey; a road locally known as the "Coast Road".

The name in the Irish language is given as Baile Uí Chonnmhaí.

The Ounavarra River passes through the village.

History

The village was once known as Ballyconway. An old Irish name for Ballycanew is 'Baile Gan Uaigh' - Town without a grave.

The earliest reference is 1247 when Theodore de Nevel held lands here. In 1821, the population was 1094, but following the Great Famine it was reduced to 361.

In the past, the Furney family owned a mill, built in 1589 and demolished in 1962. The old creamery was once a thriving industry, with an average of two and a half million gallons of milk supplied each year.

In June 1965, a Bronze Age grave was discovered in the Ballycanew Parish. This grave yielded a slightly damaged food vessel and broken human bones. The exact date of the burial is uncertain but is probably more than 3,000 years old.

Churches

• Church of Ireland: St Mogue's
• Roman Catholic: St Moling's

Amenities

The area is served by a primary school, Saint Enda's National School. The village has two shops, and also two pubs: 'One for the Road' and 'Goslings'. It also has three community halls, a fast food place and a hairdresser's.