Crossmolina

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Crossmolina
Gaelic: Crois Uí Mhaoilíona
County Mayo
Crossmolina, Ireland.jpg
Location
Grid reference: G137175
Location: 54°6’0"N, 9°19’0"W
Data
Population: 1,069  (2011)
Post town: Crossmolina
Postcode: F26
Local Government
Council: Mayo
Website: http://www.crossmolina.ie/

Crossmolina is a town and parish in the Barony of Tyrawley in County Mayo. The town sits on the River Deel near the northern shore of Lough Conn. Crossmolina is about six miles west of Ballina, on the N59 road as it travels west through Erris to Bellacorick and Bangor Erris Glencastle, Belmullet and the Mullet peninsula. Its name is from the Irish Crois Uí Mhaoilíona, meaning 'Cross of Mullany'.

Foundation

The abbey of Crossmolina was founded by a member of the landowning De Barry family. Little remains of this foundation today. In 1306, three Normans were indicted for robbery from the abbot. During the 15th century, Crossmolina passed into Bourke Family. In 1526 O'Donnell of Tir Conaill (Co. Donegal) invaded Tirawley and demolished Crossmolina castle.

The abbey was dissolved in the 1537. Around 1630 the abbey and its lands came into the possession of Sir Richard Blake. The dissolution deprived the people of a centre of hospitality, culture and education.

Population

In the Census of April 2011[1] Crossmolina had a population of 1,060 consisting of 535 males and 526 females.The population of pre-school age (0-4) was 62, of primary school going age (5-12) was 88 and of secondary school going age (13-18) was 76. There were 198 persons aged 65 years and over. The number of persons aged 18 years or over was 844.

People

  • Marc Roberts, singer, represented Ireland in the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest
  • Ciarán McDonald, Gaelic footballer
  • Dr Michael Loftus, President GAA, 1985-1988.[2]

References

Sources

  • Lynott, J. (1980). "A Guide to History and Antiquities West of Killala Bay"

Outside links