Some South Armagh Minor Names

Some South Armagh Minor Names

By Ciarán Dunbar

Please note, these notes are rough in places and the phonetic script has not survived. However, they were doing nothing on my old pen drive, and so I publish them now as they are, rough notes as they are.

Ciarán Dúnbarrach, 13/07/16

Introduction

All of the minor names listed in this article occur in South Armagh road-names, the decided forms have been previously been published on-line together with a brief note as part of the Northern Ireland Place-name Project’s Foras na Gaeilge supported Irish Language street/road-name project. This article is a fuller discussion of the place-names and their etymology.

All of the proposed Irish forms where discussed in seminar with my colleagues in the Northern Ireland Place-name Project, Dr Kay Muhr, Dr. Pat McKay, Mr. Paul Tempan and Dr. Colin Parmer.

1. Ballymyre Parish, Fews Upper.

1. Tullyet (Road) Tulaigh Éachta (?) 'hillock of the feat'

Townland : Ballintemple

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : Tully-ET

Tullyet is only marked on the 1: 10 000 map as a road name, the road crosses over the top of a small hill in Ballintemple townland, Ballymyre Fews, Upper. It must be assumed that Tullyet is the name of this hill. (local informant would be useful).

The stress is on the second syllable i.e. Tully-ET

The first element is undoubtedly the Irish tulaigh, an oblique form of tulach (cf ?), which is common in the Newtownhamilton area.

The second element is possibly a personal name, possibly Echdach as in Duneight, Blaris, Co. Down, which appears to be from the Irish Dún Echdach ‘Eochaidh's hillfort’ (HMC replies), especially considering the fact that ‘ch’ had fallen silent in the Irish of South Armagh.

It is also possibly be of similar origin to Slieve Aughty.

[cf. Slieve Aughty - Sliabh Eachta(í) (<Echtge (?)), ‘between Loughrea and Gort’, (Sliabh Eachta - Onomasticon Goedelicum) – It is a district name!

However, I am indebted to my colleague Dr. Pat McKay for suggesting the most probable origin of Tullyet in my view, that is that it originates in the Irish Tulaigh Éachta 'hillock of the feat' (?).

Tullyet is only marked on the 1: 10 000 map as a road name, the road crosses over the top of a small hill in Ballintemple townland, Ballymyre Fews, Upper. It must be assumed that Tullyet is the name of this hill. It is probable that Tullyet originates in the Irish Tulaigh Éachta 'hillock of the feat' (?) (NIPNP sem.).

2. Creggan Parish

1. Assan An tEasán 'small waterfall / rapids’

Townland : Drumlougher

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : to be inserted

There are no historical forms available for Assan. It is marked on 1: 50 000 map as a small hill in the townlands of Kiltybane and Lisleitrim, Newtownhamilton, Fews Upper, however it is clearly situated in the townland of Drumlougher in Creggan Parish on the 1: 10 000 map, not as a hill name but as a point on a small river (Which one?) leading into Kiltybane Lough. What about Kiltybane?

Therefore it seems clear that Assan represents the Irish easán, 'small waterfall' or perhaps ‘small rapids’, the original form of the place-name is likely to have included the element, i.e. An tEasán.

[cf. Tassan - An tEasán, An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Mhúineacháin) 2003]

[cf. Essmore (waterfall), Omeath, Co. Louth. 'The Eas Mór , the waterfall on the Ryland River' (Gaelic placenames in Omeath, Ó Dowd, Peadar (CLAJ 1914)). The spelling Essmore reflects accurately how the name would have pronounced in the Gaelic of Omeath.

[cf. Nessmore - An tEas Mór , OL - Contae Lú].

This interpretation agrees wholly with the Irish of South Armagh regarding the pronunciation of the grapheme ‘ea’ in the initial position, i.e. Eallach /to be inserted/ and Earrach /to be inserted/

Assan is a minor marked in the townland of Drumlougher on the 1: 10 000 map, Newtownhamilton, Fews Upper, being located on a small river leading into Kiltybane Lough. It seems clear that Assan represents the Irish Easán, 'small waterfall' or perhaps ‘small rapids’, the original form is likely to have included the element, i.e. An tEasán.

2.2 Ballyfannahan Bridge / Ballyfannahan Road

Townland : Freeduff

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

Creggan, Fews Upper, Armagh.

Form Source Date

 Bealac-fan-ath-an ‘The pass of the winding water Ford.’

Donaldson's Fews 1838

“Ballifanaghan called Ballyhanaghan in the inquistions; the aspiration of the initial F seems to point to a personal name. The etymology given by Donaldson cannot stand.”

  Murray’s Fews 1923

Ballyfannahan Bridge is marked on both the 1: 50 000 and 1: 10 000 maps bridging the Creggan River between Cloughoge and Freeduff townlands.

Murray is most likely correct in his assessment that the the second element points to a personal name (presumably he heard the lenition lenition of the initial ‘f’ personally).

The anglicised form points a personal name such as Feannachán, whilst unattested could theoretically be a development of Finnacán “a diminuative of Finn” (Ó Corráin & Maguire p. 101), i.e. Finnacán > Fionnachán > Feannachán.

However the modern surname deriving from Finnacán / Finnagán is Ó Fionnagáin (Finnegan) (Ó Corráin & Maguire p. 101), Finnegan is a common surname in the South Armagh area.

Alternatively Feannachán could represent a development of Finchán / Fionchán “a relatively uncommon early name”. (Ó Corráin & Maguire, p. 101).

Both origins would point to an Irish form such as Baile Feannachán / Baile Fionnacháin (?) “Feannachán’s Town”.

Version on Database.

The second element seems to be a personal name, perhaps Feannachán pointing to an Irish form such as Baile Feannachán / Baile Fionnacháin (?) ‘Feannachán’s Town’.

2.3 Corrasmoo Cora Easa Monga

‘weir of the waterfall of the fen’

Townland : Cullaville

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : to be inserted

Corrasmoo is a minor name, marked only as a road name in Cullaville townland, Creggan, Fews Upper, Co. Armagh. There are no historical forms available. The road is marked Corcullionglish Road on the southern side of the border.

There are a number of possibilities for the origin of the initial element. It could represent the Irish corrach ‘wet bog, marsh’ (Ó DÓNAILL). The element corr ‘rounded hill’ (Ó DÓNAILL) is also plausible and is very common in the general area.

However, the Corrasmoo Road leads to a weir on border with County Monaghan, strongly suggesting that the first element is cora ‘a weir’ (Ó DÓNAILL).

I dtaca leis an ~moo de in Corrasmoo, chonacthas dom gur tagairt do

moing a bhí i gceist ach arís eile níl fianaise agam!

Seán Ó Coinn.

It seems highly likley that Seán Ó Coinn is correct and the –moo represents an alternative genetive form of moing, monga normally spelt muinge (Din.), now spelt moinge (Ó DÓNAILL). The modern pronouncation being the result of the loss of intervocalic <ng> in the local Irish Dialect and the subsequent compensatory lengthening of the initial vowel i.e. /to be inserted/ > /to be inserted/.

Ó Searcaigh (1925) records /mwĨ:/ for muing in ‘Deisceart Uladh’.

(cf. Ó BAOILL, D. P., ‘The historical development of <ng> in an Ulster Irish / Scottish Gaelic continuum’ in Language Links, Eag. KIRK & Ó BAOILL, p. 105)

Art Mac Cumhaigh: dánta (ed. Ó Fiaich, Baile Átha Cliath 1973) AMC 66 (5),

[cf. Spiritual Rose p. xxxvi]

Moighe loss of intervolic slender –ng-

[to be inserted] loingeán – Omeath (LASID).

The most likely explanation of the medial element is eas ‘waterfall, rapids’.

Proposed Irish form : Cora Easa Monga ‘weir of the waterfall of the fen’

MONGA (1794 18D) Éigse06 193-240, lch. 208, líne 29

thnughadh, /'na fagháil thar ais, don tSeanainn thaosgaigh, /mar fheadhmanach ghní gníomh gan iarraidh. / /Treóruighidh an tSeanainn iomlán láidir /ó thriúcha an Tearmainn gan deifir, /fríd mhonga corrach, móintidhe is bogáin /go Baile Áth' Liag mar ar báitheadh mórán. / //Ballyleague /Ní bhfuil baile tíre i nÉirinn /is feárr aedhear, uisge, cnoc is fearann, /ná Baile Áth' Liag, cia 's

[Corrasmongan, Co. Cavan]

[Ballysadare - Baile Easa Dara, Sligo, An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Lárionaid Daonra agus Dúichí) 2005]

[Coolnamunna - Cúil na Moinge, An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Thiobraid Árann) 2005]

[Townland AKA Acres County Barony Civil Parish PLU Province

Emmoo 247 Roscommon Ballintober South Roscommon Roscommon Connaught ]

[Cornasoo - Corr na Sú (An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Mhuineacháin) 2003]

[ cf. Smoo (Sutherland), Smudha. "Cave", from Norse. This is the location of Smoo Cave. (Mac an Táilleir]

Corrasmoo is a minor name, marked only as a road name in Cullaville townland, Creggan, Fews Upper, Co. Armagh. It most likely derives from the Irish Cora Easa Monga ‘weir of the waterfall of the fen’.

2.4 Cortreasla Corr Trasna (?)

'cross hill'

Townland : Glasdrumman

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : * local pronunciation needed *.

There are no historical forms available. What is it?

The element corr is to be found in abundance in the area and it is probable that it is also the initial element in this instance. The element treasla is unattested, however it is likely to be a form of trasna ‘across’. Therefore, the Irish Corr Trasna (?) 'cross hill' is proposed as the most likely original form of Cortreasla

It is noted that there is a Cortrasna in Dungannon Upper, Tyrone and Clankelly, Fermanagh (Corr Trasna "cross hill", OSNB Inf.).

However there is no evidence for treasla as a form of trasna, however treasna is an attested form.

Version on Database:

Cortreasla is a minor name is in the townland of Glasdrumman, Creggan, Co. Armagh. The element corr ‘round hill’ is to be found in abundance in the area and it is probable that it is also the initial element in this instance. The element treasla is unattested, however it is likely to be a form of trasna ‘across’. Therefore, the Irish Corr Trasna (?) 'cross hill' is proposed as the most likely original form of Cortreasla.

2.5 Loughaveely

Townland : Mounthill

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : local pronouncation is vital

Loughaveely is a small lake in Mounthill townland, Creggan, Armagh.

Loughaveely is a tiny lake, the area surrounding it is marshy. It is clearly of Gaelic origin but there are no historical forms available.

The first element is clearly loch ‘lake’ but the final element is not as clear.

[cf. Magheraveely, "Machaire Mhílic "plain of the marshy margin" (Dict. Ulst. PN), Clones, Fermanagh]

[cf. Coolaveely, "Cúil a' Mhíle 'corner or angle of the soldier' " (JO'D (OSNB) ), Culfeightrin, Cary, Antrim];

Loch an Mhíola (?) “the lake of midges”

However the normal genetive of míol is míl and I have not suceeded in finding a form where Míola, the nominative plural is acting as a genetive form.

Loch an Mhílidh (Std. Ir. Loch an Mhíle) “the soldier’s lake”

There is evidence to suggest that Mílidh was the how Míle “a soldier” was pronounced in the Irish of South Armagh.

Agus an righ-mhiligh uasal onarc agus a n-ursa chrodha churachta, eadhon, Aoidh Ruadh O Domhnall, marbh ansa Spain

(Lámhscrínn Staire an Bhionadaigh, Ó Múirí, An tAthair R.)

This form is perhaps the most likely original form of Loughaveely.

Ciarán Dunbar 27/03/06:

Loughaveely is a small lake in Mounthill townland, Creggan, Armagh. The first element is clearly Loch 'a lake' but the final element is not as clear. Loughaveely is tiny and the area surrounding it is marshy. The most likely origin of Loughaveely is the Irish Loch an Mhílidh (Std. Ir. Loch an Mhíle) ‘the soldier’s lake’. [cf. Coolaveely, Cúil a' Mhíle 'corner or angle of the soldier' (JO'D (OSNB) ), Culfeightrin, Cary, Antrim].

2.6 Lough Alina

Townland :

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : A local pronunciation would be most useful.

Creggan, Fews Upper, Armagh

Lough Alinnah OSNB: gen. sources 1835

A form such as Álainn ‘beautiful’ would not explain the vowel at the end of ‘Alina’ nor the ‘ah’ ending in the OSNB. [I note Bionáid writes Alun(n) for Álainn.].

It is likely that Alina represents a personal name. “AILLÉN, AILLÉNE, ELLÉN; OILLÍN …diminutive of Ailill … Ailíne and Ailéne also occur but these may represent a different name.” (Ó Corrán & Maguire p. 18)

For example see M953.8 (Annals of the Four Masters).

Ailine, tighearna Mughdorn Maighen.M953.8 (AFM);

There is also the following example which more that likely refers to Lough Allen, Co. Leitrim. (Loch Aillionn, An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Lárionaid Daonra agus Dúichí) 2005).

Teach crandghaile dob ferr do bhí an Erinn ag Mac Conshnama ar Loch Aillinne do loscud lais O n-Domnaill, ocus an Bhreiffne uile ó t-shhlíabh siar do mhilledh dhó.

The best wooden house in all Erinn, which Mac Consnamha had on Loch-Ailinne, was burned by O'Domhnaill; and all the Breifne from the mountain westward was destroyed by him.

LC1530.9 (Annals of Loch Cé A.D.1014-1590) (http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/G100010B/index.html)

[cf. Dún Ailinne, Co. Kildare] [Lochaline (Argyll), Loch Àlainn. "The head of the bad loch".http://www.scottish.parliament.uk///vli/language/gaelic/vl-trans.htm#grammar]; [Glenalina - Belfast];

On the basis of the present evidence Loch Ailíne (“Ailíne’s Lough”) is the most likely original form of Lough Alina. A local pronouncation may point in an alternative direction.

2.7 Leeter (Road) leitir (?)

‘a hillside’

Townland : Mounthill

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : to be inserted

Townland, Creggan, Co. Armagh.

Form Source Date

Layther Hill / Cnoc Layther Ó Fiaich, T. Art McCooey and his times’.

Leither Hill Murphy, Jem. (?)

Local pronouncation : /to be inserted/

Leads to 'Mounthill House' apparently named after a Rev. Hill,' Mounthill, Rev. Mr. Hill of' (Families Creggan).

It seem likely that leeter derives from the Irish leitir ‘a hillside’, however this element is normally anglicised as ‘letter’:

Dear Ciarán. Re Ref: to (Leeter Road)

The Late Cardinal Ó Fiaich in his article on "Art MacCooey and his Times"

in Shanchas Ard Mhacha 1972 page 224, first paragraph writes; There are

vague traditions of his working for several local priests, while the best

remembered tradition about him refers to an incident which supposedly took

place when he was in the employment of a family named Jones who owned the

land of Layther Hill. Here MacCooey was to employed to cart dung from the

bottom to the top of the hill, but he became so engrossed in the poem he

was composing that when he reached the top on several occasions he forgot

to empty his load and brought it with him to the bottom again.

In another account, the late Jem Murphy (Local Historian) wrote: Leither

Hill is in the townland of Mounthill, the word 'Leither' in the folklore

of the area simply means the face or side of a hill and so it is with

leither, the hill rises from the black stream which at this point forms

the county boundary between Armagh and Louth. It is very steep and its area

is about a quarter of a square mile, the roadway which is also very steep

runs through its centre. This hill was made famous by the poet Art

MacCooey. So here we have two different spellings of the name. I think the

spelling (Leeter) is a very modern way. The way the Late Cardinal Ó Fiaich

spelt it is the way in which it is pronounced in a good old fashion South

Armagh accent Lay-ther. Jem Murphy's spelling 'Leither' may be the correct

way to spell it, but again most local people would pronounce it as

Lay-ther or if they wanted to be posh would pronounce it as 'Leit-her'.

I do hope all this makes some sense to you.

With Kind Regards

Michael McShane

Creggan Local History Society

Leeter Road is in Mounthill townland, Creggan, Co. Armagh, it is also spelt Layther Hill (Ó Fiaich, T. Art McCooey and his times) and Leither Hill (Murphy, Jem). It is probable that Leeter derives from the Irish leitir 'hillside' (Ó DÓNAILL).

2.8 Drummill Droim Aile

‘ridge of the rock’

Townland : Tullnavall

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

Drummill, Tullnavall, Creggan, Fews Upper, Armagh.

Form Source Date

dromell Esch. Co. Map 1609

Drumill Cromwell Confisc.   1655c

Drumill als Drumhill etc. Cromwell Confisc. 1655c  

Drumhill Hib. Reg.   1657c   

Drumhill 1 Towneland BSD     1661

Drumhill ASE     1667

Drumhill Hib. Del.   1673c 

Drumhill ASE 1688   * Drombile Mac Cuarta (b) 1712c

Drumill Families Creggan 1766

Drummill Druim-moil the ridge or hill of cast up earth  

Donaldson's Fews 1838

Drummill called Dromawill,Drumkill & Dromeale in the inquisitions. Possibly Druim-Coillidh Murray's Fews   1923   

Is there a rock?

* [Séamas Dall Mac Cuarta writes "Drombile", perhaps however he was more likelt to be refering to Drumbilla, Co. Louth (Droim Bile - An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Lú) 2003)]

The most likely explanation is that Drummill comes from the Irish Droim Aile ‘ridge of the rock’. (PMcK)

Drummill is a minor name in Tullynavall townland, Creggan, Co. Armagh. (Spelt Drumill on Newry & Mourne Road Map) The stress falls on the second element. The most likely explanation of its origin is that Drummill comes from the Irish Droim Aile ‘ridge of the rock’.

3. Forkill Parish, Orior Upper.

3.1 Ballinasack Béal Átha na Sac

‘Mouth of the ford of Sacks (crossing stones)’

Townland : Tullymacreeve

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : /to be inserted/

he junction of Ballinasack Road and Tullymacreeve Road at Ballnasack Bridge

   © Copyright Eric Jones and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Ballinasack Bridge (& Road), Tullymacreeve, Forkill, Orior Upper.

There are no historical forms available.

‘Ballina’ suggests ‘Béal Átha an/na’ in Irish. It is interesting that Silverbridge itself is Béal Atha an Airgid "Mouth of the Silver Ford" (NIPNP Replies).

[cf. Ballinamallard, Béal Atha na Mallacht "ford mouth of the curses", Culture NI PNN)]

It is also possible that it represents ‘Baile na/an’ in Irish as in the following examples. [Ballinlare, Newry, Orior Upper, Co. Armagh, ‘Baile na Ladhaire’ (NIPNP decforms.)] [cf. Ballintate, Ballymyre, Fews Upper, Co. Armagh ‘Baile an Táite’ (NIPNP decforms)]

However the fact that Ballinsack is identified with a bridge (which at an early point was most likely a crossing point) lends wait to the suggestion that it means Béal Átha an/na … ‘mouth of the ford of the …’

The second element seems to represent represent the Irish Sac ‘sack’. There is also a Ballinsack Bridge at Portumna, Co. Galway . This element is uncommon in Northern place-names but it is common in The Decies.

Áth na Sac – “Ford of the Bags.”

(Power, The Place-names of Decies, p. 369) (Kilmeadan Parish)

Áth na Sac –“Ford of the Bags”

(Power, The Place-names of Decies, p. 31) (Lismore and Mocollop Parish)

(b) Áth na Sac, lit. – “Ford of the Bags.” As the word SAC occurs a few times in such combinations, it may be presumed to have some special force; perhaps - bags, stone-filled for stepping on.

(Power, The Place-names of Decies, p. 23) (Kilcockan Parish)

Owenasack Bridge (O.M.), Abha na Sac – “River of the Sacks”. (Power, The Place-names of Decies, p. 28) (Kilwatermoy)

[cf. “Feadan Chuirr na sac; Cornasack; a brook nr Carna or Carn Castle in p. Moygawnagh, Tirawly. Fy.” (Onomasticon Goedelicum, Hogan)]&[cf. Glannasack, (also written Glennasack) Ardnageehy, Fermoy]

There are also a number of Scottish Gaelic examples of the use of sac, Allt nan Sac, Bealach nan Sac ‘stepping stones across Lochan Stole’ and Carn nan Sac.

It is therefore highly likely that Ballinsack represents the Irish Béal Átha na Sac ‘Mouth of the ford of Sacks (crossing stones)’.

Ballinasack Bridge is in Tullymacreeve townland, Forkill, Orior Upper, Armagh. Ballinsack represents the Irish Béal Átha na Sac ‘Mouth of the ford of Sacks (crossing stones)’.

2. Béal an Átha Buí 'mouth of the yellow ford'

Townland : Magheranhely

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : /to be inserted/ (DB)

Magheranhely townland, Killevy

Grid Reference :

The entrance to Ballynabee Road, Bessbrook

The image was taken from Divernagh Road

  © Copyright Eric Jones and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Ballynabee is an unrecorded minor name of Irish language origin which is not marked on the 1 : 10 000 map other than as a road name.

The initial element is likely to represent baile or béal. The final element is likely to represent buí in Irish. It does cross a small stream and it is possible that átha is to be found in the original place-name.

It is noted that there is a Ballynabwee in Donaghedy, Tyrone which JÓD interprets as Bél an atha buidhe ‘mouth of the yellow ford’. (also Béal-an-átha-buidhe "mouth of the yellow ford" - [O'Daly's Kilskeery] Kilskeery, Co Tyrone).

I note the pronunciation of Áth and Átha in the Irish of South Armagh as /to be inserted/ and to be inserted/ (Sommerfelt)

It seems clear that Ballynabee represents Béal an Átha Buí in Irish.

Ballynabee is an unrecorded minor name of Irish language origin in Magheranhely townland, Killevy, Co. Armagh. It is highly likely that Ballynabee represents Béal an Átha Buí 'mouth of the yellow ford' in Irish.

4. Killevy

1. Brogies Road Bóthar an Bhrógaigh

‘the ramblers / vagabond’s road

Townland : Cloughoge

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

Local Pronunciation : /to be inserted/

Cloughoge townland, Killevy

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

I have been informed by a local informant (TÓC) that there was once a 'shoe shop' on this road which has been understood to refer to shoemaker, i.e. from a postulated Irish word brógaí.

However neither Dinneen nor Ó Dónaill record such a form as brógaí (Check DIL, CHECK Dwelly) meaning shoemaker, nor does any Oriel source, in addition the LASID (point 65 no 723) records gréasaí as the Omeath word for shoemarker. This makes the informants interpretation somewhat unlikely.

The Irish word bróg ‘shoe’ is a living one in both Hiberno-English and Ulster English (REF) so it is not hard to see how such an etymology would have formed.

However, the word brógach was recorded by Dineen as meaning 'shuler' (i.e. vagabond) in the Irish of County Meath, this is the most likely origin of Brogie’s Road, the word Brogie reflecting the genitive of brógach, ie brógaigh.

Surname possibilty? Check Black.

Brogie’s Road, Cloughoge townland, Killevy, Co. Armagh. The word brógach was recorded by Dinneen as meanin 'shuler' (i.e. vagabond) in the Irish of County Meath, this is the most likely origin of Brogies Road, i.e. Bóthar an Bhrógaigh.

2. Ballynamona (Road) Baile na Móna 'townland of the

bog or moor'

Townland : Carrickbroad

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

Local Pronouncation : NEEDED

Carrickbroad, Killeavey, Orier Upper.

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Marked on both the 1 : 50 000 map and 1 : 10 000 map. Whilst there are no historical forms Ballynamona is clearly from the Irish Baile na Móna ‘townland of the bog or moor’

Ballynamona is a minor name in the townland of Carraickbroad, Killeavy, Co. Armagh. It is clear that Ballynamona represents the Irish Baile na Móna 'townland of the bog or moor' in Irish.

3. Carewamean Road An Cheathrú Mhín

‘the smooth quarter’

Townland : Carrickbroad

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

Local Pronouncation : /'/ - TÓC

Carrickbroad, Killeavey, Orier Upper.

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Marked on 1 : 50 000 map and on the 1 : 10 000 map as a minor name on the north-east slope of Slievenabolea mountain.

There are no historical forms but it is clearly an Irish Language name, the first element transparently represent the Irish ceathrú, ‘a quarter’.

The second element is highly likely to represent the Irish mín ‘smooth’ (Joyce).

It is seems clear that the Irish An Cheathrú Mhín ‘the smooth quarter’ was the original form of Carewamean.

[cf. Carmeen, Co. Down, Ceathrú Mhín (PNI vol. III)]

Carewamean is a minor name in Carrickbroad townland, Killeavy, Co. Armagh. It is highly probable that the Irish An Cheathrú Mhín 'the smooth quarter' was the original form of Carewamean. [cf. Ceathrú Mhín - Carmeen (PNI vol. III)].

4.4 Dernaroy

Townland : Aghadavoyle

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

Dernaroy is a minor name in Aghadavoyle townland, Killeavy, Co. Armagh.

There are no historical forms.

Doire na Rí ‘oakwood of the kings’ also possibly – na Rua(idh) ‘of the red headed people’ have been suggested (PNU ‘A Hidden Ulster’).

The anglicised form indicates that that the original Irish form of Dernaroy was likely to be the same as that of Dernaroy, Co. Monaghan, i.e. Doire na Rua ‘oakwood of the red haired men’.

[cf. Dernaroy - Doire na Rua, An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Mhuineacháin) 2003]

[cf. Tornaroy, Derryaghy, Belfast Upper, Co. Antrim, (?)Tor na Rua ‘rocky height of the red-haired men’ NIPNP replies]

Dernaroy is a minor name in Aghadavoyle townland, Killeavy, Co. Armagh. Doire na Rí ‘oakwood of the kings’ also possibly – na Rua(idh) ‘of the red headed people’ have been suggested (PNU ‘A Hidden Ulster’). The anglicised form idicates that that the original Irish form of Dernaroy was likely to be the same as that of Dernaroy, Co. Monaghan, i.e. Doire na Rua ‘oakwood of the red haired men’. [cf. Dernaroy - Doire na Rua, An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Mhuineacháin) 2003].

5. Newtownhamilton

5.1 Cargie

Townland : Skerriff

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

Cargie is a minor-name, in the townland of Skerriff, parish of Newtownhamilton; No historical forms on pointer; there is no evidence linking any such surname with the area. It is evidenced as a minor name in itself as is to be seen in the following newspaper extract which erroneously describes it as a townland in itself.

Hailing from the quiet little townland of Cargie, Skerriff, Michael McVerry is a legend in the Cullyhanna and South Armagh area.

(http://republican-news.org/archive/1998/November05/05mcv.html)

[cf. There is also a Cargy in the townland of Listerlelt in the parish of Derrynoose] [Donegal, parish of Inver?]

[cf. Cargach, Armagh, Armagh, Armagh "Cairgeach "rocky land" (JO'D (OSNB) )] [cf. Cargach (Cairgeach - Rocky Land (JO'D (OSNB) ), Clogher, Clogher, Tyrone];

The form Cairgeach is to be found in Dinneen and is associated with Farney, Co. Monaghan. "cairgeach, m., genitive, cairgigh,a rock" (Din.) (Sg. Oir. p 53 ref. Farney, Monaghan);

Whilst I would assert that the form cairgeach in Din. has actually been mis-interpreted and is likely to mean ‘A rocky place’, it does demonstrate, along with the examples of similar place-names to Cargie that it was a common for the word Carraigeach ‘rocky place’ to be syncopated to Cair(r)geach. This type of syncopation was a common feature in Oriel Irish, ‘[t]o be noted is the shortening or dropping of syllables barr’l (barrúil), dóigh’l (dóighiúil)…’ (A Word List from Omeath” in Miscellanea Celtica in Memoriam Heinrich Wagner, p 286) I would argue that Cargie represents the Irish cairgigh an oblique form of cair(r)geach, (Cf. MÓM NIPNP vol III p. 31-32).

Ciarán Dunbar 24/03/06

Cargie is a minor-name, in the townland of Skerrif, Newtownhamilton, Co. Armagh. It is highly probable that Cargie represents the Irish Cairgigh, an oblique form of Cair(r)geach 'Rocky place', (Cf. PNI vol III p. 31-32). The article has been included in the decided form, An Chairgigh 'rocky place'

2. Dungormley Dún Ghormlaithe 'Gormlaithe's fort'

Townland : Tullyvallan

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

Tullyvallan townland, Newtownhamilton, Fews Upper.

Form Source Date

Dungormly, Dun-gorm-laoch ‘The champions' good habitation’

Donaldson's Fews 1838

Drumgormley, ‘Gormley's ridge or blue-grey ridge’

Murray's Fews 1923

Whislt both Donaldson’s Irish form and his interpretation can be dismissed it is likely that one or other of Murray’s interpretations is indeed correct, ‘Gormley’s ridge’, from the Irish

It seems more likely that the original form of Dungormley is Dún Gormlaithe as per Glengormley / Clann Ghormlaithe, the second element being the female personal name, Gormfhlaith (Ó Corráin & Maguire, p. 114).

[cf. Glengormley, Clann Ghormlaithe ‘descendants of Gormlaith’ (Dict. Ulst. PN)]

Dungormley is a minor name in Tullyvallan townland, Newtownhamilton, Fews Upper, Co. Armagh. It is likely that the original form of Dungormley was Dún Ghormlaithe 'Gormlaithe's fort' [cf. Glengormley, Clann Ghormlaithe 'descendants of Gormlaith', Dict. Ulst. PN].

5.3 Tullyneill Tulaigh Uí Néill

‘O’Neill’s Hill’

Townland : Tullyvallan

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

Form Source Date

Tullyoneill ~Tula-O'Neill Donaldson's Fews 1838

Tullyneill is marked on both the 1: 50 000 and the 1: 10 000 maps. It seems highly likely that Donaldson is roughly correct and that Tullyneill represents O’Neill’s Hillock, from the Irish Tulaigh Uí Néill.

5.4 Tullygeasy Tulach Gheise

‘hill of the spell/obligation/taboo’

Townland : Tullyvallan

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation :

In townland of Tullyvallen, Newtownhamilton, Fews Upper, Armagh.

Form Source Date

Tulach easach “wet, watery hill” (Murray's Fews);

Tullgeasy Tula-geasa “The prediction hill” (Donaldson's Fews)

This is a high conical hill in the townland of Tullivallen, where it is supposed, from its name and from its lonely situation; the druids were in the habit of delivering their oracles or predictions, or this hill might derive its name from Tula-geised (pronounced geise) the hill of entreaty.

(Donaldson’s Fews)

The first element of Tullygeasy clearly represents the Irish Tulach, also perhaps being the dative form Tulaigh.

However ‘geasy’ poses more difficulties. Donaldson's assertion seems more likely given that it explains the fact that the second element begins with a 'g' in the anglicised form.

The anglicised form suggests the occurrence of a variant genitive form, where the ‘s’ remains broad but this may not be a problem when it is considered that Na Doirse was/is pronounced Na Dorsaí in South Armagh.

Therefore the Irish Tulach Gheise "hill of the spell/obligation/taboo" is proposed.

[I note “cuirim fá gheasaibh 's fá dhíomdha na bliadhna thú” - I put you under a solemn obligation (Far. - SgÓir 20)]

[cf. Glengesh - Gleann Gheis, An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Ceantair Ghaeltachta) 2004] but also known as Gleann Geise.

Ciarán Dunbar 27/03/06

Tullygeasy, Tullyvallen, Newtownhamilton, Fews Upper, Armagh. 'The prediction hill ... This is a high conical hill in the townland of Tullivallen, where it is supposed, from its name and from its lonely situation; the druids were in the habit of delivering their oracles or predictions, or this hill might derive its name from Tula-geised (pronounced geise) the hill of entreaty (Donaldson’s Fews). The first element clearly represents the Irish tulach, perhaps being the dative form tulaigh, it is likely that Tullygeasy originates from the Irish Tulach Gheise 'hill of the spell/obligation/taboo'.

5.5 Polkone Poll (Mh)ic Sheoin (?)

‘Johnstone’s Hollow’.

Townland : Ummerinvore

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : /to be inserted/

Polkone is not marked on 1 : 50 000 map and marked only as a Road name on 1: 10 000 map, there no known historical forms available.

‘I dtaca le Polkone de tá seachas ann go raibh crann crochta ag Johnstone of the Fews ansin, is féidir Poll Sheoin a bhíodh ann’

Seán Ó Coinn – correspondence by e-mail.

John Johnstone of the Fews, a ‘Tory Hunter’ was known as Seon Johnstone, Seán an Fheadha, Seon na gCeann, Eiriceach na gCeann and An Scotach Rua in Irish. (de Rís, S., Peadar Ó Doirín, 1969, p. 89).

The first element is highly likely to be the Irish Poll ‘a hole/hollow’, the second element –kone is more difficult.

The form suggested by Sean Ó Coinn Poll Sheoin requires a sound shift from a fricative /ç/ to a plosive /k/, this sound change is possible but unlikely. A similar development is to be found however in the pronunciation of the personal name Hugh in Ulster English /to be inserted/ > /ç to be inserted/ > / k to be inserted/.

However the initial /kj/ sound in the second element is more easily explained by an Irish form of the surname Johnstone, Mac Sheoin. i.e. Poll (Mh)ic Sheoin (?) ‘Johnstone’s Hollow’.

It is also possible that Polkone originates in the Irish Poll Mhic Eoghain (?) ‘McKeown’s Hollow’.

The most likely original form is :

Poll (Mh)ic Sheoin (?) ‘Johnstone’s Hollow’

[cf. Aghmakane (TL), Killeavy, Co. Armagh, from the Irish Achadh Mhic Sheáin 'McShane's field' (BFAMT)]

[cf. Johnstown - Baile Sheoin, An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Lú) 2003]

* To be confirmed.

Polkone is a minor name in Ummerinvore, Newtownhamilton, Fews, Co. Armagh. Local folklore indicates a connection with Johnstone of the Fews and that he had a ‘hanging tree’ at the site (SÓC). John Johnstone of the Fews, a ‘Tory Hunter’ was known as Seon Johnstone, Seán an Fheadha, Seon na gCeann, Eiriceach na gCeann and An Scotach Rua in Irish. (de Rís, S., Peadar Ó Doirín, 1969, p. 89). It is highly probable that Polkone originates in the Irish Poll (Mh)ic Sheoin ‘Johnstone’s Hollow’.

Shaughan Road

Townland : Tullyvallan

Grid Reference :

Map ref :

Local Pronunciation : /to be inserted/

Camlough / Newtownhamilton /Silverbridge.

Cé gurb as Carraig na nGamhna dom, deas do Shaughan Road, ní­or éirigh liom teacht ar leagan sásúil de. [‘s’E:d’i­n] a deirtear. Seoidín = little jewel an t-aon leagan scríofa a chonaic mé ariamh gan bhunús dar liom. An bothar glas a thugtaí air fosta.

Seán Ó Coinn.

Probable local pronunciation (TBC) : to be inserted (?)

There is no minor name marked Shaughan on the 1:10 000 map, it appears only to refer to the road name.

It is perhaps more appropriate to rendered Shaughan Road as An Bóthar Glas as SÓC has suggested.

Possible Irish form : An Bóthar Glas

The most likely explanation for Shaughan Road, which would more appropriately be spelt Shedgin Road is that it represents a diminutive form of the Irish séad ‘path, way; course, journey’ (Ó DÓNAILL), ‘a track, path or course … a cattle track’ (Din.), i.e. Séaidín.

Proposed Irish form : Bóthar an tSéaidín

Version on Database

There is no minor name marked Shaughan, it appears only to refer to the road name. Shaughan Road is actually pronounced ‘Shedgin’ Road which reflects its probable Irish language origin, that it represents a diminutive form of the Irish séad (i.e. séaidín) ‘a track, path or course … a cattle track’ (Din.) ‘path, way; course, journey’ (Ó DÓNAILL). Shaughan Road was also known as An Bóthar Glas ‘the green road’ (SÓC).