Mayobridge Explained

Official Name:Mayobridge
Map Type:Ireland
Coordinates:54.181°N -6.2289°W
Irish Name:Droichead Mhaigh Eo
Population:1,069
Population Ref:(2011 Census)
Label Position:none
Unitary Northern Ireland:Newry and Mourne
Country:Northern Ireland
Post Town:NEWRY
Postcode Area:BT
Postcode District:BT34
Dial Code:028
Constituency Westminster:South Down
Constituency Ni Assembly:South Down
Lieutenancy Northern Ireland:County Down
Static Image:File:The crossroads at the centre of the village of Mayobridge - geograph.org.uk - 2600507.jpg
Static Image Caption:Village centre

Mayobridge is a village within County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the small river Clanrye, which divides the townlands of Mayo and Bavan, east of Newry. It had a population of 1,069 as at 2011.[1] Administratively, it is within the Newry and Mourne District Council area, and falls within the parish of Clonallan, and historically within the barony of Iveagh Upper, Upper Half.

Demography

Mayobridge is classified as a small village or hamlet by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). It had a usually resident population of 1,069 according to the 2011 census.[1]

Facilities

On 15 August 1859, Dr. Leahy, the co-adjutor bishop of the diocese, blessed the foundation stone of a new Catholic church to replace the existing, more primitive Mass House put up in 1806 (parts of which are still visible in the disused Parochial Hall); and a curate was appointed to live in Mayobridge. The new church, dedicated to St. Patrick, was erected on the site of a former Mass Rock. A fine Gothic-style building, reputed to be the largest ‘country' church in the diocese, it could hold up to 600 worshippers in comfort, and commanded a fine view of the surrounding countryside right into County Armagh. It was completed on 12 October 1862, with a dedicatory sermon by the Bishop of Kerry, Dr. David Moriarty.

A police barracks was moved in 1854 from the Mayo side of the village to the Bavan side, and returned in 1865.[2]

The local primary school, St. Patrick's Primary School, is located on Chapel Hill.

Sport

Mayobridge St. Patrick's is a Gaelic Athletic Association club affiliated with the Down County Board. The minutes of the Central Council of the GAA record that, on 30 April 1888, an application for affiliation was received from St Patrick's, Mayobridge. The acceptance of the application makes it the oldest registered GAA club in the county. Mayobridge won their tenth Down Senior Football Championship in 2008. The club's minor team won the Down Minor Football Championship in 2023.[3]

Notable people

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Census 2011 Population Statistics for Mayobridge Settlement . Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency . 16 October 2017.
  2. Royal Irish Constabulary List
  3. Web site: Sky Blues Bridge 15-year title wait in thriller . newrydemocrat.com . 7 September 2023 . 14 August 2024 .