Athlacca

Athlacca ("An tÁth Leacach" in Irish) is a small village in County Limerick, in the south west of Ireland. It is situated 26 km south of Limerick City, on the Morningstar river. The name Athlacca means 'ford of the flagstones', a feature that was once evident under the current St Catherine's Bridge.

There are three pubs in Athlacca and one shop. Whilst the Catholic church remains in permanent use, the old Protestant church in the village now lies in ruins. The parish extends from Rathcannon in the south to Crean in the north, the home of the famous hurling and tug-of war teamsFact|date=January 2008.

Athlacca is in a rural area where farming, although in steep decline, still being the biggest employer.

Athlacca's most famous parishioners are Jim Cregan, the former European athletics champion, and PP Hogan, champion horse trainer. The most popular sports, in order of participation levels, are hurling, Gaelic football, soccer and badminton. Horse racing has a big following in the area and a point-to-point meeting is held annually.

ee also

* List of towns in Ireland