Baltinglass

Infobox Irish Place
name = Baltinglass
gaeilge = Bealach Conglais
crest

motto =
map

pin coords = left: 24px; top: 66px
north coord = 52.9389
west coord = 6.7121
irish grid = S863886
area =
elevation = 133 m
province = Leinster
county = County Wicklow
town pop = 1,260
rural pop =
census yr = 2002
web =
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Baltinglass (irish place name|Bealach Conglais|Road of Cúglas) is a town in south-west County Wicklow, Ireland. It is situated on the River Slaney near the border with County Carlow and County Kildare, on the N81 road. Its Irish name means "the way of Conglas", Conglas being a member of the mythological warrior collective the Fianna. A previous Irish-language name for the village, bringing to mind its monastic past, was "Mainistir an Bhealaigh".

History

The surrounding area is rich in archaeological and historical sites. On the highest point of the hill north-east of the village lies a passage grave from the stone age, whose outer walls are finished in chalk not native to the area. On bright days is said to be visible from Kildare's Curragh km to mi | 48 | abbr=yes | precision=0 away. To the north end of the village on the weir of the River Slaney lies the ruins of an ancient monastery that has had many additions over the centuries; the original church is said to date from around 700 A.D.

The Town Centre is focussed mainly east of the river, along Main Street and ending at Market and Weavers Square. West of the river, the town centre is focused around the N81/R747 Crossroads, along Edward Street, Mill Street and Belan Street. A Particularly important landmark is Quinn’s Mart Site on Mill Street to the North of the town.

The Population of the town has grown considerably in recent years to its current population of 1,735 people and it is expected to reach 3,000 by the year 2016.

The Town contains a significant amount of natural, archaeological and built heritage; including the archaeological sites of the Baltinglass Hills, Baltinglass Abbey and St.Mary's Church, the River Slaney Special Area of conservation and a large amount of buildings of architectural and historical merit, many of which are located in the town centre. The Town's rich and historic heritage makes a significant contribution to its distinct character.

port

Football has been played in Baltinglass since the foundation of the Gaelic Athletic Association. In the early years the club played under the name of Maurice Davins but achieved little in the way of success on the field of play, and from time to time disappeared from Wicklow inter-club activity. The first real success for the club came in 1913, when playing under the banner of Baltinglass Shamrocks, they won the delayed 1912 Wicklow Junior title -- the final of which was played in Croke Park. Lean years followed the winning of the Junior title; the next championship to come to the town was in 1927 when the Wicklow Senior Hurling title was won. Football had fallen away in the town in the early thirties but in 1934 a meeting was held to re-establish the club and out of this the seeds of the present club were planted.

Success was slow in coming, over the next couple of years the club worked hard to get football going again in the town and in 1940 they were rewarded with a minor title. Off the back of this team a Junior title was captured in 1943 and with it promotion to Intermediate ranks. During the early fifties a lot of work was put into the Juvenile section of the club and this work was soon to bear fruit when the four-in-a-row minor team emerged in 1952-1955. Around this time the club embarked on a fund raising drive with the aim of buying their own pitch. This came to fruition in 1957 when the present playing pitch was bought.

When the Intermediate grade was abolished in 1954 the Wicklow County board decided to promote Baltinglass to the Senior grade. Two years later the club reached its first Senior final and although defeat was their lot a new era for the club was about to begin.

1958 saw Baltinglass win the Wicklow Senior Football Championship for the first time and over the next four decades the Miley cup was to become a regular visitor to the town. Four titles in the sixties - including a 3 in a row, four titles in the seventies, six in the eighties and five in the nineties. This included an eight in a row from 1987 to 1994. A much sought after Leinster club title was finally secured in 1989 and this would lead to the clubs finest achievement a few months later when on March 17th 1990 the club claimed the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship. Baltinglass are also the current Champions having beaten Rathnew in a replay on Sunday the 11th of November 2007

The club has won every football honour available in Wicklow including the elusive Intermediate title in 1993. Apart from the championship success Baltinglass has also won numerous leagues and tournaments.

Wicklow SFC Final/ Baltinglass 0-8 Rathnew 0-6 : John Paul Kelly was the top scorer for Baltinglass in the County Final as they bridged a 13-year gap to win the Wicklow title.

The club now has two training pitches to go along with the main playing pitch, dressing rooms, weight rooms and a committee room. The Ground has had a major redevelopment, which has seen floodlights installed, a stand being built and other improvements carried out. The club currently fields three adult teams, one Senior and two Junior.

Transport

Baltinglass railway station opened on 1 September 1885, was closed for passenger traffic on 27 January 1947, closed for goods traffic on 10 March 1947, and finally closed altogether on 1 April 1959. [cite web | title=Baltinglass station | work=Railscot - Irish Railways | url=http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | accessdate=2007-09-11]

ee also

* List of towns in the Republic of Ireland

References

External links

* [http://baltinglasscommunity.info Baltinglass Community Group]
* [http://www.wicklowtoday.com/county/baltinglass/index.htm Wicklow Today - Baltinglass]
* [http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/sport/2007/1112/1194550129134.html Baltinglass win the senior County Title, 2007]