Scarva

Infobox UK place
official_name= Scarva
irish_name= Scairbh
scots_name=
local_name=
static_

static_image_caption=
map_type= Northern Ireland
latitude= 54.33170910087378
longitude= -6.364645957946777
belfast_distance= 30 miles
population= 320 (2001)
irish_grid_reference= J063436
unitary_northern_ireland= Banbridge District
country= Northern Ireland
post_town= CRAIGAVON
postcode_area= BT
postcode_district= BT63
dial_code= 028, +44 28
constituency_westminster= Upper Bann
lieutenancy_northern_ireland= County Down
website=

Scarva (derive|Irish|Scairbh|rough, shallow ford) is a small village in County Down, Northern Ireland, on the main road west of Banbridge. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 320 people. It lies within the Banbridge District Council area.

Scarva is famous as the location of the "Sham Fight" Pageant on 13 July every year. The Pageant attracts thousands of members of the Royal Black Preceptory, a group related to the Orange Order, who come to march and stage a symbolic (sham) re-enactment of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

History

In June 1690, a Williamite army of 30,000 men camped in the Scarva area for training before marching on to meet the forces of King James II at the Battle of the Boyne on 1 July 1690. Whilst training his army, King William is said to have camped under a magnificent Spanish chestnut tree. The tree still flourishes to this day and measures over 25 feet in circumference at the base. Each year, a Sham Fight takes place on the 13th of July on the old training ground used.

Places of interest

Scarva is beside the Newry Canal Towpath, one of eight long-distance Waymarked Ways in Northern Ireland. The Canal operated for over 200 years and provided employment and generated wealth for the towns and villages along its length. However, the growth of the railway industry had disastrous consequences for the Canal and eventually led to its closure in 1947.

Education

*Scarva Primary School

Sport & Recreation

Scarva Rangers are a Northern Irish football club playing in the Mid Ulster League Division 2. The Club was formed in 1972 and play their home matches at Scarva Park, Scarva. The current first team manager is Alan Hammond. Scarva Rangers formed a Reserve team at the start of the 2006/2007 season. They currently play in the Mid Ulster League Reserve Division 3. The current Reserve team manager is Maurice Brown.

Both teams enjoyed a successful 2006/2007 season with the first team finishing 3rd and the Reserve team 5th in their respective Leagues. The Club also have an official website which you can visit at [http://www.scarvarangersfc.com www.scarvarangersfc.com]

Transport

*Scarva railway station opened on 23 March 1859. [cite web | title=Scarva station | work=Railscot - Irish Railways | url=http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | accessdate=2007-08-28]

References

* [http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/ NI Neighbourhood Information Service]
* [http://www.banbridge.com/template1.asp?parent=207&pid=220&parent2=220&area=2 Banbridge District Online]
* [http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/town_Home.aspx?co=3&to=59&ca=0&sca=0&navID=1 Culture Northern Ireland]

See also

*List of villages in Northern Ireland
*List of towns in Northern Ireland

External links

* [http://www.scarvarangersfc.com Scarva Rangers Football Club Website]