- Ballymahon
Infobox Irish Place
name = Ballymahon
gaeilge = Baile Uí Mhatháin
crest
motto = Is glas iad na cnoic i bhfad uainn.
map
pin coords = left: 40px; top: 82px
north coord = 53.566667
west coord = 7.766667
Irish grid = N155571
area =
elevation = 82 m
province =Leinster
county =County Longford
town pop = 1,797
rural pop =
census yr = 2006
web = www.longfordcoco.ie
|Ballymahon ( _ga. Baile Uí Mhatháin) is a small town on the
River Inny in the southern part ofCounty Longford ,Ireland . It is located at the junction of the N55National secondary road and the R392regional road . Ballymahon derives its name from Gaelic Baile Mathuna Town of Mahon. Mahon was a southern chieftain, the elder brother ofBrian Boru , who fought a battle in the vicinity of Ballymahon at Shrule, in Irish Sruaith Fhuil, River of Blood. Mahon defeated O'Rourke of Cavan at this Battle and laid claim to lands in the area. Hence the town of Mahon originated.Geography
The
River Inny , a tributary of theRiver Shannon , flows westwards through Ballymahon in the direction ofLough Ree .Buildings of note
* Ballymahon Market House is a 3 bay 2 story building currently used as a library.
* There is a large two storey building on the Mostrim Road which was the home of Irish burlesque in the late 19th century.Transport & communications
* Ballymahon is on the
N55 road , a major route leading fromAthlone , about 12 kilometres to the south, towardsBelfast andNorthern Ireland . The county town ofLongford lies about 15 kilometres to the north-west.People
*It was the home of the writer
Mary Flynn , author of the well-known children's book "Cornelius Rabbit of Tang"Fact|date=November 2007
* It was also the home of the 19th century patriotic poetJohn Keegan "Leo" Casey .Fact|date=November 2007
* The authorOliver Goldsmith was born in the nearbytownland of Pallas.Culture & sport
* Ballymahon is home to the Bog Lane Theatre.
* The Ballymahon Scout Troup are active in the area.
* The town has aGaelic Athletic Association Gaelic football club.
*ee also
*
List of towns in the Republic of Ireland
*Market Houses in the Republic of Ireland External links
* [http://www.geocities.com/ballymahongaa Official Ballymahon Gaelic Athletic Club Website]
* [http://maps.yahoo.com/broadband/#lon=-7.767162&lat=53.566618&mag=6 Location Map]
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