The Loup

The Loup ( _ga. An Lúb) is the name of a small village and the surrounding area in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in the Roman Catholic parish of Ardtrea. It is a rural region with a small village at the heart of it. The Loup lies on the western shores of Lough Neagh with relatively close proximity to Cookstown, Magherafelt and Dungannon. The Loup lies close to the border with County Tyrone and beside Ballinderry. It is part of Cookstown District Council and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) councillor Mary Baker is from the area.

port

Gaelic games are very popular in the area, with An Lúb CLG being the local club including the villages of the Loup and Ballyronan and surrounding area. An Lúb caters for Gaelic football, winning the Derry Championship and Ulster Club Championship in 2003 (defeating Ballinderry, Crossmaglen Rangers, and St Gall's along the way). This most successful time was under the management of Malachy O'Rourke, captained by Johnny McBride, and chairmanship of Bernard McFlynn (assisted by wee Eddie McMahon). Loup players who have played for Derry County include Johnny Mcbride, Paul McFlynn, the O'Kane and Young brothers. In the past, Loup have had some successes in hurling. Páirc Naomh Pádraig is the team's grounds. Loup ladies play football as part of the Ardtrea club, a combination of neighbouring parishes including Moneymore, Loup, Lissan, Ballinderry, Drummullan/Ogra Colmcille and some others.Facts|date=April 2008

Other Loup winners in various sports

World Ploughing Champions - David Wright (and uncle Des Wright, Ballyriff. Ireland and British Lions Rugby player - Willie Anderson (also played gaelic). European Kick Boxing Champion - Darren Dougan, Golden Dragon Martial Arts. Upcoming Youth soccer player - Peter Bradley. Champion Irish Dancer - Tracy McVey. Ulster U-17 rugby player - Paul Brown.Facts|date=April 2008

PTAA

The Loup has a very strong Pioneer Total Abstinence Association centre, which has achieved seven Gradam awards in the past 7 years. Although small in numbers, the centre has a very strong commitee with all places filled. The centre organises quizzes and many other events.Fact|date=May 2008

Places of interest

* St Patrick's Church and Community Hall
* Ballyeglish Old Graveyard
* St Patrick's GAA Club
* Saltersland Presbyterian Church
* Joe McVey's shop and Post Office
* Eglish Close
* Loup cross-community women's group and playgroup
* Ballyronan marina

References

* [http://www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk/ NI Neighbourhood Information System]
* [http://www.proni.gov.uk/geogindx/parishes/par022.htm The Public Reference Office of Northern Ireland]
* [http://www.seanruad.com/cgi-bin/iresrch List of townlands in Ardtrea and Ardtrea North]
* [http://www.planningni.gov.uk/areaplans_policy/plans/Cookstown/maps/VILLAGES/The%20Loup.pdf Map highlighting the village part of the Loup]

ee also

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