Stradbally

Infobox Irish Place
name = Stradbally
gaeilge = An Sráidbhaile
crest

motto =
map

pin coords = left: 78px; top: 72px
north coord = 53.017
west coord = 7.153
irish grid = S569964
area =
elevation = 80m
province = Leinster
county = County Laois
town pop = 1,565
rural pop =
census yr = 2006
web =
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Stradbally ("An Sráidbhaile" in Irish, village, or "town of (one) street") is a small town in County Laois, Ireland, located in the midlands of Ireland along the N80 road, a National Secondary Route, about 12km from Portlaoise.cite web | title=Draft Stradbally Town Plan | work=Laois County Council | url=http://www.laois.ie/media/Media,4872,en.pdf | accessdate=2008-06-29]

Features

Stradbally comprises a long linear street with two squares on the western side – The Market Square and The Courthouse Square. Milling was an important activity in the development of the town, but has now become obsolete and the structures have been adapted to provide a quality residential development in the centre of town. The main function of the town is that of a service centre for the surrounding agricultural hinterland. It has a number of major employers, including the McKeowns and there are also a range of services including doctors, beauticians, hairdressers, public houses, garages and small shops providing employment.

History

The history of Stradbally reaches from the 6th century when a monastery was established close to the town. Stradbally later developed under the influence of the Cosby Family, owners of Stradbally Hall located west of the main street, at the end of the 17th century.

Demographics

Between 2002 and 2006 the population of Stradbally reduced slightly:
*2002 ... 1634
*2006 ... 1565 ... -4.2%

Events

team rally

Stradbally is famous for its Steam Rally, an annual gathering of enthusiasts of steam-powered vehicles, held in the grounds of the Cosby estate at Stradbally Hall. Traction engines and steam-powered cars are brought to the rally and displayed and demonstrated, and a steam railway offers rides along a short track. There is also a Steam Museum in Stradbally Town itself. One of the group of founders was Harold Condell who was an avid Steam enthusiast and owner. He along with his co-founders established the Irish Steam Preservation Society. He moved to Northern Ireland in 1966 and there he made contact with Lord O'Neill of Shanes Castle, Antrim. They, along with other steam enthusiasts from Northern Ireland started a similar Steam Rally, which was held in the grounds of Shanes Castle. This Steam Rally is now held in Ballymena Show Grounds. It also has a narrow gauge steam railway.

Electric Picnic

Stradbally is also famous for Electric Picnic, a boutique music festival held annually in Stradbally Hall.

People

* Canadian politician Walter Shanly came from Stradbally.
* Kevin O'Higgins was also from Stradbally
* Australian Football player Colm Begley.
* Patrick Semple, the writer, was the Church of Ireland Rector in Stradbally for several years.

Religion

*Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. Gothic Revival church, completed in 1896, on a cruciform plan, designed by William Hague.
*Saint Patrick's Church of Ireland Church. Gothic Revival church, built in 1764, with tower. It was renovated about 1880, with projecting porch, chancel and vestry added.

port

* Stradbally GAA is the local Gaelic Athletic Association club.

ee also

* List of towns in Ireland

References

* [http://www.libraryireland.com/topog/s2.php Lewis Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837) - Stradbally (Queen's County)]