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Samuel Lewis
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Abbeyknockmoy, a parish, in
the barony of TYAQUIN, county of GALWAY, and province of CONNAUGHT,
7 miles (S. E.) from Tuam, on the road from Newtownbellew to Galway;
containing 2866 inhabitants.
This place derives its name
from the abbey of Knockmoy, called by some writers Cnoc Mugha, signifying
in the Irish language "the Hill of Slaughter," and by
others Monasterium de Colle Victoriae.
It was founded here, in 1189,
by Cathol O'Connor, surnamed Croove-Dearg, or "the Red Hand,"
King of Connaught, in fulfilment of a vow made by him previously
to a battle with the English forces under Almeric de St. Lawrence,
in which he obtained the victory; and was occupied by Cistertian
monks from the abbey of Boyle.
In 1620, its site and extensive
possessions were granted by Jas. I. to Valentine Blake, Esq., and
are now the property of Francis Blake Forster, Esq., of Ashfield.
Near the summit of Knockroe
hill is a subterraneous river, or stream, which was discovered some
years since by the late Mr. Browne, of Moyne; and an opening having
been made, it now supplies the neighbourhood with water: near the
top of this hill are several limestone caverns.
There are about 500 acres of
bog in the parish. The gentlemen's seats are Moyne, the residence
of M. J. Browne, Esq., a handsome mansion pleasantly situated in
a fine demesne; Newtown, of Jas. Kelly, Esq.; and the Abbey, belonging
to F. B. Forster, Esq.
The intended railway from Dublin
to the western coast is proposed to terminate here, with branches
to Galway, Tuam, and the county of Mayo. Fairs are held on June
24th, Aug. 21st, and Nov. 1st.
There is a constabulary police
station at Moyne; and petty sessions are also held there.
The parish is in the diocese
of Tuam, and is a rectory and vicarage, forming part of the union
of Killereran: the tithes amount to £220, |
