The origins of Faithlegg

It is reputed that one of the earliest of the parishes to be founded under the Norman system was at Faithlegg.  The lands (some 4000 acres [including 199 at Cheekpoint and 353 at Faithlegg]) were granted by Henry II to Aleward Juevinis.  Henry had landed at...

Coolbunnia

I was never great at school.  But one specific class I can remember as a highlight was a lesson one day on placenames.  I don’t recall if it was a planned session, or if it was an aside.  But Michael White who was principal at Faithlegg was talking about how...

Ballycanvan House and Townland

About forty years ago I went with Michael Duffin and his mother Catherine to have our hair cut by Mandy over in Woodlands Avenue.  We got the hair cut first and then we went off for a stroll while Catherine received the full attention.  Wandering along the avenue we...

Elections, Cheekpoint style

One of the enduring memories of elections in our house was my fathers quip “vote early, vote often”. Whether it was a local, national, EU, presidential or referendum, Bob would be wound up with the run in to the day and was positively buzzing when it came...