The origins of Faithlegg

by | Jul 3, 2015 | Uncategorised

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...

Why is the Russianside, called the Russianside?

by | Jun 26, 2015 | Uncategorised

One of my earliest memories as a child was my mother bringing us off on a Sunday afternoon to visit our Nanny in the Russianside.  It was a smaller place then.  From the cross roads you passed the homes of Martin Nugent, Joanie Hanlon, Andy Lannen and Nellie...

Cheekpoint placename

by | Jun 19, 2015 | Uncategorised

Cheekpoint is both a village and a townland, and for many’s the year there has been two explanations to the origins of the name, a practical, geographical placename and what is probably best described as a romantic version.  The name Cheekpoint derives from...

Coolbunnia

by | Jun 12, 2015 | Cheekpoint memories

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...