Desertmartin
Desertmartin
| |
|---|---|
Desertmartin Location within Northern Ireland | |
| Population | (2011 Census) |
| District | |
| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Desertmartin (/ˈdɛzərtˈmɑːrtɪn/,[1] from Irish Díseart Mhártain, meaning 'Saint Martin's hermitage')[2][3] is a small village in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is four miles from Magherafelt, at the foot of Slieve Gallion. In the 2001 Census the greater Desertmartin area had a population of 1,276. It lies within Desertmartin parish, Mid-Ulster District, and the historic barony of Loughinsholin. Neighbouring settlements include Draperstown, Magherafelt, Moneymore, and Tobermore.
History
When County Coleraine was created in 1585, its administration was meant to be carried out in the town of Coleraine. However, the jail and courthouse were built in Desertmartin.[4][user-generated source?]
Religious buildings
- St Patrick's, townland of Keenaght (Roman Catholic) (Old Chapel).
- St Patrick's, townland of Keenaght (Roman Catholic) (New Chapel).
- St. Mary’s, townland of Annagh and Moneysterlin (Roman Catholic) Church and adjacent Parochial House are landmark buildings. It is commonly referred to as Coolcalm after the former townland of same name, which is now part of Annagh and Moneysterlin.
- Church of the Nazarene (a branch of the denomination of the same name based on Wesleyan tradition).
- St. Comgall's Church (Church of Ireland) is a visually and historically significant building and a local landmark. It occupies the site of an older Medieval church and is a listed building.
Schools
- St. Columb's Primary School (Roman Catholic)
- Desertmartin Primary School
- Knocknagin Primary School (Roman Catholic)
Transport
Desertmartin railway station between Magherafelt and Draperstown opened on 20 July 1883, shut for passengers on 1 October 1930, and shut altogether on 3 July 1950.[5]
People
Tom Paulin (b. 1949) is a major Northern Irish poet, essayist, editor and lecturer, who has written a poem entitled Desertmartin.
Sport
- St. Martin's Desertmartin Gaelic Athletic Association St Martin's GAA Club
- Desertmartin Football Club
- Desertmartin has a motocross track at which big motocross events are held, including the BYMX and the British Motocross Championship.[citation needed] The Motocross Grand Prix of Ireland was held at Desertmartin motocross race track in September 2005.[citation needed]
References
- ^ Toner, Gregory: Place-Names of Northern Ireland, page 85. Queen's University of Belfast, 1996, ISBN 0-85389-613-5
- ^ Place Names NI
- ^ Flanagan, Deirdre & Laurence: Irish Place Names, page 202. Gill & Macmillan Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-7171-3396-6
- ^ BBC Local History
- ^ "Desertmartin station" (PDF). Railscot - Irish Railways. Retrieved 2007-09-23.