River Inny - Longford - Ballymahon

Ballymahon (Irish: Baile U?Mhatháin) is a small town on the River Inny in the southern part of County Longford, Ireland. It is located at the junction of the N55 National secondary road and the R392 regional road. Ballymahon derives its name from Gaelic Baile Mathuna Town of Mahon.

Photo Details

• County: Longford
• Town: Ballymahon
• Scene: River Inny, general view
• Date: circa 1910

Specification

• Digitally remastered
• 10' x 8' printed on quality photo paper, also available in larger sizes
• Also available mounted & framed
• Colour images can be printed in black & white if preferred.
• Read about Ballymahon below

Ballymahon

Ballymahon (Irish: Baile U?Mhatháin) is a small town on the River Inny in the southern part of County Longford, Ireland. It is located at the junction of the N55 National secondary road and the R392 regional road. Ballymahon derives its name from Gaelic Baile Mathuna Town of Mahon. Mahon was a southern chieftain, the elder brother of Brian Boru, who fought a battle in the vicinity of Ballymahon at Shrule, in Irish Sruaith Fhuil, River of Blood. Mahon defeated O'Rourke of Cavan at this Battle and laid claim to lands in the area. Hence the town of Mahon originated.

Geography

The River Inny, a tributary of the River Shannon, flows westwards through Ballymahon in the direction of Lough Ree.

Buildings of note

• Ballymahon Market House is a 3 bay 2 story building currently used as a library.
• There is a large two storey building on the Mostrim Road which was the home of Irish burlesque in the late 19th century.

Transport & communications

• Ballymahon is on the N55 road, a major route leading from Athlone, about 12 kilometres to the south, towards Belfast and Northern Ireland. The county town of Longford lies about 15 kilometres to the north-west.

People

• It was the home of the writer Mary Flynn, author of the well-known children's book Cornelius Rabbit of Tang^{[citation needed]}
• It was also the home of the 19th century patriotic poet John Keegan "Leo" Casey.^{[citation needed]}
• The author Oliver Goldsmith was born in the nearby townland of Pallas.

Culture & sport

• Ballymahon is home to the Bog Lane Theatre.
• The Ballymahon Scout Troup are active in the area.
• The town has a Gaelic Athletic Association Gaelic football club.