Crosserlough

Crosserlough, historically known as Cros Ar Loch, is a large civil parish in southern County Cavan, in the province of Ulster, Ireland. It is located between Ballyjamesduff and Lough Sheelin.

The parish consists of three areas. Kilnaleck, which is a village, Drumkilly and Crosserlough.

Facilities

There are three schools in the parish, Kilnaleck, Drumkilly and Crosserlough. There are three Catholic Churches in Crosserlough, the Parish Church in the townland of Cullow, in the Crosserlough area. This church was built in 1888. There is also a Church of Ireland church at Kildrumferton.

There are six pubs, three grocery shops, a post office, a pharmacy, two off-licences - attached to pubs, a butchers, a garage, a barbers, drapery shop, two chippers, a Chinese, a hairdresser, a beautician, a car dealership and approximately 30 houses in Kilnaleck.

The father of Charles Comiskey, owner of the Chicago White Sox in the early part of the 20th century was born here in the mid-19th century.^[1]

Sport

Crosserlough is a proud G.A.A. parish. This is mainly due to its seven senior championships in a row back in the '70s. The McCabe brothers of Andy and P.V., and the legendary John Byres are just some of the names that made up this team. Anna Reilly née McCabe made up part of the first Cavan ladies all Ireland Victory. One of Cavan's most famous footballers, Mick Higgins R.I.P 28-01-2010, spent his youth in Crosserlough. Crosserlough have always played at senior level, the only team to do so in the county. Crosserlough also have a strong Camogie tradition, as well as some promising underage talent. Crosserlough is also home to Innyvale Athletic Club.

History

There are many historical sites in Crosserlough including a very impressive Dolmen in Duffcastle, and one in Kildrumferton. There is a mass rock from the Penal days in Lehery and there are several ring forts throughout the Parish. St. Patrick's Rock in Curraghabreedin is famed for curing warts. Kill cemetery evokes many legends, including the shooting of a priest for saying mass during the Penal era. There are lead coffins and a number of cures throughout the cemetery.

There are over 70 townlands in Crosserlough.

Kilnaleck was once known as the pub capital of Ireland and Britain, with more pubs per head of capita than any other town. Due to economic circumstances the numbers are now dwindling and there are only 7 left.

Coordinates: 53°51′47.03″N 7°18′42.05″W / 53.8630639°N 7.3116806°W

References

1. Hornbaker, Tim. Turning the Black Sox White: The Misunderstood Legacy of Charles A. Comiskey. New York: Sports Publishing.