Carrick East
Carrick East: A Townland in County Cavan
Carrick East, derived from the Irish term “Carraig” meaning ‘A Rock,’ is a notable townland located within the civil parish of Templeport, County Cavan, Ireland. This area is situated in the Roman Catholic parish of Templeport and falls under the barony of Tullyhaw. To avoid confusion with its counterpart, Carrick West or Carrick Hassard, which resides in Glangevlin parish, this townland is distinctly referred to as Carrick East or Carrick Fisher.
Geographical Features
Carrick East occupies an area of 127 statute acres and is characterized by diverse geographical features. It is bordered by several other townlands: Brackley to the north, Killyneary to the west, Bawnboy to the south, and Gortnavreeghan to the east. The western slope of Slieve Rushen mountain lies within its vicinity, contributing to the scenic landscape that includes mountain streams and forestry plantations. The townland is accessible through a network of minor roads and rural lanes that traverse its terrain.
Historical Context
The history of Carrick East is entwined with the medieval divisions of the McGovern barony of Tullyhaw, which was segmented into economic taxation areas known as ballibetoes, derived from the Irish term “Baile Biataigh,” translating to ‘A Provisioner’s Town or Settlement.’ In total, there were seven ballibetoes identified within the parish of Templeport. Carrick East was specifically situated in the ballybetagh termed “Balleagheboynagh,” also referred to as ‘Ballyoghnemoynagh,’ with its original Irish name being “Baile Na Muighe Eanach,” meaning ‘The Town of the Marshy Plain.’ Additionally, this ballybetagh was called “Aghawenagh,” which translates from Irish as “Achadh an Bhuí Eanaigh,” or ‘The Field of the Yellow Bog.’
Up until the 19th century, Carrick East comprised two distinct townlands known as Carrick and Tonnyneask. These two entities were subsequently merged to form what is now recognized as Carrick East.
The Townland of Carrick
Historical references to Carrick date back to various maps and surveys from as early as 1609. The Baronial Map from that year illustrates it as “Carricar,” while subsequent documents such as the Commonwealth Survey of 1652 list it as “Carricke.” Notably, a Down Survey map from 1665 depicts it simply as “Carrick.” The name gradually evolved over time, with William Petty’s map in 1685 referring to it as “Carik.”
The early history regarding land ownership in Carrick remains somewhat ambiguous. Although there are indications that lands may have been associated with the Plantation of Ulster, specific details about grants during this period are convoluted. An Inquisition from 1638 marks one of the earliest mentions of Carrick. It appears that in 1611, King James VI and I granted lands encompassing Gortatowill to Mulmore McHugh McFarrall O’Rely. Mulmore was a member of the O’Reilly clan and had previously lost lands in Aghaweely Lower.
The Townland of Tonnyneask
Similar to Carrick, Tonnyneask also has a rich historical background. The earliest documentation refers to it as “Tawnyyeske” on maps from 1609, reflecting its Irish name “Tamnach Eisc,” meaning ‘The Green Field of the River Channels.’ Over time, variations in spelling emerged, including forms such as Tawnyneaghke and Tawnyneshke in later surveys.
A significant event linked to Tonnyneask occurred on November 12, 1590 when Queen Elizabeth I granted pardons to individuals associated with this townland for their opposition against her forces. Additionally, King James VI and I awarded portions of land in Tonnyneask during the Plantation of Ulster in 1615, marking it as an area of interest during this tumultuous period.
Post-1800 Developments
The landscape and demographic composition of Carrick East continued to evolve after 1800. A lease dated September 17, 1816 indicates that part of Carrick was referred to as the Upper Deer Park, highlighting changes in land usage and ownership. By 1827, records suggest there were three tithepayers within the townland according to Tithe Applotment Books.
Further developments were noted in November 1839 when Valuation Office Field books for Carrick East became available for inspection. The Griffith’s Valuation conducted in 1857 recorded five landholders residing within this townland.
Census Records
The demographic changes within Carrick East can be traced through census records from earlier centuries. In the 1901 census, only three families were documented as living within this townland. This number saw a decline by 1911 when just one family remained listed in official records.
Antiquities and Cultural Significance
Despite its rich historical narrative, Carrick East does not appear to feature any structures or antiquities of significant historical interest today. However, its cultural heritage remains intertwined with the broader history of County Cavan and reflects various socio-political dynamics over centuries.
Conclusion
Carrick East stands as a testament to Ireland’s layered history marked by territorial changes and cultural shifts over centuries. From its geographical features shaped by natural landscapes to its historical significance rooted in medieval divisions and land ownership dynamics, this townland encapsulates a unique story within County Cavan. While it may not boast visible antiquities today, its past resonates through historical documents and census records that continue to paint a vivid picture of life in this region throughout various eras.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).