Athboy

Historical Events

Athboy has a long and illustrious history and has been part of some key historical events throughout the history of Ireland and before Ireland was recognised as such. Compiled here you would find some of those key events.

Medieval Times

Part of the Pale

In medieval times it was a walled stronghold of the Pale. Eoin Roe O'Neill took it in 1643, and six years later Oliver Cromwell camped his army on the Hill of Ward nearby.

1863 to 1899

Eugene O'Growney

A famous son of Athboy, born August 1863, a priest educated in Maynooth. He was a founding member of the Gaelic League. The primary school in Athboy carries his name, O'Growney national School.

1864

Athboy Railway

Athboy railway station opened on 26 February 1864, at the end of a branch from Kilmessan via Trim. It closed to passengers on 27 January 1947 and to goods traffic on 10 March 1947, but the branch remained open for livestock trains until final closure on 1 September 1954. The station building, and the nearby engine shed, are now private residences.

June 1909

Athboy Auctioned

Ivo Bligh, 8th Earl of Darnley placed the fee-simple of the town of Athboy up for public auction in June 1909. The townspeople formed their own branch of The Town Tenants League and with the aid of Joseph Coghlan-Briscoe, national secretary of the league, they were able to purchase their homes and businesses via private treaty

May 2011

RTÉ's Dirty Old Towns

On 4 May 2011, Athboy featured on RTÉ's Dirty Old Towns programme, in which the local community came together to convert an old piggery into a Farmers' Market.