Cappagh, County Limerick facts for kids

Cappagh (Irish: Ceapach) is a special area called a parish in west County Limerick, Ireland. It used to be known by other names like Connello Lower and Nantenan. Nantenan is now a smaller part of the parish. Cappagh is surrounded by other parishes like Askeaton, Kilcornan, Rathkeale, Croagh, and Coolcappa. The patron saint, or special protector, of Cappagh is St. James.

What makes Cappagh unique is that it's one of the few parishes in Limerick without a pub, a post office, or even a shop.

Community Groups and Fun Activities

Cappagh is home to several active groups where people can get together and have fun!

Sports Clubs

• Cappagh GAA Club: This club started in 1993 and focuses on Gaelic football. If you love hurling, players from Cappagh usually join the nearby Croagh-Kilfinny club. In return, Gaelic footballers from Croagh and Kilfinny often play for Cappagh! The club bought its own field in 1997, and it's now a great place to play. For younger players, the club teams up with Rathkeale GAA.
• LGFA (Ladies Gaelic Football Association) Club: This exciting club began in 2017. It's just for girls aged under 12 and under 14 who want to play Gaelic football.
• Handball Club: If you like fast-paced games, the handball club is for you! Their special court, called a handball alley, is right next to the community hall.

Other Local Groups

• Cappagh Women's Cave: A group for women in the community.
• Cappagh Community Council: This group helps make decisions and organize things for everyone in Cappagh.
• Cappagh Drama Group: If you love acting or watching plays, this group puts on performances for the community.

Some groups that used to be active in Cappagh include the Cappagh Pipe Band, a Hurling Club, and the ICA (Irish Countrywomen's Association).

Interesting Places and Buildings

Cappagh has some cool historic buildings and places to explore!

Historic Buildings

• Cappagh Castle: This old castle was built by the Normans a very long time ago. In the middle of the 20th century, it was even used by the local handball club as a place to play! Remember, the castle is on private land, so it's not open for visitors.
• St. James's National School: This school first opened its doors in 1866. It's a Catholic school that has grown over the years. It was made bigger in 1988 and again in 2007 because more and more children were joining!
• The Parish Community Hall: This is a special building that belongs to everyone in Cappagh. It's a place for meetings, events, and community activities.
• Cappagh Community Creche: A place for younger children to learn and play.

Churches in Cappagh

Cappagh is home to three churches, each with its own history.

• St. James' Catholic Church: Mass is held here every week. Even though there isn't a full-time priest living in Cappagh anymore, the church is still an important part of the community.
• Nantenan Church and Cemetery: This old church was used by both Catholic and Anglican communities at different times. The cemetery next to it is still open for burials and is used by people of different faiths. The church building itself is not used anymore. Close by, you can find St. James's Well, a historic holy well.
• The Embury Heck Methodist Church: The Methodist community in Cappagh has an interesting history! Many of them are descendants of the German Palatines. These were people from Germany who came to Ireland in the 1700s because they were facing difficulties in their homeland and were given a safe place to live by the English Crown.

Other Historic Houses and Sites

There are many other interesting old buildings and houses around the parish, including:

• Ballingrane Station House
• Ballinvirick House
• Cappagh House
• Curraheen House
• The Forge
• Kilbeha House
• Lee House
• Nantenan Glebe
• Nantenan House
• Old Parochial House
• The Stoney Man
• Stoneville House