Dorsey, County Armagh facts for kids
Dorsey or Dorsy is a small village and townland in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Its name comes from the Irish words "Na Doirse," which means "the gateways." It is located between the villages of Belleeks and Cullyhanna. About 130 to 160 people live in Dorsey.
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What are the Dorsey Ramparts?
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The Dorsey Ramparts, also known as "The Walls" by local people, are a huge ancient earthwork. An earthwork is a large structure made from earth, like a ditch or a bank. These ramparts stretch across the South Armagh area.
People believe the Dorsey Ramparts were a strong defensive wall. It was built to protect a powerful ancient kingdom. The capital city of this kingdom was Emain Macha (Navan Fort). The ramparts blocked an important old route into South Armagh.
They were likely built around 100 BCE (Before Common Era). This was a time when the kingdom in Ulster (Northern Ireland) was very strong. Later, when Ulster faced threats from the south, the Dorsey Ramparts might have become part of an even bigger defense system. This larger system is known as the Black Pig's Dyke, found in Monaghan and further west.
The Dorsey Ramparts are one of the few ancient sites in Northern Ireland confirmed to be from the Iron Age. It is a group of earthworks that form a circle about 4 kilometers long. They enclose an area of about 300 acres (1.2 square kilometers).
Archaeologists have studied the Dorsey Ramparts many times. They found evidence that parts of the monument were built around 89-96 BC. Other parts might have been built even earlier, around 135-150 BC. This suggests that the Dorsey might not be one single enclosure. Instead, it could be two separate lines of defense, built at different times.
What facilities does Dorsey have?
Dorsey has a community center where people can gather. It also has a Gaelic football pitch called Rory McGee Park. There is also a chapel in Dorsey.
The chapel was built in the 1950s by local people. A local resident named Felix Mackin donated the land for the chapel. Dorsey is part of the Lower Creggan parish, which also includes Newtownhamilton and Cullyhanna.
What sports are played in Dorsey?
Dorsey Emmet's GFC is a local Gaelic Athletic Association club. They have Gaelic football teams for different age groups. These include Under-8, U10, U14, U16, and senior level teams.
Where do children in Dorsey go to school?
Dorsey does not have its own schools. Some local children go to primary school in Carrickrovaddy or Belleeks, County Armagh. Older children attend secondary school in Crossmaglen or in Bessbrook.
