Kilconnell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kilconnell
Cill Chonaill
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Village
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 Kilconnell
Location in Ireland
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| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Connacht |
| County | County Galway |
| Elevation | 83 m (272 ft) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Rural | 670 |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-1 (IST (WEST)) |
| Irish Grid Reference | M739314 |
Kilconnell (meaning "St Conal's church" in Irish) is a small village in County Galway, Ireland. It is a rural area, meaning it has more countryside than towns.
In 2011, about 670 people lived in Kilconnell. The land around the village is mostly used for farming. Farmers here raise cattle and produce dairy products like milk.
Long ago, Kilconnell was part of a kingdom called the Soghain of Connacht. Later, another group called the Uí Maine took control of the area.
Kilconnell was the birthplace of Johnny Callanan (1910–1982). He was a politician known as a Teachta Dála (TD). A TD is a member of the Irish Parliament. His nephew, Joe Callanan, also became a TD for the Galway East area.
Contents
Kilconnell Abbey: A Historic Ruin
Kilconnell Abbey is an old Franciscan monastery. It was started in 1414 by William O'Kelly, who was a leader of the Uí Maine people. Even though it is now in ruins, the Irish government's Office of Public Works takes care of it.
The abbey is a special burial place for the O'Kelly family. You can still see their family crest on some of the old gravestones. In the 16th century, a lawyer named Charles Calthorpe rented the abbey for 21 years.
A very important church leader, Archbishop Giovanni Rinuccini, stayed at the abbey on June 20, 1648. He was traveling back from a meeting in Kilkenny. People believe the abbey has been empty since about 1785. This was because fewer people wanted to become monks.
There is a secret passage that is thought to run from under the abbey to the nearby Ballinderry House. People tried to dig it out in the 1940s. However, they stopped because it was too dangerous and might collapse.
Uí Maine: Ancient Rulers
The area around Kilconnell was once the main territory of the O'Kelly and Donnellan families. These families were important leaders of the Uí Maine people.
Kilconnell is part of a larger church area that includes Aughrim. Aughrim was the site of a very important battle in 1691. This battle was part of the Williamite wars. Many Irish soldiers, including hundreds from the O'Kelly family, died in this battle.
Lough Acalla is a local lake with a special island in its center called a crannog. A crannog is an old artificial island, often built in lakes for protection. Today, Lough Acalla is a popular spot for fishing rainbow trout.
Ballinderry House: A Restored Home
Ballinderry House was once the home of the Comyn family. They are related to the famous Irish leader Daniel O'Connell. The house has been fixed up and is now a guest house where visitors can stay.
Athletic Clubs: St. Gabriels
Kilconnell has a local sports team called St. Gabriels. They play Gaelic football, which is a popular Irish sport. In 1979, the St. Gabriels men's team won a major football title in Galway. They have also won other championships since then. In 2011, they were named "underage club of the year" for their work with young players.
The St. Gabriels Ladies GAA football club also plays Gaelic football. This club represents players from Kilconnell and nearby areas like Aughrim, Kilreekil, and Cappataggle. The ladies' team plays its home games in Aughrim and trains at the St. Gabriels sports complex in Kilconnell.
