Toome facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toome
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 The bridge over the River Bann at Toome (built 2004) |
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 Toome
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| Population | 781 (2011 census) |
| Irish grid reference | H9990 |
| • Belfast | 24 |
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| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ANTRIM |
| Postcode district | BT41 |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament |
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| NI Assembly |
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Toome or Toomebridge (which means "tumulus" in Irish) is a small village and townland in Northern Ireland. It is located on the northwest side of Lough Neagh in County Antrim. Toome is part of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area. In 2011, about 781 people lived there.
Contents
Toome's Past: A Look at History
Early Times and Local Legends
Long ago, around the 5th or 6th century, a woman named Ercnat ingen Dáire lived in the area. She was remembered as a saint in the year 800. However, over time, people stopped celebrating her.
Roddy McCorley: A Local Hero
A famous local figure was Roddy McCorley. He was a Presbyterian from the Duneane area. Roddy McCorley fought as a United Irishman in the Rebellion of 1798. This rebellion was against British rule in Ireland. He was captured and executed on February 28, 1800. This happened "near the bridge of Toome." Rebels had partly destroyed this bridge in 1798. They did this to stop British soldiers from crossing the River Bann.
Roddy McCorley's story became very well known. A popular song about him was written in 1898 by Ethna Carbery. Today, a memorial stands in Toome to honor him. You can see it when you enter the village from County Londonderry.
What Toome Does: Economy and Industry
Eel Fishing: A Major Industry
The biggest industry in Toome is eel fishing. The eels caught here are sold to markets across Europe. The famous poet Seamus Heaney even wrote poems about the eel fisheries in Toome.
Mining for Diatomite
In the last 100 years, mining for a mineral called diatomite has grown. Large amounts of diatomite are found in the Toome area. This mineral has been used in many ways. For example, it was used in gelignite and even in toothpaste!
Fun and Games: Sports in Toome
Gaelic Sports
The local Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club is called Erins Own, Cargin. Many people in the area play Gaelic sports like Gaelic football and hurling.
Motor Boat Racing
In 1930, exciting motor boat races took place on the River Bann at Toomebridge. These races were called the 'Bann 100'. Boats from Ulster, the Irish Free State, and England competed. Some hydroplanes reached speeds of almost 35 miles per hour!
Getting Around: Transport in Toome
Road Improvements
For a long time, Toome was a very busy spot for traffic. It was on the main road between Belfast and Derry. To help with traffic, a new bypass road was built. Construction started in 2002 and finished in 2004. This new road made journeys faster and reduced traffic jams in the village.
Toome's Railway Station
Toome also had a railway station. Toome Bridge railway station opened on November 10, 1856. It stopped carrying passengers in 1950 and closed completely in 1959.
Who Lives in Toome: Population Facts
Toome's Population in 2011
According to the 2011 census, Toome had a population of 781 people. There were 263 households in the village.
- About 91% of the people were from a Catholic background.
- About 6.3% were from a Protestant background.
Famous People from Toome
Many talented people come from Toome:
- Motorcycle Racers: Michael, John, and Eugene Laverty are all famous motorcycle road racers.
- Rugby Player: Willie John McBride (born 1940) is a well-known Rugby union player.
- Writer: Deirdre Madden (born 1960), a respected writer, was born in Toome.
See also
In Spanish: Toome para niños
