placenamesNewcastle
An Caisleán Nua
An archival membership return names local Cumann na mBan officers, while the church at Clashganny West preserves an unusual internal arrangement.
The name
These Irish name elements are associated with this record in the Logainm glossary.
An element’s translation is a clue, rather than a complete explanation of the name. Its form and meaning depend on local history and the full Irish name.
Recorded forms
- An Caisleán Nua · Irish · main form · validated name
- Newcastle · English · main form
Place & story
A branch formed in February 1921
A Military Archives membership return dates the formation of Newcastle Cumann na mBan to February 1921. It names Mary Cooney, Frank Drohan and Con Scanlan as organisers. Among the officers listed are captain Josie Kenrick of Middlequarter and treasurer Maysie Hackett of Kilnacarriga, connecting the organisation with particular townlands inside the district. [2]
Dispatches, bandages and fundraising
The same return lists weekly roll calls, dispatch work and propaganda among the branch’s activities. It also records making bandages, washing clothing, first aid and cooking for republican columns. Money was collected for volunteers, and dances raised funds for dugouts. This record documents practical support alongside political work; it is a retrospective membership statement rather than a complete day-by-day diary. [2]
An altar at the western end
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption at Clashganny West is dated to about 1870, possibly incorporating an earlier church. Its altar stands at the western end so that the main entrance faces the road. The transept roofs run parallel to the nave, while interior arcades divide the spaces. Carved timber roofwork and a sandstone portal distinguish the building’s craftsmanship. [3]
Geographic information
Sources & further reading
- Logainm.ie — Newcastle. Place names and geographic record, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Newcastle Cumann na mBan membership return, MA-MSPC-CMB-92 · Military Archives, Military Service Pensions Collection
- Our Lady of the Assumption, NIAH 22208812 · National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
Name record retrieved 2026-10-25 · Source record modified 2025-01-10. How this page was prepared.