Castledermot
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| Castledermot Diseart Diarmad |
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| Location | ||
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| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Leinster | |
| County: | County Kildare | |
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Population (2006) |
887 | |
Castledermot (Irish: Diseart Diarmad, meaning "Dermot's Hermitage") is an inland village in the south-east of Ireland in County Kildare, about 75 km (47 mi) from Dublin, and 10 km (6 mi) from the town of Carlow. The N9 road from Dublin to Waterford passes through the village but completion of a bypass is due during 2010.
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[edit] Demographics
The population of the town was 887 at the time of the (January 2006) census, a 22% increase over the figure recorded in 2002. The settlement is growing due to its proximity to Dublin.
[edit] Natural features
The River Lerr (a tributary of the larger River Barrow, the second longest river in Ireland) flows through the town.
[edit] Places of interest
In the town there are various remains including a round tower, two high crosses and the ruins of a Franciscan friary. 5 km (3 mi) away is Kilkea Castle, once the residence of the Duke of Leinster, but now a hotel and health farm. The castle was built by the English Norman Hugh de Lacy in 1180, and later passed to the Fitzgeralds. Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare, is said to have practised magic in Kilkea Castle which earned him the nickname "the Wizard Earl".
[edit] History
The earliest known Irish Parliament met at Castledermot on 18 June 1264. Also, the oldest intact window in Western Europe can be found in the town, being part of the ruins of a Franciscan Monastery. The window, although large, is only stone work. The glass, if ever there, is long gone.[citation needed] St. Laurence O'Toole, (1128 - 1180) or Lorcán Ua Tuathail, was born at Castledermot.
[edit] Education
There are two schools in the town. The national school, Scoil Diarmada, is newly built on the Athy road out of Castledermot and opened January 2009. It has two floors, and an elevator for easier access for the disabled people. The secondary school, Colaiste Lorcain, is located on the main street.
[edit] Sport
In terms of sports, Castledermot has achieved plenty of success: Gaelic football, through Castledermot GAA, (men's and women's), hurling, Gaelic handball, basketball, soccer and cricket all experience success from under-age to senior level. Castle Villa, whose grounds are at Mullarney Park, have been Kildare senior league soccer champions on several occasions.
