“The town of thieves.” Balgaddy’s name alone sparks curiosity. Situated in the ancient Royal Manor of Esker, Balgaddy has seen Ireland change through the centuries. This land was part of a vital route stretching from Tara, dating back to around 350 AD. It passed through Lucan, Esker, and Clondalkin. The route ended finally at Bohernabreena.
Once, five great roads radiated from Tara, but only small sections of the old road at Balgaddy remain. They lie between Foxborough and the turn for Earlsfort. Think about princes and merchants who travelled this highway between Lucan and Clondalkin. They moved along the Eiscir Riada.
Balgaddy bordered Lucan and Clondalkin. Until 1953, it was part of the Parish of Clondalkin, along with Lucan. Then Lucan became its own parish. Balgaddy went with it. Before that, the people of Balgaddy trudged to the church and schools in Lucan. It was a long journey by today’s standards. They also travelled to Clondalkin for confirmations.
Now, consider the Bush of Balgaddy. It marked the boundary between Lucan and Clondalkin parishes. Legend tells of a priest seeking shelter. He called at a house near the bush during a storm, but they turned him away. He had performed a marriage that wasn’t popular. Before sheltering in a shed, the priest cursed the house. Grass would grow around the door. The bush would fall. And the names of those who rejected him would vanish from the Bush House. Old people say that this came to pass. The original bush fell. Another grew but it was called unworthy. The bush stood at the junction of Clondalkin Road and Lynch’s Lane. Today, neither house nor bush remains.
Earlier in the century, Balgaddy even had its own pub. St. Judes, now a country house near Earlsfort roundabout, served as the local hostelry. In 1901, Balgaddy’s population was only 85. Goodwin’s Shop was the only other business in the area.
Today, Balgaddy, along with Ballyowen, is part of a thriving community. It has its own church and school. The parish of Divine Mercy, Lucan South, was formed in December 1995. It lies between Lucan and Clondalkin.
Remember Balgaddy’s story. Though modern life has transformed the landscape, its history remains woven into the very fabric of this place. Next time you are here, take a moment to think about the town of thieves and the stories it holds.