Hidden amongst Dublin’s vibrant streets lies a story. A story of Middletown County Armagh. Not the Dublin Middletown you might expect. This Middletown is far from the bustling city centre. It is nestled near the border with County Monaghan. It’s a quiet village. A place where life moves at a different pace.
Middletown County Armagh boasts a rich history. Its name itself speaks volumes. Once known by the evocative Irish name Killecannagan meaning ‘Canannán’s wood’. It’s a place transformed. A testament to the changing landscape of Ireland. The rolling green hills dominate the landscape. Numerous drumlins shape the countryside. Many glens are found in the valleys between them. The River Cor flows through Middletown. It’s the village’s most prominent river. It once held a canal system as part of the Ulster Canal.
Imagine the village in the 17th century. A small Catholic border village. It almost became part of the Irish Free State. This was almost decided by the Irish Boundary Commission in 1925. A close call indeed for this little village. It clung to its identity. It remained part of Northern Ireland.
Middletown’s history isn’t just about geography and politics. It’s about people. Joe Coburn a famous Irish-American boxer was born here. He even claimed the World Heavyweight Championship in 1862. Eamon Donnelly another notable figure was born in Middletown. He was a significant player in Irish politics. He directed elections for Sinn Féin and helped found Fianna Fáil.
Education also plays a significant role in Middletown’s story. Several primary schools once existed. St John’s Boys’ School St Louis Convent School and Glasdrummond Primary School. These schools merged in the mid-1990s. They created a new school. A modern facility. A testament to changing times. The Middletown Centre for Autism was established in 2007. It’s an all-Ireland training centre. It’s a beacon of hope and progress.
The spirit of Middletown lives on in its Gaelic games. Middletown GAA club is a vibrant part of the community. They play hurling football and camogie. It’s a tradition that keeps the village alive. It is a reminder of the strong community spirit found in small villages.
Middletown’s story is a story of change. It’s a story of resilience. It’s a story of community. It’s a hidden gem. A quiet testament to Ireland’s rich and complex past. It is a place you won’t quickly forget. A hidden treasure in the heart of Ireland’s countryside.