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Written by Compiled by Father Ryan
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Thursday, 18 January 2007 |
There were many local names still familiar today in the lists compiled by Father Ryan of the householders in the townlands in his parish during the Great Hunger.
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1
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Daniel
Magenis
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2
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Daniel
O’Hare
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3
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Mrs
James Kerr
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4
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Thomas
Cunningham
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5
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John
Trainor
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6
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Mrs
Cath O’Hare
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7
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Patrick
Morgan & Sister
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8
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John
O’Hare (Munday)
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9
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John
Rafferty
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10
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John
Dooley
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11
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Elizabeth
Bell
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12
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Matthew
Farrell
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13
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Patrick
Trainor
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14
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Owen
Connell
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15
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Mrs
Frank O’Hare
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16
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Patrick
Bell
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17
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James
Bell
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18
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Daniel
Bell
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19
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Michael
Kinley
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20
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Arthur
O’Hare
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21
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Phillip
Rafferty
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22
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Daniel
O’Hare (Art)
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23
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Peter
Rafferty, cottier
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24
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Daniel
O’Hare (Brian)
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Note the inclusion of nicknames, necessary where many in a parish shared the same surname and forename (count the number of Daniel O'Hares above).
Cottiers were the lowliest of land peasants - the special target of the authorities in the 'clearances' of 'encumbered estates'. Normally a tenant sub-let to him a tiny portion (not more than a half acre) and he and his family lived in a lean-to or out-building.
The following, in explanation of the name Carrickovaddy, was contributed by Gordon Sim, by email: we are most grateful!
"In Scots gaelic, 'ruadh a'mhadaidh' invariably means fox, therefore 'the foxes' rock' may be an alternative translation.
'A'mhadaidh' alone is almost always wolf and although scholars are inclined to suggest 'mactire' and 'faol chu' as Irish names for wolf. 'A'mhadaidh' seems to have been the common term amongst the local population with 'chu' and 'con' as better descriptions for dogs/hounds.
Wolves were plentiful in Down of the 16th/17th century, and foxes still are!"
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History 
