Tuam
Encyclopedia
Tuam is a town in County Galway
, Ireland
. The name is pronounced choo-um (ˈtʃuːəm). It is situated west of the midlands of Ireland
, and north of Galway
city.
when an area adjacent to Shop Street was used as a burial ground. The name Tuam is a cognate
with the Latin
term tumulus
(burial mound). The town's ancient name was Tuaim Dá Ghualann, i.e. the burial mound of two shoulders.
The name probably refers to the high ground on either side of the River Nanny, overlooking a probable fording point over the River Nanny (or Corchra). In 1875, a Bronze Age burial urn
was discovered in the area by workmen, dating from c.1500 B.C. An early glass photograph still exists.
The history of Tuam as a settlement dates from the early 6th century. Legend states that a monk called Jarlath
, or Iarlaith, who was a member of a religious community at Cloonfush
some four miles west of Tuam and adjacent to the religious settlement at Kilbennon. Jarlath's life became uncertain as he wished to travel. Eventually, Jarlath's abbot, Saint Benan told him to "Go, and where ever your chariot wheel breaks, there shall be the site of your new monastery and the place of your resurrection". Jarlath's wheel broke at Tuam and he established a monastery there, known as the School of Tuam
. As was typical with early settlements in Ireland, religious sites became established first and towns grew around them. Likewise, Tuam grew up around the monastery and has kept the broken chariot wheel as its heraldic
symbol.
In 1049, when Aedh O'Connor defeated Amalgaid ua Flaithbertaigh, King of Iar Connacht
, the O'Connor Kings
became Kings of all Connacht
, O'Connor built a castle at Tuam and made it his principal stronghold. This event was directly responsible for the subsequent rise in the importance of the town. In 1111, Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair became High King of Ireland
by force of arms and this brought Tuam its most prominent status as the centre of the seat of power in the 12th century.
At the Synod of Kells in 1152, the centre of government also became the ecclesiastical centre, as Tuam was erected into an Archbishopric, with Hugh O'Hession
as the first Archbishop.
Turlough Mór O'Connor, (Tairrdelbach mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair) High King of Ireland from 1128–1156, was a great patron of the Irish Church and it was due to his patronage that Tuam became the home of some masterpieces of 12th century Celtic art. Turlough was succeeded by his son Ruaidrí
(Rory), the last native High King of Ireland. In 1164, Ruaidrí had a "wonderful castle" erected, with a large courtyard defended by lofty and massive walls and a deep moat into which the adjacent river was diverted through. This was the first Irish built stone castle. A small part of the castle still stands. Following the destruction of the first Cathedral
in 1184, Rory O'Connor
left Tuam and retired to Cong Abbey
, where he entrusted the Church valuables from the Cathedral at Tuam into the care of the abbot. This left Tuam as a small, unimportant backwater and it wasn't until the early 17th century that it began to grow in importance again.
Throughout history, Tuam has been an important commercial centre with fairs and markets being an important part of commerce in the region. One of its fairs dates to 1252 when Letters Patent were granted to Archbishop MacFlynn by Henry III
. Other fairs were authorised by Charters granted by James I
and George III.
In July 1920, the town hall and other properties were burned down by armed Royal Irish Constabulary
men, after two had been killed in an ambush by the Irish Republican Army
near the town the day before.
The High Cross of Tuam was erected in 1152 possibly to commemorate the appointment of the first Archbishop of Tuam
, Archbishop Áed Ua hOissín (Hugh O'Hession). An inscription at the base calls for "A prayer for O'hOisín; for the Abbot; by whom it was made". It is reputed to have been the tallest of the High Crosses of Ireland, but its artistry is scarred by the absence of the top portion of the main shaft. The sandstone Cross was originally erected in proximity to the earliest Cathedral erected in the town, a part of which still remains and is incorporated into St Mary's Cathedral
(12th century red sandstone chancel arch in Irish Romanesque
style which is a National monument). The original High Cross or Market cross may have been erected close to what is now the Market Square and High Street. When the first Cathedral collapsed after being destroyed by fire in 1184, the High Cross was dismantled into pieces each under different ownership. The archaeologist, George Petrie, discovered the base of the High Cross c.1820 and went on to discover 2 other pieces in other locations. The High Cross also contains another portion from another High Cross, a ringed cross-section on top. In addition to the Market Cross, it is likely that there were at least four other carved stone crosses from the Connor's reign in the town. An area close to the town Square, known as the Shambles, which continued to function as a market place until recently, was also at one point the location of the Market Cross until 1721.
The Cross was then brought to Dublin for the Great Exhibition of 1852. However, prior to its return to Tuam, a disagreement arose between the two Churches. Catholic Archbishop Dr. John MacHale
claimed the Cross rightfully belonged to Catholics, with Dean Charles Seymour of the Church of Ireland asserting a Protestant claim. Agreement was reached with the Cross erected half way between both Cathedrals and positioned so that it was visible from all main streets of the town. It was situated in the Square in the town centre in 1874.
By the late 1980s, it was evident that the decorative stone carving of the Cross was deteriorating due to weathering and pollution. It was also felt that there was a danger from traffic passing within feet of the monument. After lengthy discussions, the Office of Public Works, removed the monument from the Square in April 1992. Following cleaning and minor restoration the High Cross was re-erected in the south transept of St. Mary's Cathedral where it is now situated, in proximity to its original location. St. Mary's Cathedral also houses the shaft of a third Cross fashioned from limestone. It is thought that all of the High Crosses would have marked the boundaries of the monastic section of Tuam.
which enabled the Tuam Parliamentary constituency
to send two representatives to Irish House of Commons
until its abolition in 1881. The charter also established a formal local authority with an elected sovereign and 12 burgesses. The sovereign was sworn into office at the site of the "Chair of Tuam" which is believed to be situated within the remaining tower of Rory O'Connor's castle. A monumental "Chair of Tuam" was unveiled in May 1980 by the late Cardinal Tomás O'Fiaich.
es at the sides, represent the two hills or shoulders of Tuam’s ancient name, Tuaim Dhá Ghualainn. The two crowns recall the High Kings, Turlough and Rory O’Connor who were based in Tuam. The broken chariot wheel being a reminder of the foundation of the monastic town, when St. Jarlath’s chariot wheel broke. The motto of the town, Tuath Thuama go Buan, translates as Long Live the People of Tuam.
, MacHale Vocational School (Mixed), Presentation College Currylea and St Bridget's Secondary School. St. Patrick's College
(formerly Tuam Christian Brothers School), was amalgamated with St. Jarlath's College in June 2009. There are 4 main primary schools, Mercy Convent and the Presentation Convent for girls, St. Patrick's Primary School for boys, and Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha, an Irish language primary school (bunscoil lán Ghaeilge) for both boys and girls.
(Roman Catholic), seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam
, and the Church of Ireland
's St. Mary's Cathedral
. The town's patron saint
is St. Jarlath.
tradition: Tuam Stars
, founded in 1888, is the local Gaelic football
team, and are one of Galway's most successful clubs. From the period 1953–1960, Tuam Stars were the dominant force in the Galway County Championship winning seven titles in a row, with players such as Seán Purcell
and Frank Stockwell
playing at the time. St. Jarlath's College
, Tuam has won the Hogan Cup
(National Championship for secondary schools) a record 12 times since the competition began in 1946. The parish has a second Gaelic football club, Cortoon Shamrocks
, founded in 1888.
Tuam Stadium St Jarlath's Park was officially opened on May 21, 1950 by the Archbishop of Tuam, Rev. Dr. Walsh. It became “the home of Galway football” and has a long history and tradition, having hosted many important matches including Connacht Senior Football Finals. A new €5 million redevelopment project has been granted planning permission including a new 6,400 capacity stand and ancillary facilities. Tuam Stadium Development Committee is currently fundraising for this ambitious project.http://www.tuamstadium.com/
, founded in 1974 who play their home matches at Celtic Park, Cloonthue. Dynamo Blues
, founded in 1978 whose home is the College Field, Athenry Road.
joined Tuam Golf Club as club professional in 1948.
In order to develop an 18 hole course, Tuam Golf Club relocated to Barnacurragh (close to the original Cloonascragh course) and a new clubhouse and the first 9 holes were opened in 1975. 18 holes came into play by 1979, on the course designed by golf architect, Eddie Hackett
. Improvement works have continued over the years with Christy O'Connor Jnr
advising the club on course improvement works. The most recent design work have been under the guidance of golf architect Ken Kearney.
Earwig! Tuam Community Arts Group was formed in October 2003 to provide Tuam and its surroundings with an outlet for its creative talent. Since 2003, the group has organised the Earwig! Tuam Arts Festival which includes visual arts, theatre, drama, spectacle, children's arts workshops, street performance and music. The festival has now established itself as one of the highlights of the West of Ireland's arts scene. Earwig! also takes part in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Tuam with an emphasis on bringing movement and spectacle.
are perhaps the town's most famous band, many more bands and performers from the town have gained popularity both nationally and internationally. In the 60's, Tuam was once known as 'The Showband Capital of Ireland' because at one time, no less than six top class showbands called the well known market town home. The best known of these was the Johnny Flynn Showband, a musical combination with its roots firmly in the tradition of the Tuam Brass Band. Later, punk music stemmed bands like Blaze X
(who's single 'Some Hope' was a hit in Ireland), Too Much For The White Man and All Cats Are Grey (who once supported English new-wave band New Order
). The 90's saw some heavier bands emerge from the town like Overruled and Electric Church. More recently, musicians like Noelie McDonnell
, The Coonics, The Ralphs and So Cow have made great strides on the Irish music scene. In 2009, a compilation CD of over 50 original songs, all by musicians from Tuam, entitled 'Songs from the Broken Wheel' was released. In the same year a short documentary by filmmaker Stephen Cassidy about the popular music scene in Tuam was made and can be viewed on YouTube
.
is a weekly local newspaper, founded in 1837 by Richard Kelly, which serves the town of Tuam and the surrounding areas of north County Galway, south Mayo and west Roscommon. It is County Galway's oldest newspaper and the fifth oldest newspaper in the Republic of Ireland.
with:
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. The name is pronounced choo-um (ˈtʃuːəm). It is situated west of the midlands of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, and north of Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
city.
History
The record of human settlement in Tuam dates back to the Bronze AgeBronze Age
The Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age...
when an area adjacent to Shop Street was used as a burial ground. The name Tuam is a cognate
Cognate
In linguistics, cognates are words that have a common etymological origin. This learned term derives from the Latin cognatus . Cognates within the same language are called doublets. Strictly speaking, loanwords from another language are usually not meant by the term, e.g...
with the Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
term tumulus
Tumulus
A tumulus is a mound of earth and stones raised over a grave or graves. Tumuli are also known as barrows, burial mounds, Hügelgrab or kurgans, and can be found throughout much of the world. A tumulus composed largely or entirely of stones is usually referred to as a cairn...
(burial mound). The town's ancient name was Tuaim Dá Ghualann, i.e. the burial mound of two shoulders.
The name probably refers to the high ground on either side of the River Nanny, overlooking a probable fording point over the River Nanny (or Corchra). In 1875, a Bronze Age burial urn
Urn
An urn is a vase, ordinarily covered, that usually has a narrowed neck above a footed pedestal. "Knife urns" placed on pedestals flanking a dining-room sideboard were an English innovation for high-style dining rooms of the late 1760s...
was discovered in the area by workmen, dating from c.1500 B.C. An early glass photograph still exists.
The history of Tuam as a settlement dates from the early 6th century. Legend states that a monk called Jarlath
Jarlath
Saint Iarlaithe mac Loga, also known as Jarlath , was an Irish priest and scholar from Connacht, remembered as the founder of the monastic School of Tuam and patron saint of the Archdiocese of Tuam...
, or Iarlaith, who was a member of a religious community at Cloonfush
Cloonfush
Cloonfush is a village located approximately 2 miles from Tuam in County Galway, Ireland. It is substantially surrounded by River Clare, which flows into the Corrib. Adjacent villages are Kilmore, Sylane, and Killaloonty....
some four miles west of Tuam and adjacent to the religious settlement at Kilbennon. Jarlath's life became uncertain as he wished to travel. Eventually, Jarlath's abbot, Saint Benan told him to "Go, and where ever your chariot wheel breaks, there shall be the site of your new monastery and the place of your resurrection". Jarlath's wheel broke at Tuam and he established a monastery there, known as the School of Tuam
School of Tuam
The School of Tuam was founded by St. Jarlath. During the eleventh century, it rivaled Clonmacnoise as the centre of Celtic art.It was founded when St...
. As was typical with early settlements in Ireland, religious sites became established first and towns grew around them. Likewise, Tuam grew up around the monastery and has kept the broken chariot wheel as its heraldic
Heraldry
Heraldry is the profession, study, or art of creating, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions of rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. Heraldry comes from Anglo-Norman herald, from the Germanic compound harja-waldaz, "army commander"...
symbol.
In 1049, when Aedh O'Connor defeated Amalgaid ua Flaithbertaigh, King of Iar Connacht
Iar Connacht
Iar Chonnachta , was a region covering all of County Galway west of the river Corrib and Lough Corrib; Maigh Seola; and part of the barony of Ross in County Mayo.-Description:The area of Co...
, the O'Connor Kings
O'Conor Don
The Ó Conchubhair Donn is the hereditary Prince and Chief of the Name of the Royal Family of Connacht, the Clan Ó Conchubhair.-Overview:...
became Kings of all Connacht
Kings of Connacht
The Kings of Connacht were rulers of the cóiced of Connacht, which lies west of the River Shannon, Ireland. However, the name only became applied to it in the early medieval era, being named after The Connachta.The old name for the province was Cóiced Ol nEchmacht . Ptolemy's map of c. 150 AD...
, O'Connor built a castle at Tuam and made it his principal stronghold. This event was directly responsible for the subsequent rise in the importance of the town. In 1111, Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair became High King of Ireland
High King of Ireland
The High Kings of Ireland were sometimes historical and sometimes legendary figures who had, or who are claimed to have had, lordship over the whole of Ireland. Medieval and early modern Irish literature portrays an almost unbroken sequence of High Kings, ruling from Tara over a hierarchy of...
by force of arms and this brought Tuam its most prominent status as the centre of the seat of power in the 12th century.
At the Synod of Kells in 1152, the centre of government also became the ecclesiastical centre, as Tuam was erected into an Archbishopric, with Hugh O'Hession
Hugh O'Hession
-Biography:Ua hOissín was one of four bishops granted pallia at the Synod of Kells in 1152 by the papal legate Cardinal Archbishop Giovanni Paparoni ....
as the first Archbishop.
Turlough Mór O'Connor, (Tairrdelbach mac Ruaidri Ua Conchobair) High King of Ireland from 1128–1156, was a great patron of the Irish Church and it was due to his patronage that Tuam became the home of some masterpieces of 12th century Celtic art. Turlough was succeeded by his son Ruaidrí
Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair
Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair , often anglicised Rory O'Connor, reigned as King of Connacht from 1156 to 1186, and from 1166 to 1198 was the last High King before the Norman invasion of Ireland .Ruaidrí was one of over twenty sons of King...
(Rory), the last native High King of Ireland. In 1164, Ruaidrí had a "wonderful castle" erected, with a large courtyard defended by lofty and massive walls and a deep moat into which the adjacent river was diverted through. This was the first Irish built stone castle. A small part of the castle still stands. Following the destruction of the first Cathedral
Cathedral
A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
in 1184, Rory O'Connor
Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair
Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair , often anglicised Rory O'Connor, reigned as King of Connacht from 1156 to 1186, and from 1166 to 1198 was the last High King before the Norman invasion of Ireland .Ruaidrí was one of over twenty sons of King...
left Tuam and retired to Cong Abbey
Cong Abbey
Cong Abbey is a historic site located at Cong, on the borders of counties Galway and Mayo, in Ireland's province of Connacht. Founded in the early 7th century, by Saint Feichin, the abbey was destroyed by fire in the early 12th century. Turlough Mor O’Connor, the High King of Ireland, refounded the...
, where he entrusted the Church valuables from the Cathedral at Tuam into the care of the abbot. This left Tuam as a small, unimportant backwater and it wasn't until the early 17th century that it began to grow in importance again.
Throughout history, Tuam has been an important commercial centre with fairs and markets being an important part of commerce in the region. One of its fairs dates to 1252 when Letters Patent were granted to Archbishop MacFlynn by Henry III
Henry III of England
Henry III was the son and successor of John as King of England, reigning for 56 years from 1216 until his death. His contemporaries knew him as Henry of Winchester. He was the first child king in England since the reign of Æthelred the Unready...
. Other fairs were authorised by Charters granted by James I
James I of England
James VI and I was King of Scots as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the English and Scottish crowns on 24 March 1603...
and George III.
In July 1920, the town hall and other properties were burned down by armed Royal Irish Constabulary
Royal Irish Constabulary
The armed Royal Irish Constabulary was Ireland's major police force for most of the nineteenth and the early twentieth centuries. A separate civic police force, the unarmed Dublin Metropolitan Police controlled the capital, and the cities of Derry and Belfast, originally with their own police...
men, after two had been killed in an ambush by the Irish Republican Army
Irish Republican Army
The Irish Republican Army was an Irish republican revolutionary military organisation. It was descended from the Irish Volunteers, an organisation established on 25 November 1913 that staged the Easter Rising in April 1916...
near the town the day before.
The High Crosses of Tuam
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam
The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tuam is a Roman Catholic archdiocese in western Ireland. According to tradition, the "Diocese of Tuam" was established in the sixth century by St. Jarlath...
, Archbishop Áed Ua hOissín (Hugh O'Hession). An inscription at the base calls for "A prayer for O'hOisín; for the Abbot; by whom it was made". It is reputed to have been the tallest of the High Crosses of Ireland, but its artistry is scarred by the absence of the top portion of the main shaft. The sandstone Cross was originally erected in proximity to the earliest Cathedral erected in the town, a part of which still remains and is incorporated into St Mary's Cathedral
St Mary's Cathedral, Tuam
St Mary's Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry in the Church of Ireland. It is located in Tuam, County Galway in Ireland. From the 12th century until 1839, both before and after the Reformation, it was the seat of the former Archdiocese of Tuam...
(12th century red sandstone chancel arch in Irish Romanesque
Romanesque architecture
Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterised by semi-circular arches. There is no consensus for the beginning date of the Romanesque architecture, with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 10th century. It developed in the 12th century into the Gothic style,...
style which is a National monument). The original High Cross or Market cross may have been erected close to what is now the Market Square and High Street. When the first Cathedral collapsed after being destroyed by fire in 1184, the High Cross was dismantled into pieces each under different ownership. The archaeologist, George Petrie, discovered the base of the High Cross c.1820 and went on to discover 2 other pieces in other locations. The High Cross also contains another portion from another High Cross, a ringed cross-section on top. In addition to the Market Cross, it is likely that there were at least four other carved stone crosses from the Connor's reign in the town. An area close to the town Square, known as the Shambles, which continued to function as a market place until recently, was also at one point the location of the Market Cross until 1721.
The Cross was then brought to Dublin for the Great Exhibition of 1852. However, prior to its return to Tuam, a disagreement arose between the two Churches. Catholic Archbishop Dr. John MacHale
John MacHale
John MacHale was the Irish Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tuam, and Irish Nationalist.He laboured and wrote to secure Catholic Emancipation, legislative independence, justice for tenants and the poor, and vigorously assailed the proselytizers and the anti-Catholic anti-national system of public...
claimed the Cross rightfully belonged to Catholics, with Dean Charles Seymour of the Church of Ireland asserting a Protestant claim. Agreement was reached with the Cross erected half way between both Cathedrals and positioned so that it was visible from all main streets of the town. It was situated in the Square in the town centre in 1874.
By the late 1980s, it was evident that the decorative stone carving of the Cross was deteriorating due to weathering and pollution. It was also felt that there was a danger from traffic passing within feet of the monument. After lengthy discussions, the Office of Public Works, removed the monument from the Square in April 1992. Following cleaning and minor restoration the High Cross was re-erected in the south transept of St. Mary's Cathedral where it is now situated, in proximity to its original location. St. Mary's Cathedral also houses the shaft of a third Cross fashioned from limestone. It is thought that all of the High Crosses would have marked the boundaries of the monastic section of Tuam.
The Chair of Tuam
In 1613, Tuam received a royal charter from James IJames I of England
James VI and I was King of Scots as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the English and Scottish crowns on 24 March 1603...
which enabled the Tuam Parliamentary constituency
Tuam (Parliament of Ireland constituency)
Tuam was a constituency represented in the Irish House of Commons to 1800.-1692–1801:...
to send two representatives to Irish House of Commons
Irish House of Commons
The Irish House of Commons was the lower house of the Parliament of Ireland, that existed from 1297 until 1800. The upper house was the House of Lords...
until its abolition in 1881. The charter also established a formal local authority with an elected sovereign and 12 burgesses. The sovereign was sworn into office at the site of the "Chair of Tuam" which is believed to be situated within the remaining tower of Rory O'Connor's castle. A monumental "Chair of Tuam" was unveiled in May 1980 by the late Cardinal Tomás O'Fiaich.
Coat of arms
The red Latin cross is representative of Tuam’s importance as an ecclesiastical centre. The double green flaunchFlaunch
In heraldry, flaunches or flanches or flanks are among the ordinaries or subordinaries, consisting of two arcs of circles protruding into the field from the sides of the shield. The flaunch is never borne singly....
es at the sides, represent the two hills or shoulders of Tuam’s ancient name, Tuaim Dhá Ghualainn. The two crowns recall the High Kings, Turlough and Rory O’Connor who were based in Tuam. The broken chariot wheel being a reminder of the foundation of the monastic town, when St. Jarlath’s chariot wheel broke. The motto of the town, Tuath Thuama go Buan, translates as Long Live the People of Tuam.
Transport
- Tuam is served by the N17 road (Galway to SligoSligoSligo is the county town of County Sligo in Ireland. The town is a borough and has a charter and a town mayor. It is sometimes referred to as a city, and sometimes as a town, and is the second largest urban area in Connacht...
) and the N83 roadN83 road (Ireland)The N83 road is a national secondary road in Ireland that runs from its junction with the N17 just south of Ireland West Airport Knock in County Mayo to a point just north of Tuam, County Galway where it rejoins the N17.Total length is ....
(to BallyhaunisBallyhaunisBallyhaunis is a town in County Mayo, Ireland. It is situated at the crossroads of the N60 and N83 National secondary roads and on the railway line connecting Dublin to Westport and Ballina....
) as well as R332 and R347. A bypass of the N17 (avoiding the currently congested junctions to the west of the town) is also planned, with land acquisition commencing by Galway County Council in late 2006. It is interesting to note that the design of this highway includes a bridge over the existing mothballed railway lines, thus acknowledging the potential future re-opening of the line. - Tuam railway stationTuam railway stationTuam railway station is a planned railway station intended to serve the town of Tuam in County Galway.-History:The station was originally opened in 1860 as part of the Waterford, Limerick and Western Railway route between Limerick and Sligo, and was the major stop on the section between Athenry and...
is located on the for the moment disused railway lineHistory of rail transport in IrelandThe history of rail transport in Ireland began only a decade later than that of Great Britain. By its peak in 1920, Ireland counted 5,500 route kilometers...
from LimerickLimerickLimerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the...
to Sligo. There was a successful campaign (West-on-track) to have the line reopened as a Western Railway CorridorWestern Railway CorridorThe Western Railway Corridor , or Conair Iarnróid an Iarthair , in Ireland is a recent term for a mostly disused railway line running through the West of Ireland...
which was recognised in the Transport21 project. Construction work is well underway (with a 2009 opening date) on the line between Ennis and Athenry. Passengers trains will run again between Limerick and Athenry/Galway with further extensions planned. Tuam railway station opened on 27 September 1860, closed to passenger traffic on 5 April 1976 and finally closed altogether on 18 December 1978. The rail lines were heavily used by trains transporting sugar beet to the Irish Sugar Factory (Comhlucht Siúcra Éireann Teo.) formerly located off the Ballygaddy Road. The train line was used during the filming of "The Quiet Man", and can be seen when John Wayne disembarks at Ballyglunin, around 6 km (4 mi) from Tuam. - Tuam is served by Bus ÉireannBus ÉireannBus Éireann provides bus services in Ireland with the exception of those operated entirely within the Dublin Region, which are provided by Dublin Bus. Bus Éireann, established as a separate company in 1987, is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann. The logo of Bus Éireann incorporates a red Irish...
routes 25, 52, 64, 417, 429 and 433.
Education
Tuam is the location of several second level educational institutions, St. Jarlath's CollegeSt. Jarlath's College
St. Jarlath's College is a Roman Catholic secondary school for boys in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland. It is an amalgamation of the former St. Jarlath's College and St...
, MacHale Vocational School (Mixed), Presentation College Currylea and St Bridget's Secondary School. St. Patrick's College
St. Patrick's College, Tuam
St. Patrick's College was a Roman Catholic secondary school for boys in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland.The college was named after St. Patrick, as the foundation stone of the school was laid on St. Patrick's Day, 17th March 1860. The school was amalgamated with nearby St. Jarlath's College in 2009,...
(formerly Tuam Christian Brothers School), was amalgamated with St. Jarlath's College in June 2009. There are 4 main primary schools, Mercy Convent and the Presentation Convent for girls, St. Patrick's Primary School for boys, and Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha, an Irish language primary school (bunscoil lán Ghaeilge) for both boys and girls.
Religion
Tuam has two cathedrals; The Cathedral of the AssumptionTuam Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuam, commonly called Tuam Cathedral, is the cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam in Ireland. The geographic remit of the Archdiocese includes half of County Galway, half of County Mayo and part of County Roscommon...
(Roman Catholic), seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam
The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tuam is a Roman Catholic archdiocese in western Ireland. According to tradition, the "Diocese of Tuam" was established in the sixth century by St. Jarlath...
, and the Church of Ireland
Church of Ireland
The Church of Ireland is an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion. The church operates in all parts of Ireland and is the second largest religious body on the island after the Roman Catholic Church...
's St. Mary's Cathedral
St Mary's Cathedral, Tuam
St Mary's Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry in the Church of Ireland. It is located in Tuam, County Galway in Ireland. From the 12th century until 1839, both before and after the Reformation, it was the seat of the former Archdiocese of Tuam...
. The town's patron saint
Patron saint
A patron saint is a saint who is regarded as the intercessor and advocate in heaven of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, family, or person...
is St. Jarlath.
Gaelic Games
The town has a strong Gaelic Athletic AssociationGaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
tradition: Tuam Stars
Tuam Stars
Tuam Stars is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Tuam area in County Galway, Ireland. The club is a member of the Galway GAA. Underage teams up to U-16's play in the Galway league and championships while Minor, Junior, and Senior compete in their respective competitions in the North...
, founded in 1888, is the local Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
team, and are one of Galway's most successful clubs. From the period 1953–1960, Tuam Stars were the dominant force in the Galway County Championship winning seven titles in a row, with players such as Seán Purcell
Seán Purcell
Seán Purcell , nicknamed "The Master", was a famous Gaelic footballer for County Galway.Best known as a centre half forward, his versatility saw him used in virtually all outfield positions throughout an illustrious career. He was recognised by many football enthusiasts as one of the greatest...
and Frank Stockwell
Frank Stockwell
Frank Stockwell was an Irish sportsman who played Gaelic football with his local club Tuam Stars and was a member of the Galway, Louth and London inter-county teams at various periods from 1949 until 1960. Stockwell is regarded as Galway’s greatest-ever full forward.Stockwell began his...
playing at the time. St. Jarlath's College
St. Jarlath's College
St. Jarlath's College is a Roman Catholic secondary school for boys in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland. It is an amalgamation of the former St. Jarlath's College and St...
, Tuam has won the Hogan Cup
Hogan Cup
The Hogan Cup 1946-48 & 1957-) is the cup presented to the winners of the colleges All-Ireland "A" senior football championship, the top level Gaelic football championship for secondary schools in Ireland. The competition itself is regularly referred to by reference to the trophy's name.St...
(National Championship for secondary schools) a record 12 times since the competition began in 1946. The parish has a second Gaelic football club, Cortoon Shamrocks
Cortoon Shamrocks
Cortoon Shamrocks is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in County Galway, Ireland. The club is a member of the Galway GAA. Underage teams up to U-16's play in the Galway league and championships and they compete at all levels of Galway football...
, founded in 1888.
Tuam Stadium St Jarlath's Park was officially opened on May 21, 1950 by the Archbishop of Tuam, Rev. Dr. Walsh. It became “the home of Galway football” and has a long history and tradition, having hosted many important matches including Connacht Senior Football Finals. A new €5 million redevelopment project has been granted planning permission including a new 6,400 capacity stand and ancillary facilities. Tuam Stadium Development Committee is currently fundraising for this ambitious project.http://www.tuamstadium.com/
Football
There are also two local soccer teams: Tuam Celtic A.F.C.Tuam Celtic F.C.
Tuam Celtic A.F.C. is a football club from Tuam, Co. Galway, Ireland founded in 1974.Their Senior XI currently competes in the Galway & District League First Division. The 'B' XI compete in the Galway & District League Division 4B...
, founded in 1974 who play their home matches at Celtic Park, Cloonthue. Dynamo Blues
Dynamo Blues F.C.
Dynamo Blues F.C. is a football club founded in 1978, from Tuam, Co. Galway, Ireland.Their most senior team currently competes in the Galway & District League Premier League. A second team competes in the Reserve League....
, founded in 1978 whose home is the College Field, Athenry Road.
Rugby
Rugby, while third to football and soccer, has long been popular in Tuam. Tuam RFC draws its members from Tuam and its hinterland and plays its home matches at Garraun Park, Dublin Road.Golf
Tuam Golf Club was established on the 17th October 1904 with the original clubhouse situated at Cloonascragh on the Athenry Rd. Later, the club relocated to Mayfield, on the Dunmore Rd., in 1937 due to a deterioration of the Cloonascragh course. Although, in March 1940 a new club called the Commercial Golf Club was established, which renovated the course and remained for many years at Cloonascragh. World renowned Irish golfer Christy O'Connor SnrChristy O'Connor Snr
Christy O'Connor is a former Irish professional golferO'Connor was born in Knocknacarra, Galway. He turned professional in 1946. Throughout the 1960s he won at least one professional event during each year on the British Tour, a level of consistent success matched by very few other players...
joined Tuam Golf Club as club professional in 1948.
In order to develop an 18 hole course, Tuam Golf Club relocated to Barnacurragh (close to the original Cloonascragh course) and a new clubhouse and the first 9 holes were opened in 1975. 18 holes came into play by 1979, on the course designed by golf architect, Eddie Hackett
Eddie Hackett
Eddie Hackett was an Irish golf course architect.Eddie Hackett was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1910. As a boy he suffered from tuberculosis, the effects of which left him without the strength or stamina to play active sports. He began playing golf with his father, and as a teenager got a job at his...
. Improvement works have continued over the years with Christy O'Connor Jnr
Christy O'Connor Jnr
Christy O'Connor Jnr is an Irish golfer. He is known as "Junior" because he is the nephew of another leading Irish golfer Christy O'Connor.O'Connor was born in Galway. He turned professional in 1967...
advising the club on course improvement works. The most recent design work have been under the guidance of golf architect Ken Kearney.
Athletics
Tuam Athletics Club is a thriving club, which, in addition to its many juvenile training sessions, holds training sessions and meets for adults.Gymnastics
Tuam All Star Gymnastics Club, runs classes from its Athenry Road base. The club boasts All - Ireland success, taking its first national title in 2002 and club members have competed internationally. The club also takes part in local St Patrick's Day parades and Tuam's Summer arts festival and many other local events. In 2010 the club reached the semi-finals of the All Ireland Talent Show.Swimming
Tuam Swimming Club has been promoting swimming in the Tuam area since the its foundation in 1950. Today there are approximately 100 swimmers regularly training. After a number of years out of the national limelight Tuam swimmers are once again beginning to make an impression in swimming galas at local and provincial level. The Club season runs from September to the end of June each year.The Arts
The Marian Choral Society was formed in 1974, with an initial aim to sing church and secular music. Then, in 1977, the first musical production was staged, with an annual show each October since. The society has a proud record stretching back to 1977 of never repeating a show.Earwig! Tuam Community Arts Group was formed in October 2003 to provide Tuam and its surroundings with an outlet for its creative talent. Since 2003, the group has organised the Earwig! Tuam Arts Festival which includes visual arts, theatre, drama, spectacle, children's arts workshops, street performance and music. The festival has now established itself as one of the highlights of the West of Ireland's arts scene. Earwig! also takes part in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Tuam with an emphasis on bringing movement and spectacle.
Music
Tuam is long known to have a vibrant music scene. While The Saw DoctorsThe Saw Doctors
The Saw Doctors are an Irish rock band. Formed in 1986 in Tuam, County Galway, they have achieved eighteen Top 30 singles in Ireland, including three number ones. Their first number one, "I Useta Lover," topped the Irish charts for nine consecutive weeks in 1990, and still holds the record for the...
are perhaps the town's most famous band, many more bands and performers from the town have gained popularity both nationally and internationally. In the 60's, Tuam was once known as 'The Showband Capital of Ireland' because at one time, no less than six top class showbands called the well known market town home. The best known of these was the Johnny Flynn Showband, a musical combination with its roots firmly in the tradition of the Tuam Brass Band. Later, punk music stemmed bands like Blaze X
Blaze X
Blaze X were an Irish punk band. The band was formed in Tuam, Co. Galway. They released a successful single in 1980, Some Hope which became Larry Gogan's Hit song of the week on 2FM. It's b-side, Rippy, about serial killer The Yorkshire Ripper was banned by the RTE. Their finest moment came when...
(who's single 'Some Hope' was a hit in Ireland), Too Much For The White Man and All Cats Are Grey (who once supported English new-wave band New Order
New Order
New Order are an English rock band formed in 1980 by Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris...
). The 90's saw some heavier bands emerge from the town like Overruled and Electric Church. More recently, musicians like Noelie McDonnell
Noelie McDonnell
Noelie McDonnell is an Irish singer-songwriter from Tuam, Co. Galway. His debut release was an E.P entitled Downhome in 2004. His debut self-titled album released in 2005, was considered a hit, and its opening song, Stars was picked as Ian Dempsey's Song of the Week on his radio show on Today FM.In...
, The Coonics, The Ralphs and So Cow have made great strides on the Irish music scene. In 2009, a compilation CD of over 50 original songs, all by musicians from Tuam, entitled 'Songs from the Broken Wheel' was released. In the same year a short documentary by filmmaker Stephen Cassidy about the popular music scene in Tuam was made and can be viewed on YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
.
The Old Tuam Society
The Old Tuam Society was founded 1942 with a view to preserving a record of the town’s illustrious past and to foster and promote that knowledge for the benefit of future generations. The new society was open to “all those who are interested in its aims, namely the preservation and study of the antiquities of Tuam and district.” Young and old were welcome as well as “members of the fair sex.” An invitation was issued to Tuam people scattered far and wide to join the circle for an annual subscription of two shillings and six pence. The society publish an annual called JOTS (Journal of the Old Tuam Society).Market Day
The Tuam market was revived in 2006 by the Energise Tuam, a group which organised by local traders in conjunction with Tuam Chamber of Commerce in an effort to promote shopping in the town. It currently takes place on the last Saturday of every month, at the plaza in front of Tuam Shopping Centre. In the future, Galway County Council has earmarked the Shambles car park nearer the town centre as the market’s location on a permanent basis.Media
The Tuam HeraldTuam Herald
The Tuam Herald is a weekly Irish newspaper, founded in 1837 by Richard Kelly, which serves the town of Tuam and County Galway. It has a circulation of about 10,000 copies.Jim Carney...
is a weekly local newspaper, founded in 1837 by Richard Kelly, which serves the town of Tuam and the surrounding areas of north County Galway, south Mayo and west Roscommon. It is County Galway's oldest newspaper and the fifth oldest newspaper in the Republic of Ireland.
Twin towns
Tuam is twinnedTown twinning
Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...
with:
- Straubing
StraubingStraubing is an independent city in Lower Bavaria, southern Germany. It is seat of the district of Straubing-Bogen. Annually in August the Gäubodenvolksfest, the second largest fair in Bavaria, is held....
, GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
Places of interest
- Temple Jarlath at High Street, marks the site of the earliest monastic settlement in Tuam, established by JarlathJarlathSaint Iarlaithe mac Loga, also known as Jarlath , was an Irish priest and scholar from Connacht, remembered as the founder of the monastic School of Tuam and patron saint of the Archdiocese of Tuam...
circa 526-527 AD. Temple Jarlath is situated near the town centre. It marks the site of an early monastic settlement dedicated to St Jarlath, Tuam's 6th century patron. The surviving ruins include a late 13th century parish church containing an east window in Transitional style. - The Mill Museum - This undershot water wheelWater wheelA water wheel is a machine for converting the energy of free-flowing or falling water into useful forms of power. A water wheel consists of a large wooden or metal wheel, with a number of blades or buckets arranged on the outside rim forming the driving surface...
mill found off Shop Street, which traces its origin to the 17th century, was in operation until 1964. It is the only preserved corn mill in the West of Ireland. The Mill Museum complex, located beside the river Nanny, consists of the restored corn mill with operating water wheel, an audiovisual museum and Tourist Information Office. - Cathedral of the AssumptionTuam CathedralThe Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuam, commonly called Tuam Cathedral, is the cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam in Ireland. The geographic remit of the Archdiocese includes half of County Galway, half of County Mayo and part of County Roscommon...
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of TuamRoman Catholic Archdiocese of TuamThe Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tuam is a Roman Catholic archdiocese in western Ireland. According to tradition, the "Diocese of Tuam" was established in the sixth century by St. Jarlath...
in County GalwayCounty GalwayCounty Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
.
- St. Mary's CathedralSt Mary's Cathedral, TuamSt Mary's Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry in the Church of Ireland. It is located in Tuam, County Galway in Ireland. From the 12th century until 1839, both before and after the Reformation, it was the seat of the former Archdiocese of Tuam...
- The Church of IrelandChurch of IrelandThe Church of Ireland is an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion. The church operates in all parts of Ireland and is the second largest religious body on the island after the Roman Catholic Church...
CathedralCathedralA cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
was built 1861–1878, incorporating a 12th-century arch and sanctuary, and a 14th-century chancel. - Castle HackettCastle HackettCastle Hackett is a 13th-century tower house located at the base of Knockma hill six miles southeast of Tuam, County Galway, Ireland.- History :...
- a castle near Tuam, was home of the Hackett family at first; later of the Kirwans after the Cromwellian settlement. Many scenes from the 1969 movie Alfred the GreatAlfred the Great (film)Alfred the Great is a 1969 epic film which portrayed Alfred the Great's struggle to rid Wessex of the invading Danes, in the 870s AD. It starred David Hemmings in the title role.-Plot:...
were filmed in the environs of Castlehackett and KnockmaCnoc MeadhaCnoc Meadha is a hill west of Tuam, County Galway, in Ireland.It is said in legend to be the residence of Finnbheara, the king of the Connacht fairies. Of two large cairns on the hill, one was thought to be the burial-place of Finnbheara and the other of Queen Medb, whose name may be transformed...
.
Notable people
in chronological order:- Amergin of Maigh SeólaAmergin of Maigh SeólaAmergin of Maigh Seóla, father of Finbarr of Cork, fl. c. 550.Amergin is described as an artisan from Connacht, and a member of the Uí Briúin. He is said to have belonged to branch of that ruled Maigh Seóla, although they would not be reckoned among the Uí Briúin till the 10th century, use of the...
, father of Saint Finbar - Rúaidhri Ua FlaithbheartaighRúaidhri Ua Flaithbheartaigh-Biography:Áed in Gai Bernaig, King of Connacht from 1046 to 1067, had invaded and conquored Maigh Seóla in 1051, blinding its king. Ruaidhri, king since 1059, and the family rebelled, leading to the battle of Glen Patrick....
, King of Iar ConnachtIar ConnachtIar Chonnachta , was a region covering all of County Galway west of the river Corrib and Lough Corrib; Maigh Seola; and part of the barony of Ross in County Mayo.-Description:The area of Co... - Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair, King of IrelandKing of IrelandA monarchical polity has existed in Ireland during three periods of its history, finally ending in 1801. The designation King of Ireland and Queen of Ireland was used during these periods...
- Áed Ua hOissín, (Hugh O'Hession) - first Archbishop of Tuam
- Seán Ó MaolalaidhSeán Ó Maolalaidh-Ó Maolalaidh of Máenmaige:The Ó Maolalaidhs were, with the Ó Nechtains , one of the two leading septs of Máenmaige in western Uí Maine...
, Chief of the Name (Lally) - Tomás Ó MaolalaidhTomás Ó MaolalaidhTomás Ó Maolalaidh was an Irish churchman who became Bishop of Clonmacnoise and Archbishop of Tuam ....
, Bishop of ClonmacnoiseBishop of ClonmacnoiseBishop of Clonmacnoise was the ordinary of the Roman Catholic episcopal see based at Clonmacnoise, County Offaly, Ireland. The bishops of Clonmacnoise appear in the records for the first time in the 9th century, although inferior in status to the Abbot of Clonmacnoise until the reformation of the...
and Archbishop of TuamArchbishop of TuamThe Archbishop of Tuam is an archiepiscopal title which takes its name after the town of Tuam in County Galway, Ireland. The title was used by the Church of Ireland until 1839, and is still in use by the Roman Catholic Church.-History:... - Sir Gerard LallyGerard LallySir Gerald Lally was an Irish Jacobite and French military officer.He was the second son of Thomas Lally of Tullaghnadaly, by his wife, Jane, sister of Theobald Dillon, 7th Viscount Dillon, and younger brother of James Lally...
, an Irish Jacobite and French military officer - James Ellis FlemingJames Ellis Fleming-Ancestry and claim:Fleming was a resident of Tuam, County Galway, and claimed to be a direct descendant of Simon Fleming, 1st Baron Slane was the first Baron Slane....
, claimant to title of 20th Baron Slane - John MacHaleJohn MacHaleJohn MacHale was the Irish Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tuam, and Irish Nationalist.He laboured and wrote to secure Catholic Emancipation, legislative independence, justice for tenants and the poor, and vigorously assailed the proselytizers and the anti-Catholic anti-national system of public...
, Archbishop of Tuam - Andrew EganAndrew EganAndrew Egan, architect and builder, c. 1810-9th October 1863.Egan was a member of a noted County Galway family, Mac Aodhagáin. He is thought to have been born on Tuam's Old Road or at Cloonsheen. His father was a stonemason and he had siblings Patrick, Thomas, Bridget and Elizabeth...
, architect and "Builder of Tuam" - Colonel Patrick Kelly, American Civil War Commander
- Sir Theobald Burke, 13th Baronet
- Thomas Henry Burke, Permanent Under Secretary at the Irish Office, was killed during the Phoenix Park MurdersPhoenix Park MurdersThe Phoenix Park Murders were the fatal stabbings on 6 May 1882 in the Phoenix Park in Dublin of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Thomas Henry Burke. Cavendish was the newly appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland, and Burke was the Permanent Undersecretary, the most senior Irish civil servant...
- Augustus Nicholas BurkeAugustus Nicholas BurkeAugustus Joseph Nicholas Burke was an artist and a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy .-Biography:Burke was born into the Galway Burkes of Glinsk and was the sixth son of William Burke of Knocknagur, Tuam, Co. Galway. He was born at Waterslade House in the town...
, artist - Richard W. "Dick" DowlingRichard W. DowlingRichard William "Dick" Dowling was the victorious commander at the Second Battle of Sabine Pass in the American Civil War, and is considered Houston, Texas's first prominent citizen and hero.-Biography:...
, American Civil War Commander - Mark F. RyanMark F. RyanMark Francis Ryan , was an Irish revolutionary, a leading Member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and author.-Family:...
, author and nationalist - Peter MaherPeter Maher (boxer)Peter Maher was an Irish-American boxer known for his powerful punch. Early in his career Maher won the 1888 Middleweight Championship of Ireland, and the 1890 Heavyweight Championship of Ireland...
, Heavyweight Champion boxer - Micheál BreathnachMicheál BreathnachMicheál Breathnach, Irish writer, Born at Sylaun, Tuam, County Galway, the son of two teachers, raised as a Gaeilgeoir . he was educated by the Jesuits at Coláiste Iognáid, Galway, and later at Queen's University, Galway where he graduated with a B.A. in Irish, French and English...
, Irish language writer - Michael Moran Republican
- Robert Malachy BurkeRobert Malachy BurkeRobert Malachy Burke was a noted Christian Socialist and philanthropist. He was born into a landed Church of Ireland family at Ballydugan, Loughrea, County Galway....
, Christian Socialist, better known as Bobby Burke. - Jack ManganJack ManganJack Mangan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Tuam Stars and was a member of the Galway senior inter-county team from the 1940s until the 1950s. Mangan captained Galway to the All-Ireland title in 1956.-References:...
, Gaelic footballer - Seán PurcellSeán PurcellSeán Purcell , nicknamed "The Master", was a famous Gaelic footballer for County Galway.Best known as a centre half forward, his versatility saw him used in virtually all outfield positions throughout an illustrious career. He was recognised by many football enthusiasts as one of the greatest...
, Gaelic footballer - Frank StockwellFrank StockwellFrank Stockwell was an Irish sportsman who played Gaelic football with his local club Tuam Stars and was a member of the Galway, Louth and London inter-county teams at various periods from 1949 until 1960. Stockwell is regarded as Galway’s greatest-ever full forward.Stockwell began his...
, Gaelic footballer - Tom MurphyTom Murphy (playwright)Tom Murphy is an Irish dramatist who has worked closely with the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and with Druid Theatre, Galway. He was born in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland...
, playwright - Bernard DavenportBernard DavenportBernard Davenport, Irish Ambassador, born c. 1939.Bernard Davenport was born in Tuam, County Galway. His father, Jack Davenport of Ballygaddy Road, who worked in the Tuam Sugar Factory....
, Retired Ambassador to Argentina, also the Holy See - Mark Killilea, JnrMark Killilea, JnrMark Killilea, Jnr is a former Irish Fianna Fáil party politician from County Galway. In a 30-year political career, served as a Teachta Dála and Member of the European Parliament and also as a Senator....
, Fianna Fáil politician - Mike CooleyMike CooleyMike Cooley is an Irish-born engineer and former trade union leader, best known for his involvement in workplace activism at the British company Lucas Aerospace in the late 1970s. In 1981, he was a recipient of the Right Livelihood Award. Cooley was born in Tuam, Ireland, and studied engineering...
, Trade union activist - Finian McGrathFinian McGrathFinian McGrath is an Irish independent politician. He has been a Teachta Dála for the Dublin North Central constituency since 2002.-Early and personal life:...
, Independent politician - Paddy McHughPaddy McHughPaddy McHugh is a former Irish politician. He was an Independent Teachta Dála for the Galway East constituency. McHugh was elected to Dáil Éireann at the 2002 general election, getting a 15.8% share of the vote. He was a member of the Technical Group established to ensure Dáil speaking time for...
, Independent politician - Brian TaltyBrian TaltyBrian Talty is the current manager of Dublin GAA club Parnells. Brian was a former selector for the Dublin Senior Football Team, he had worked with the former Dublin manager Paul Caffrey and fellow selectors David Billings and Paul Clarke....
, Gaelic footballer - Blaze XBlaze XBlaze X were an Irish punk band. The band was formed in Tuam, Co. Galway. They released a successful single in 1980, Some Hope which became Larry Gogan's Hit song of the week on 2FM. It's b-side, Rippy, about serial killer The Yorkshire Ripper was banned by the RTE. Their finest moment came when...
, Punk band - The Saw DoctorsThe Saw DoctorsThe Saw Doctors are an Irish rock band. Formed in 1986 in Tuam, County Galway, they have achieved eighteen Top 30 singles in Ireland, including three number ones. Their first number one, "I Useta Lover," topped the Irish charts for nine consecutive weeks in 1990, and still holds the record for the...
. The N17 roadRoads in IrelandThe island of Ireland, comprising Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, has an extensive network of tens of thousands of kilometres of public roads, usually surfaced. These roads have been developed and modernised over centuries, from trackways suitable only for walkers and horses, to...
does in fact pass through the town, as their famous song "N17" suggests. - Paul CunniffePaul CunniffePaul Cunniffe was a British-born Irish singer-songwriter. He fronted the 1980s punk band Blaze X.-Early life and career:...
, singer-songwriter, musician - Jarlath FallonJarlath FallonJarlath "Ja" Fallon is a Gaelic footballer for County Galway and Tuam Stars.He is widely regarded as one of the finest players to come from Tuam since the legendary Seán Purcell and Frank Stockwell. He has been an integral part of Galway County Football for the past 15 years.Fallon was born in...
, Gaelic footballer - Noelie McDonnellNoelie McDonnellNoelie McDonnell is an Irish singer-songwriter from Tuam, Co. Galway. His debut release was an E.P entitled Downhome in 2004. His debut self-titled album released in 2005, was considered a hit, and its opening song, Stars was picked as Ian Dempsey's Song of the Week on his radio show on Today FM.In...
, singer-songwriter, musician - Johnny Rotten, Punk musician, was born in the town, the son of John Christopher Lydon
- Stephen Moore, Australian International rugby player
Miscellanea
- The people of Tuam claim it is the smallest cityCityA city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
in the world based on the presence of a cathedralCathedralA cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
, one of the original definitions of what constitutes a city. However, despite Tuam's two cathedrals, it is officially a townTownA town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
. Moreover, the city of St David'sSt David'sSt Davids , is a city and community in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Lying on the River Alun on St David's Peninsula, it is Britain's smallest city in terms of both size and population, the final resting place of Saint David, the country's patron saint, and the de facto ecclesiastical capital of...
in Wales has a smaller population and is officially a city. - The Annals of the Four MastersAnnals of the Four MastersThe Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
record that in 1488 A whirlwind attacked a number of persons, as they were cutting turf on the bog of Tuaim-Mona, which killed one of them, and swelled the faces of the rest; and four others were killed by the same wind in Machaire-Chonnacht. - The "Rocky Road to DublinRocky Road To Dublin"Rocky Road to Dublin" is a fast-paced 19th century song about a man's experiences as he travels to Liverpool, England from his home in Tuam. The tune has a typical Irish rhythm, classified as a slip jig in 9/8 timing, and is often performed instrumentally.- Origin :The words were written by D.K...
" is a song about a man's experiences as he travels to LiverpoolLiverpoolLiverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
, EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
from his home in Tuam.
Roads named after Tuam
- Tuam Street, ChristchurchChristchurchChristchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's second-largest urban area after Auckland. It lies one third of the way down the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula which itself, since 2006, lies within the formal limits of...
, New ZealandNew ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
is named after the Irish (Anglican) bishopric of Tuam. It was named by Captain Joseph Thomas, the Canterbury AssociationCanterbury AssociationThe Canterbury Association was formed in order to establish a colony in what is now the Canterbury Region in the South Island of New Zealand.- Formation of the Association :...
's Chief Surveyor and his assistant Edward JollieEdward JollieEdward Jollie was a pioneer land surveyor in New Zealand, initially as a cadet surveyor with the New Zealand Company. He followed his elder brother Francis Jollie to New Zealand, arriving on the barque Brougham in Wellington in 1842...
. There are also Tuam Streets located in ConcordConcord, New South WalesConcord is a suburb in the inner west of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is located 15 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Canada Bay....
, a suburb of SydneySydneySydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and Victoria ParkVictoria Park, Western AustraliaThe Town of Victoria Park is a Local Government Area of Western Australia. It covers an area of 17.62 km² in metropolitan Perth, the capital of Western Australia. The Town of Victoria Park maintains 154.55 km of roads, a little over 1 km² of parks and gardens and has a...
, a suburb of PerthPerth, Western AustraliaPerth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000....
, AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. - Tuam Street, in Houston, TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, USA, is named in honour of Richard W. "Dick" DowlingRichard W. DowlingRichard William "Dick" Dowling was the victorious commander at the Second Battle of Sabine Pass in the American Civil War, and is considered Houston, Texas's first prominent citizen and hero.-Biography:...
. - Tuamstraße (Tuam Street) is located in StraubingStraubingStraubing is an independent city in Lower Bavaria, southern Germany. It is seat of the district of Straubing-Bogen. Annually in August the Gäubodenvolksfest, the second largest fair in Bavaria, is held....
, Germany, and is named in honour of the twinning of the two towns. - Tuam Road is located Eltham, in the Borough of GreenwichLondon Borough of GreenwichThe London Borough of Greenwich is an Inner London borough in south-east London, England. Taking its name from the historic town of Greenwich, the present borough was formed in 1965 by the amalgamation of the former area of the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich with part of the Metropolitan...
in LondonLondonLondon is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, SE18.
See also
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of TuamRoman Catholic Archdiocese of TuamThe Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tuam is a Roman Catholic archdiocese in western Ireland. According to tradition, the "Diocese of Tuam" was established in the sixth century by St. Jarlath...
- KilconlyKilconlyKilconly is a small rural village near Tuam which is north of Galway City in County Galway, Ireland. It is situated about seven miles north west of Tuam town on the Ballinrobe road ....
- List of towns and villages in Ireland
- Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry
External links
- Google Maps Streetview
- Tuam Athletics Club
- Tuam Rugby Club
- Tuam Golf Club
- Tuam Herald
- Energise Tuam
- Tuam Stadium
- Tuam.pl -> The Polish-English portal for Tuam society
- The Heritage Council: History of Tuam
- e-TUAM.info :: First Open Information Board
- Tuam – Old Cathedral City
- The Tuam Guide
- UCC documents of High Cross