Lackagh Village, east of Galway City, is in the ancient Archdiocese of Tuam. Lackagh is my parish situated just 10 miles from Galway and is a fast growing and thriving community. You can learn more about the history of my village and parish at the links below. At present there is a group in the parish gathering information for a history of the area and if anyone reading this page can help in any way I'm sure the information returned will be put to good use. At the bottom of this page is an e-mail received by the group's co-ordinator who would really appreciate any information at all which might help put jig-saw pieces together for them. Now back to the purpose of this page. Each corner of Ireland carries its own little bit of history and Knockdoe in the parish of Lackagh has an interesting history of battles long ago. The Battle of Knockdoe, [Cnoc Tua meaning the "The Hill of Axes"] was fought in 1504 and although it had no real political significance it was one of the bloodiest conflicts in Irish history. It was the result of a private quarrel between the King's Deputy, Gearóid Mór - the Great Earl of Kildare - and Ulick Burke, an aggressive and turbulent chief of Galway. Burke, or de Burgo - the family name - was chief of Clanrickard in South Galway. He sought to establish his authority over all of Connaught and attacked and destroyed the castles of O'Kelly - Lord of Hymany - situated in Monivea, Garbally and Castleblakeney. The Burkes of Mayo, another branch of the De Burgo family, joined forces with the Earl of Kildare to oust the usurper. Clanrickard was living in open adultery with O'Kelly's wife and it is reported that this was the cause of the 'skirmish'. The Earl had the support of allied armies from leading families of Ulster, Leinster and Connaught, while Burke had the support of armies from Munster. On the battlefield and fighting for both sides were Scottish mercenary warriors known as "The Gallowglass". Their principal offensive weapon was the axe which accounted for the large number of casualties. It is said that this was the first battle in Irish history where gunpowder was used. There were huge casualties on both sides and Ulick Burke was defeated after a day's vicious fighting. In all over 4,000 men were killed in the one-day battle. Following his defeat, Burke (Clanrickard) and his clan faded into obscurity for some decades and the Mayo Burkes reaped the spoils. Around the summit of Knockdoe are many cairns (burial mounds) where the slaughtered are said to be buried. Lackagh now has a museum detailing the history of the famous Battle and housing many artifacts of historical significance. A small thatched house has been tastefully restored and re-thatched as part of the museum and shows how life was lived in this village over a hundred years ago. Farming implements and various utensils have been donated by local families and give some idea of farming methods of old. The museum and coffee shop are popular tour venues for schools and students of Irish history. The only battles fought in the parish now are those on the hurling field between local and other hurling and football teams of Ireland. Hurling is a game of speed and skill played with a 'stick and ball' (hurley and sliotar) and this ancient sport, handed down by the celts thousands of years ago, is carried on with enthusiasm and vigour in this parish and throughout the County today. It is, in fact, Ireland's national sport. I've included a page with a list of every name in the parish at the turn of the 20th. century. They are taken from the 1901 census and can be found HERE. If anyone is interested I can supply them with the name of the village each family came from. Just drop me an email and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.