Mayobridge
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox UK place
|official_name = Mayobridge
|map_type= Ireland
|coordinates = {{coord|54.1810|-6.2289|display=inline,title}}
|irish_name = Droichead Mhaigh Eo
|population = 1,069
|population_ref = (2011 Census)
|label_position= none
|unitary_northern_ireland = Newry and Mourne
|country = Northern Ireland
|historic_county=
|post_town = NEWRY
|postcode_area = BT
|postcode_district = BT34
|dial_code = 028
|constituency_westminster = South Down
|constituency_ni_assembly = South Down
|lieutenancy_northern_ireland = County Down
|static_image = File:The crossroads at the centre of the village of Mayobridge - geograph.org.uk - 2600507.jpg
|static_image_caption = Village centre
}}Mayobridge ({{etymology|ga|Droichead Mhaigh Eo|bridge on the plain of yews}}) is a village within County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the small river Clanrye, which divides the townlands of Mayo and Bavan, {{convert|4.4|miles}} east of Newry. It had a population of 1,069 as at 2011.{{cite web|title=Census 2011 Population Statistics for Mayobridge Settlement |url=http://www.ninis2.nisra.gov.uk/public/AreaProfileReportViewer.aspx?FromAPAddressMulipleRecords=Mayobridge@Exact%20match%20of%20location%20name:%20@Exact%20Match%20Of%20Location%20Name:%20%20Mayobridge@23? |publisher=Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency |access-date=16 October 2017}} Administratively, it is within the Newry and Mourne District Council area, and falls within the parish of Clonallan, and historically within the barony of Iveagh Upper, Upper Half.
Demography
Mayobridge is classified as a small village or hamlet by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). It had a usually resident population of 1,069 according to the 2011 census.
Facilities
File:St Patrick's Chapel. Mayobridge - geograph.org.uk - 3343382.jpg
On 15 August 1859, Dr. Leahy, the co-adjutor bishop of the diocese, blessed the foundation stone of a new Catholic church to replace the existing, more primitive Mass house put up in 1806 (parts of which are still visible in the disused parochial hall); and a curate was appointed to live in Mayobridge. The new church, dedicated to St. Patrick, was erected on the site of a former Mass rock. A Gothic-style building, reputed to be the largest 'country' church in the diocese, it could hold up to 600 worshippers in comfort, and had views over the surrounding countryside and into County Armagh. It was completed on 12 October 1862, with a dedicatory sermon by the then Bishop of Kerry, Dr. David Moriarty.
A police barracks was moved in 1854 from the Mayo side of the village to the Bavan side, and returned in 1865.Royal Irish Constabulary List{{nonspecific|date=March 2025}}
File:St Patrick's Primary School, Chapel Hill, Mayobridge - geograph.org.uk - 3343860.jpg
The local primary school, St. Patrick's Primary School, is located on Chapel Hill.
Sport
Mayobridge St. Patrick's is a Gaelic Athletic Association club affiliated with the Down County Board. The minutes of the Central Council of the GAA record that, on 30 April 1888, an application for affiliation was received from St Patrick's, Mayobridge. The acceptance of the application makes it the oldest registered GAA club in the county.{{fact|date=April 2021}} Mayobridge won their tenth Down Senior Football Championship in 2008.{{fact|date=April 2021}} The club's minor team won the Down Minor Football Championship in 2023.{{cite web|url = https://www.newrydemocrat.com/gaa/2023/09/07/gallery/sky-blues-bridge-15-year-title-wait-in-thriller-46279/ | website = newrydemocrat.com | title = Sky Blues Bridge 15-year title wait in thriller | date = 7 September 2023 | accessdate = 14 August 2024 }}
Notable people
- Kieran Goss (b. 1962) contemporary singer, songwriter
- Tommy Sands (b. 1945) folk singer, songwriter and radio broadcaster
- Mickey Linden, Gaelic footballer, winner of All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994
- Tom O'Hare (b. 1942) Gaelic footballer, winner of All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1968
- Charlie Smyth (b. 2001) Gaelic footballer and NFL kicker