The name 'Ragget' is Anglo-Norman in origin, and denotes a once-prominent Normanlandowner Richard le Ragget who held these lands in the early part of the 13th century. Older names of the settlement include Donoughmore and the even more ancientTullabarry - the name of a Celtic or possibly pre-Celtic tribe which held their seat in the vicinity. There is some debate as to the meaning of Donoughmore. The very first issue of the Journal of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, which has an article about Ballyragget and its environs, states a belief that Domhnach Mór means "big Sunday" and relates to the fact that thousands of people congregated at the now ruined church in Donoughmore for its opening on a Sunday and the name stuck.
History
The settlement of Ballyragget originally formed at a fording-point on the River Nore at this location. Originally named after the 13th century Anglo-Norman landowner Richard le Ragget, Ballyragget was later held by Mountgarret family. The town is dominated by a large medieval keep and its adjoining walls. This tower dates to the late 15th century, and contains a late 16th century inscribed stone which commemorates Edmund Butler, 2nd Viscount Mountgarret. Much of the town streetscape was laid out around the town's square in the mid-17th century. A large mid 19th-century Catholic church sits on a rise overlooking the town's central square.
Geography
The River Nore flows beside the town, which nestles in a wide alluvial valley between the Attanagh Plateau and several hills to the east, including 'Knockmannon' and 'The Balla boys'. The Nore passes by one of the most significant ancient sites in North Kilkenny south of Ballyragget at Rathbeagh. The statistical Ballyragget Geographical Area is recorded by the CSO as containing. To the north lies the town of Durrow in County Laois, to the south the River Nore flows on towards Kilkenny City. The town is located in the townland of the same name which is in the civil parish of Donoghmore in the ancient barony of Fassadinin.
Demographics
Statistics available from the Central Statistics Office of Ireland show that Ballyragget's population had increased by over 30% in the 20 years between the 1996 census and the 2016 census. For the electoral division which surrounds the town, the population was 1,451 persons as of the 2006 census. The majority of residents in Ballyragget are nominally Roman Catholic, although there are minority Protestant and non-religious populations.
Economy
and the Agri-Food industry are the largest employers, with the large Glanbia factory across the river dominating the town's industry for the past forty years. The plant at Ballyragget is the largest multi-purpose integrated dairy plant in Europe, and Glanbia plc can trace its roots to the Avonmore co-operative founded in Ballyragget in the 1960s. A percentage of the area's residents commute to work some distance from the town.
Politics
At national level, Ballyragget, as part of the Carlow–Kilkenny constituency, is represented by five Teachtaí Dála in Dáil Éireann. At a local level, the town is within the administrative area of Kilkenny County Council. Ballyragget is also a Local Electoral Area of County Kilkenny and includes the electoral divisions of Attanagh, Balleen, Ballyconra, Ballyragget, Baunmore, Castlecomer, Clogh, Clogharinka, Clomantagh, Coolcraheen, Freshford, Galmoy, Glashare, Johnstown, Kilkieran, Kilmacar, Lisdowney, Moneenroe, Mothell, Muckalee, Odagh, Rathbeagh, Rathcoole,, Tiscoffin, Tubbridbrittain and Urlingford.
People
Mabel Esmonde Cahill, a champion tennis player who won the U.S. Open and held the singles, doubles and mixed titles for 1891–1992, was born in Ballyragget
Mother Teresa Lalor, of the Georgetown Nuns of the Visitation, was also born here.
