It is unclear what the exact meaning and Irish translation for Glenamaddy is. It could be derived from the Irish Gleann na Madadh, Gleann meaning glen and madhadh from madra meaning dog. This would suggest that the name means Valley of the Dogs. This name could have originated from the shape of the Glenamaddy Turlough as looked at from above. Glenamaddy might also have come from Gleann na Maighe Duibhí or Valley of the Black Plain, presumably because of the turlough lake in the area which dries up every year leaving behind a black plain of limestone.
History
Glenamaddy was located in what was the medieval kingdom of Uí Díarmata, ruled by the O Concannon dynasty. The town itself did not develop until the 1820s when a church was built and regular markets began in the town. From this time on the town began to grow and shops and pubs were built around the square and on the four roads leading into the town which are known from the song of the same name. In 1853 a workhouse was built on the Creggs road. In 1904 St. Patrick's church was built to replace the older church which was in the grounds of where the town graveyard stands today. In 1909 St. Bridget's Town Hall was built. In 1924 a mill was built in Leitra and gave employment in the area. Other places of interest include a megalithic tomb at Ballinastack, a crannóg on Kiltullagh lake and the Jeremiah Mee Memorial on the wall outside Phelan's lounge. In the early 20th century markets were popular in the town as for some small cottage industries it was the main outlet for their wares. Cattle, pigs, sheep, animal feeds, and household supplies were all sold at these markets and large crowds gathered in the town on these days. All goods being sold in the town were weighed at the weigh-house. In the 21st century, Glenamaddy has some decline after the loss of its Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank branches, in 2006 and 2013, respectively. The town has lost over 120 of its young people to emigration.
During penal times a priest would travel to Esker celebrate mass at the site of a "mass rock". Often a screen or curtain divided the priest from the congregation, in order to protect the priest's identity. On one occasion, around the 1790s a priest was celebrating mass at Esker. An informer had notified the authorities that the priest would be there. Although scouts were positioned along the hilltops they didn't see the Red Coats because they were dressed as common people and mingled among the crowd. As soon as the priest arrived he was captured and was given a mock trial. He was hanged from a tree which is now called Sceach na gCloigeann the white thorn tree of the heads. Along with the priest a number of people were massacred. The valley in which this occurred is known as Gleann an tSagairt, the priest's valley. The rock on which sentence was delivered is called "Carraig an Bhreithiunais". A bell was found in a nearby field some years later. A brass cross was also found with no base, which had been painted black to prevent reflection of sunlight. For the millennium, Mass was celebrated by Canon Michael Goaley P.P. and Fr. Tom Kearney C.C.
Culture
The Esker Ballroom was once one of the most popular dance venues in the country. Built by James Keaveney in 1947 on the Kilkerrin Road in Glenamaddy, the ballroom initially failed to get a license to hold dances or operate a bar. Eventually, in April 1949, the first dance was held in The Esker Ballroom. The dance was successful and was the first of many, held every second Sunday, which would make the Esker Ballroom famous throughout the country. In 1970 the Esker Ballroom closed as marquees who were in direct competition with the ballroom became more and more popular in the area. The Sound of Music opened by Jim "Pete" Keaveney, with opposition from the church. The building was sold to Joe O'Neill who then set up the Sound of Music night club which drew crowds from all over Connaught. The popular song, "Four Country Roads", mentions Glenamaddy and it became a hit for Big Tom in Ireland in 1981.
Community School
Glenamaddy Community school was founded in 2002 by the Sisters of Mercy and Co. Galway VEC following the amalgamation of Coláiste Seosaimh and St. Benin's Vocational School.
