Castleconnell (, historically Caisleán Uí Chonaing) is a town in County Limerick on the banks of the River Shannon. It is from Limerick city and near the boundaries of County Clare and County Tipperary.

History

thumb|Facade of [[Mountshannon House]]

The ruins of the Castle of Connell ( or originally ), One of these, the former schoolhouse (built in 1867), Another, the former convent (built ),

Fishing

Castleconnell is known for its coarse and game fishing, and it has been a fishing destination since at least the 19th century. The main catch is salmon and trout. The Shannon Inn, a local pub, has hosted fishing clientele over the years.

The Shannon Electricity Scheme and its Ardnacrusha dam at Parteen impacted Castleconnell in the 1930s when it reduced the flow of water south of the dam to approximately one sixth, dropping water levels along the Shannon.

The engineers added a fish lift to the dam, allowing fish to be lifted in a water-filled container and thereby pass upstream to their traditional spawning beds. The river at Castleconnell is also known for its bird life, and particularly its swans, many of which are migratory Icelandic whooper swans wintering and breeding on the river.

Sport

Gaelic games

Castleconnell is the home of Ahane GAA club, which has won 19 Limerick Senior Hurling Championships between 1931 and 1948 and provided many of the Limerick hurling team that won All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships in 1934, 1936 and 1940. Among its most notable players were Mick Mackey and Jackie Power.

Boxing

Boxer Andy Lee was raised in Castleconnell from the age of 14. He became World WBO Middleweight champion in 2014.

Rowing

Castleconnell boat club has been in existence since 1983. It is located at World's End (also known as Worral's End). Rowers have a smooth, wide water to row on for to O'Brien's Bridge. Just beyond the bridge, rowers have another 1.5 kilometers before they come to a water flow regulator.

Transport

Castleconnell railway station opened on 8 August 1858. The station lies on the Limerick–Ballybrophy railway line.

Administration

Castleconnell was previously under the jurisdiction of Limerick County Council. Since 2014, it is part of the amalgamated local authority of Limerick City and County Council, where it is in the local electoral area of Limerick City East, which is part of the Metropolitan District of Limerick City. It is classified as a town under the Limerick Development Plan adopted by Limerick City and County Council in 2022.

Notable residents

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  • Ciarán Barry (b. 1999), hurler
  • John Gilhooly (b. 1973), arts administrator
  • Bulmer Hobson (1883–1969), Irish republican who died in Castleconnell.
  • Andy Lee (b. 1984), boxer who was born in England but raised in Castleconnell.
  • Dan Morrissey (b. 1993), hurler
  • Tom Morrissey (b. 1996), hurler
  • Pat Shortt (b. 1967), comedian and actor, who had a house in the area.

See also

  • List of towns and villages in Ireland

References

  • Castleconnell Local Area Plan 2023-2029 (adopted by Limerick City and County Council April 2023)