Shanahoe

Shanahoe (Irish: Seanchua)^[1] is a small village in County Laois, Ireland, situated in the centre of the county, 8 km west of Abbeyleix and 7 km south of Mountrath.^[2]

Shanahoe Seanchua
Village
Shanahoe Location in Ireland
Coordinates: 52°56′N 7°25′W
Country	Ireland
Province	Leinster
County	County Laois

History and development

Evidence of ancient settlement in the area includes a Bronze Age urn which was discovered nearby in the 1930s.^[2] The remains of a ringfort are also recorded in Shanahoe townland.^[3]

Built mainly along the two main approach roads, the village developed as a predominantly linear settlement. Buildings at the village centre include the village church, community hall and national (primary) school. The M7/M8 Motorway Scheme lies to the west of the village.^[2]

Education

Scoil Fionntáin Naofa, the local national (primary) school, was built in 1948.^[4] As of 2010, there were 74 pupils enrolled in the school.^[4]

Sport

The local Gaelic Athletic Association club is Shanahoe GAA, whose pitches are located about 2 km outside the village.^[2]

Notable people

• John Keegan (1816–1849), writer, poet and storyteller, was born in Killeaney near the village of Shanahoe.^[5]

See also

• List of towns and villages in Ireland