Killeenduff Explained

Killeenduff ^[1] is a townland within the boundaries of the civil parish of Easky, County Sligo in Ireland. Located about a mile from the village of Easky, Killeenduff has an area of approximately 4km2.^[2]

The townland is home to the "Split Rock". Local folklore holds that this rock —though actually carried to its current location by an Ice Age glacier— was split as a result of an argument between two giants. According to legend, if one walks through the split three times, it will close, entombing the person forever.^[3]

Killeenduff National School, built in 1965 and extended and refurbished in 2007, is located in the area.^[4]

Notable people

• Jack Harte, writer, was born at Forge's Corner in Killeenduff, where his father was a blacksmith. Several of his short stories draw upon Killeenduff and its local mythology.
• Fred Conlon, sculptor, was born and grew up in Killeenduff.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: An Cillín Dubh / Killeenduff . Placenames Database of Ireland . logainm.ie . 19 January 2021 .
2. Web site: Killeenduff Townland, Co. Sligo . townlands.ie . 19 January 2021 .
3. Web site: The Split Rock . dromorewest.ie . 19 January 2021 .
4. Web site: Whole School Evaluation Report - St Farnan's National School, Killeenduff, County Sligo. Department of Education . education.ie . 26 February 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201014060304/https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Inspection-Reports-Publications/Whole-School-Evaluation-Reports-List/report1_09691F.htm . 14 October 2020 . The school was constructed in 1965 but it was extended and refurbished in 2007 .
5. Web site: Fred Conlon Biography . fredconlon.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20070928142725/http://www.fredconlon.com/biography_fredconlon.htm . 28 September 2007 .