Ballyfin Baile Fionn
Location
Statistics
Province:	Leinster
County:	County Laois
Population ()

Ballyfin (Baile Fionn in Irish, meaning "Town of Fionn") is a small village and parish in County Laois, Ireland. Located in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the village is in the midlands of Ireland. It is located on the R423 regional road mid way between the towns of Mountrath and Mountmellick.

There are many hill walks nearby in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Most of the area is covered in forest. The trees were planted by local farmers on marginal land unsuitable for farming. The area around Ballyfin has some recreational areas such as The Cathole Falls, Ballyfin house and numerous buildings dating from the Georgian era.

Contents 1 History 2 Education 3 Sport 4 See also

[edit] History

According to legend, Fionn Mac Cumhaill is said to have been raised here. Fionn ate the Salmon of Knowledge which gave him untold knowledge. Later he became leader of the Fianna.

[edit] Education

Ballyfin National School celebrated 100 years in 2002. Ballyfin is also famous for Ballyfin House, now the Patrician College. Ballyfin '93, an Irish Scout Jamboree took place in the grounds of this college. Renowned author, poet and acamdemic Dr. Arthur Broomfield also resides in Ballyfin and is often seen sharing his knowledge and wisdom with the less educated locals. He has lived in Irey House since 1977 where he is married to Assumpta and has 4 children. There are plans to clebrate Dr. Broomfield's achievements by bestowing on him the title of "Freeman of Ballyfin" later this year. Dr. Broomfield will only be the fourth man to receive this honour, following in the footsteps of other local greats The Hon. William Wesseley Poole, Sir Charles Henry Coote and Dr. Jack Carter. The ceremony is usually followed by a banquet for landowning members of the local Church of Ireland and Methodist Communities.

[edit] Sport

The village also has a Gaelic Athletic Association club called Ballyfin GAA. They are currently in the intermidiate huring final after beating camross last weekend.

[edit] See also

• List of towns and villages in Ireland

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