Scarva

Scarva

Scarva

Human settlement in Northern Ireland

Scarva (from Irish Scarbhach meaning "shallow place, rough ford")[1][2] is a small village and townland in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is at the boundary with County Armagh, which is marked by the Newry Canal. In the 2001 census it had a population of 320.

Quick Facts Population, Irish grid reference ...

Scarva is home to the "Sham Fight" Pageant which is held on 13 July every year.[3] The pageant attracts thousands of members of the Royal Black Preceptory, a group related to the Orange Order, who come to march and stage a theatrical (sham) re-enactment of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne.[4]

History

During the Williamite War in Ireland (1689–1691), the forces of Frederick Schomberg reputedly first camped near Scarva, before marching south.[5]

Much of the village was laid-out by John Reilly, owner of Scarvagh House, in the mid-18th century.[5] This included the construction of Scarva's Presbyterian meeting house,[5] which was built in 1753.[6]

In the late 18th century, there were skirmishes in the area involving the Hearts of Steel and Break-of-day Boys.[5]

Transport

Scarva railway station opened on 23 March 1859.[7]

Scarva is on National Cycle Route 9, linking Belfast with Newry, and onwards to Dublin.[citation needed]

Amenities

Scarva's main street, 2009

The village has a park, with playing fields and a wildlife pond, scenic walks and wild fowl sanctuary.[8]

The local primary school, Scarva Primary School, had an enrollment of 61 pupils as of 2011.[9]

Sport

The local football club is Scarva Rangers, formed in 1972. Home matches are played at Scarva Park.

People

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Scarva.
  1. [1]
    Placenames NI Archived 2011-07-27 at the Wayback Machine
  2. [2]
    Placenames Database of Ireland
  3. [3]
    "Crowds gather for Scarva's 'Sham fight'". Belfast Telegraph. 13 July 2002. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  4. [4]
    "Sham Fight draws thousands to Scarva parade". BBC. 13 July 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  5. [5]
    Lewis, Samuel, ed. (1837). "Scarvagh". A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. Lewis.
  6. [6]
    "Ulster's Changing Borders" (PDF). February 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2023. Scarva Presbyterian Meeting House is a T-shaped stone building built [..] in 1753, by Mr. Reilly, owner of Scarva House
  7. [7]
    "Scarva station" (PDF). Railscot – Irish Railways. Retrieved 28 August 2007.
  8. [8]
    "Scarva Park".
  9. [9]
    "Primary Inspection Report - Scarva Primary School, Craigavon" (PDF). Education and Training Inspectorate. September 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
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