Brief history relating to Ballyhoe.
The “Gap of the North” is at the entrance of the Barony of Farney, near the junction of the counties of Meath, Louth and Monaghan. The spot is identical with the present bridge of Ballyhoe – or as it i s called in ancient annals, the “Ford of Belahoo” – and is adjacent to the lake in which the river Glyde rises here, was fought the “Battle of Belahoo” ” between the Lord Deputy Grey and the Chiefs O’Neill and O’Donnell, by which the Northern Confederation is said to have been broken up. “That prosperous fight” says Sir John Davies, “on the borders of Meath, the memory whereof is yet famous.” This writer cites as his authority an Irish MS., the Book of Howth. The conflict is also described in the Annals of the Four Masters; but the pretended particulars given by Cox, Leland and others, out of Hollingshed, are all shown to be unreliable. Moore says: “The two chiefs (O’Neill and O’Donnell), it appears, had combined in a predatory inroad into Meath – attracted far less, however, by the great glories of Tara than by the plunder and havoc expected from their foray; and, having destroyed the towns of Ardee and Navan, were returning loaded with spoil, when, being pursued by Lord Leonard, they were overtaken near the ford of Belahoo, and after a weak attempt at resistance, were all confusedly put to fight, leaving their booty in the hands of the pursuers.” An engagement between General Ireton and the “Irishry” was also fought, in 1651, on the same ground. [The Rural Harp]. Mr. “Owny” Carolan, Balnavoran, has found several bullets in the vicinity of Ballyhoe bridge, one of which, about the size of a marble, he showed me. (Donoghues Survey 1942).
Researched and Compiled by Kathleen McArdle, “Brookville”, Drumconrath. Source: Faith History of Drumconrath – Meath Hill.