Moneyneany

File:Moneyneany RC Church - geograph.org.uk - 539554.jpg

St Eugene's Roman Catholic church in Moneyneany

Moneyneany or Moneyneena (locally [ˌmʌniˈnini], [ˌmʌniˈniːnə], and [ˌmʌniˈiːnə]; from Irish: Móin na nIonadh, meaning "bog of wonders") is a small village and townland in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 162. It is in the Magherafelt District Council area.

Locally significant buildings include St Eugene's (Roman Catholic) Church, which is a listed building, and a fort, which is a historic monument partly encroached upon by housing, and an important feature in the landscape. The Altalacky River and the Douglas River are nearby.

Local legends

There was a holy well near the Catholic chapel at Moneyneena that was allegedly defended by a magician named Sir Volvet. The magician was so possessive of the well that he kept an earless dog chained to the well to stop others from benefiting from the water. Through time this well became known as Tobarawathymeel or "The Earless Dog’s Well".

Magical powers were not restricted to Sir Volvet; tradition has it that the townland of Moneyneany derived its name, Móin na n-ionadh ("bog of wonders"), from being a favourite place for the old Irish warriors to learn their exercises and perform great feats of magic.

People

Tony Scullion, Gaelic Football and Hurling player for Ballinascreen and Derry, and receiver of four football GAA All Stars Awards, was born in Moneyneena.