Tonwee

 

Townland of Tonwee highlighted in yellow

Anglicized from Irish: An Tóin Buí

Translates to: “The yellow bottomland”

Etymology:

This placename like most other townland names is a physical/visual description of the area. Here Tóin which means bottom can be translated properly as ‘bottomland’. This is low-lying land, typically by a river which is quite an apt description of Tonwee given its proximity to the Owenriff/Fough river and its elevation compared to the land further north (Newvillage, etc). The term yellow may be a reference to a crop that was sowed in the area or the type of soil that was present. This soil type explanation is most likely given the neighbouring townland of Tonweeroe, ‘the red yellow bottomland’. Soil color is influenced by the amount of proteins present in the soil and yellow or red soil indicates the presence of iron oxides.

Size: 60 acres, 3 rods, 5 perchs

Siting:

In the northern extremity of Kilcummin parish. Bounded on the north by Tullyvealnaslee and Tullyvrick, on the south by Carrowmanagh, and on the west by Derrylaura and Tonweeroe.

Description:

Contains 66 and three quarter acres all arable except about 20 acres of bog. A line road extends through this townland from north to south There is a bridge on the northern boundary by which the above road crosses, there is also a quarry situated in the northern extremity of this townland and a village close to its southern boundary.

Placenames within townland:

N/A

Previous proprietor/landlord:

Richard Martin (1670)

Earl of Clanrickard (1670)

Thomas B. Martin of Ballinahinch Castle (c. 1850)

Land Value (1857): £ 14 s.5 d. 0

Buildings Value (1857): £ 1 s.10 d. 0

Surnames attached to the townland (1857-1911):

Connor, Guinane, Faherty, Naughton