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| MALLOW, CO. CORK.- This olden town derives its English name from the Gaelic Magh-Ealla, pronounced Mogalla, according to the Four Masters and Dr. Joyce. It signifies the Plain of the River Ealla, or Allo, a name supposed to have been anciently borne by that portion of the blackwater river on which Mallow stands. The river Allo itself, is a small stream that flows into the larger one through Kanturk, and is quite distant from the town. The same stream, according to Dr. Joyce, also gave name to the district west of Kanturk, now called Duhallow, in Gaelic Duthaigh-Ealla-the district of the Allo. Mallow used to be called "the Bath of Ireland" in the last century, and the beginning of this, when it was much frequented by the Irish aristocracy. Since the "Union," however, it has visibly declined in this respect, although many people still visit its mineral springs, in search of health. One of the favorite Irish airs is called the "Rakes of Mallow," commemorative of the wild young "bloods" who used to paint the town a brillian carmine in ante-Union times. Thomas Davis, the renowned Irish poet and patriot, was born here in 1814, and some of his most charming lyrics describe the beauties of the Blackwater valley. The town is an important railroad cente and contains a population of about 4,500 souls. Near the river stands Mallow Castle, the fine residence of Sir Denham Norreys. |
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