Thomond
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomond (Irish: Tuadh Mumhan, meaning North Munster) The region of Ireland associated with the name Thomond is County Limerick, north County Tipperary and east County Clare, effectively most of north Munster. The name is used by a variety of establishments and organisations located in , or associated with the region. Thomond College of Education, Limerick was a teacher training college in Limerick City, until it was amalgamated with the University of Limerick. Thomond Park in Limerick is the rugby stadium used by the Munster Rugby team. Thomond Villas is the name given to the old army barracks at Clarecastle. The Thomond Bridge was for centuries the only bridge crossing the Shannon River in the ancient walled city of Limerick and still leads from the city of Limerick through a district now known as Thomondgate. The name indicates that there was a gate in the city defenses leading to 'Thomond'.
Historically Thomond is referred to as one of the 'Kingdoms' which existed in the island of Ireland before the Norman invasion. Brian Boru, head of the O'Brien Clan, (the dominant Clan in Thomond - Dalcassians) and regarded as 'King of Thomond', is historically credited with freeing Ireland from the control of the Vikings in the battle of Clontarf - 1014 AD. The Vikings had originally established most of the seaports of Ireland including Limerick, Dublin, Waterford, Galway, Wexford and Cork. Brian Boru who died in the battle was a High King of Ireland having defeated other contenders for the position.
The name Thomond is said to have been used by an Irish car manufacturer located in Dublin which produced only four cars from 1925 to 1933 and did not survive the Great Depression.
Postage stamps inscribed "Thomond" appeared in the 1960s but these can be regarded as bogus.
County Clare was sometimes known as County Thomond in the period immediately after its creation from the District of Thomond.[1]
