Skenageehy, Sceach na Gaoithe thorn or bush of the wind.

Skenageehy is situated in the civil parish of Kiltormer barony of Longford Co Galway.  It is bounded on the north by Gortnaley and Graveshill, on the east and south by Belview alias Lissaragan and on the west by Ballydonagh.

O’Donovan’s Field Name Books give other spellings of this townland: Sceagh na gaoithigh, Skenegrehy, Skaghnegihy, Skinagrehy and Skeighnagehie.

Down Survey map show this townland under the name ‘Lissdoogane alias Lissgannygeagh called Skehaghnesky’ was owned by Walter Lawrence, a catholic in 1641.  It was owned by Ulick earl of Clanricard, Burke, a catholic in 1670.  It states there were 122 plantation acres of unprofitable land, 77 plantation acres of profitable land and 77 plantation acres of forfeited land.

Census 1901

There were 2 houses in Shenagheely in 1901.  There were 10 residents in total: 6 were male and 4 were female.  They were Roman Catholic.  They were born in Co Galway.  The heads of the households were: Catherin Bolland and James Brien.  The census taken on the 6^th of April 1901 show the houses were built as private dwellings.  The walls were built with stone, brick or concrete.  The roofs were made with perishable material.

Catherin Bolland (70) was a widow.  She was a housekeeper.  She could not read.  She lived in a 3^rd class house with 1 room, 1 front window and 1 outhouse.  Michael Guinan owned the land the house was situated on.

James Brien (42) was a shepherd.  There was no occupation recorded for his wife Mary (38).  They had 7 children.  Michael (14), Patk (12), William (10) and Stephen (7) were scholars. Mary (5), Teresa (3) and James (1) could not read or write.  The rest of the family could read and write.  They lived in a 3^rd class house with 2 rooms, 2 front windows and 2 outhouses.  Michael Guinan owned the land the house was situated on.

Census 1911

There was only 1 house in Skenageehy in 1911.  There were 6 residents in total: 3 were male and 3 were female.  They were Roman Catholic.  The head of the household was James Brien.  The census taken on the 10^th of April 1911 show the house was built as a private dwelling.  The walls were built with stone, brick or concrete.  The roof was made with perishable material.

James Brien (53) was a farmer.  He was married for 26 years to Mary (52).  They had 10 children with 8 living in 1911.  Michael (23) was single.  He was an agricultural labour.  Mary was 15 years old.  Teresa was 13 years old and James was 12 years old.  Mary (52) could not read.  The rest of the family could read and write.  They lived in a 3^rd class house with 3 rooms and 2 front windows.  There were 4 outhouses: 1 stable, 1 cow house, 1 piggery and 1 shed.  James Brien owned the land the house was situated on.