Desertmartin

Desertmartin (, ) is a small village in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is four miles from Magherafelt, at the foot of Slieve Gallion. In the 2001 Census the greater Desertmartin area had a population of 1,276. It lies within Desertmartin parish, Mid-Ulster District, and the historic barony of Loughinsholin. Neighbouring settlements include Draperstown, Magherafelt, Moneymore, and Tobermore.

History
The monastic hermitage of Desertmartin was originally dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. The remains of the ancient parish church are in the townland of Knocknagin at the east side of the village.

When County Coleraine was created in 1585, its administration was meant to be carried out in the town of Coleraine. However, the jail and courthouse were built in Desertmartin.

On 19 May 1922, during the Irish War of Independence, a mob of unionists and Ulster Special Constables attacked and burned many Catholic homes and businesses in Desertmartin, in revenge for the burning of a unionist-owned mill. Special Constables took four Catholic men from their homes outside the village and summarily executed them by the roadside.

Religious buildings
St Patrick's, townland of Keenaght (Roman Catholic) (Old Chapel).
St Patrick's, townland of Keenaght (Roman Catholic) (New Chapel).
St. Mary’s, townland of Annagh and Moneysterlin (Roman Catholic) Church and adjacent Parochial House are landmark buildings. It is commonly referred to as Coolcalm after the former townland of same name, which is now part of Annagh and Moneysterlin.
Church of the Nazarene (a branch of the denomination of the same name based on Wesleyan tradition).
St. Comgall's Church (Church of Ireland) is a visually and historically significant building and a local landmark. It occupies the site of an older Medieval church and is a listed building.

Schools
St. Columb's Primary School (Roman Catholic)
Desertmartin Primary School
Knocknagin Primary School (Roman Catholic)

Transport
Desertmartin railway station between Magherafelt and Draperstown opened on 20 July 1883, shut for passengers on 1 October 1930, and shut altogether on 3 July 1950.

People 
Tom Paulin (b. 1949) is a major Northern Irish poet, essayist, editor and lecturer, who has written a poem entitled Desertmartin.

Sport 
 St. Martin's Desertmartin Gaelic Athletic Association St Martin's GAA Club
 Desertmartin Football Club
 Desertmartin has a motocross track at which big motocross events are held, including the BYMX and the British Motocross Championship. The Motocross Grand Prix of Ireland was held at Desertmartin motocross race track in September 2005.

References

External links 

Category:Villages in County Londonderry
Category:Civil parish of Desertmartin
Category:Mid-Ulster District