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Drogheda's Irish name, Droichead Átha, signifies its historical role as a crossing point on the River Boyne.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Irish name Droichead Átha translates to "bridge at the ford," accurately reflecting its historical significance as a crucial crossing point on the River Boyne.
Drogheda was originally founded as a single administrative entity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drogheda originated as two distinct towns, Drogheda-in-Meath and Drogheda-in-Oriel (County Louth), reflecting the historical boundaries and Norman colonization patterns.
The oldest identified stone structure in Drogheda is the wall on the east side of Rosemary Lane, completed in 1234.
Answer: True
Explanation: The wall on the east side of Rosemary Lane, dating back to 1234, is recognized as the oldest surviving stone structure within Drogheda, serving as part of the original castle defenses.
Millmount Fort was originally constructed as a defensive structure by the English Parliament.
Answer: False
Explanation: Millmount Fort, a motte-and-bailey castle overlooking the River Boyne, was likely established by the Norman Lord of Meath, Hugh de Lacy, prior to 1186, predating the English Parliament's significant involvement.
What is the meaning of the Irish name 'Droichead Átha' for Drogheda?
Answer: Bridge at the ford
Explanation: The Irish name Droichead Átha translates directly to 'bridge at the ford,' signifying its historical role as a crossing point on the River Boyne.
Drogheda's division into two towns originated from which historical context?
Answer: The twelfth-century boundary between two Irish kingdoms and Norman colonization
Explanation: The division of Drogheda into two towns stemmed from the twelfth-century boundary between Irish kingdoms, which was further influenced by Norman settlement patterns.
The two parts of Drogheda were officially united in the year 1412.
Answer: True
Explanation: The unification of the two parts of Drogheda occurred in 1412, after which it was granted the status of a county corporate.
The Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898 resulted in Drogheda becoming part of County Louth.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898 indeed led to Drogheda, including areas south of the Boyne, being incorporated into County Louth for administrative purposes.
In 1468, Drogheda was the site of the execution of the Earl of Desmond, an event potentially linked to the War of the Roses.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Earl of Desmond and his sons were indeed executed in Drogheda in 1468, an event that has been historically associated with the political climate of the War of the Roses.
Poynings' Law, passed in Drogheda in 1495, strengthened the legislative autonomy of the Irish Parliament.
Answer: False
Explanation: Poynings' Law, enacted in Drogheda in 1495, significantly curtailed the legislative autonomy of the Irish Parliament by subjecting its powers to the English Crown and Council.
During the 1649 siege, Oliver Cromwell's forces massacred Royalist defenders in Drogheda and transported survivors to Barbados.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the capture of Drogheda in 1649, Oliver Cromwell's forces carried out a brutal suppression, executing many defenders and transporting some survivors to Barbados.
Following the Local Government Reform Act 2014, Drogheda's administration was merged with County Louth County Council.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Local Government Reform Act 2014 led to the dissolution of Drogheda's borough council and its amalgamation with Louth County Council.
The parliamentary borough of Drogheda returned one MP to the Irish House of Commons until the Act of Union.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prior to the Act of Union, the parliamentary borough of Drogheda returned two Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Irish House of Commons.
Drogheda Borough Council was dissolved and its administration amalgamated with Louth County Council in 2002.
Answer: False
Explanation: The amalgamation of Drogheda Borough Council with Louth County Council occurred in 2014, following the Local Government Reform Act 2014, not in 2002.
Drogheda's borough status was abolished entirely by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898 changed its administrative structure to an urban district, Drogheda retained its borough corporation style and its borough status was not entirely abolished until later reforms.
What administrative status did Drogheda gain after its two parts were united in 1412?
Answer: A county corporate
Explanation: Upon the unification of its two parts in 1412, Drogheda was granted the administrative status of a county corporate, officially known as the 'County of the Town of Drogheda'.
Which piece of legislation, passed in Drogheda in 1495, significantly impacted the Irish Parliament's legislative power?
Answer: Poynings' Law
Explanation: Poynings' Law, enacted in Drogheda in 1495, fundamentally altered the legislative process by requiring Irish parliamentary bills to be approved by the English King and Council beforehand.
What action did Oliver Cromwell take against the Royalist defenders after capturing Drogheda in 1649?
Answer: He ordered the execution of many defenders and transported some survivors.
Explanation: Following the siege of Drogheda in 1649, Oliver Cromwell's forces executed a significant number of the Royalist defenders, with some survivors reportedly transported to Barbados.
What historical event occurred in Drogheda in 1468 involving the Earl of Desmond?
Answer: He was executed along with his sons.
Explanation: In 1468, the Earl of Desmond and his two sons were executed in Drogheda, an event linked to political tensions of the era.
Drogheda is primarily located in County Meath, with only minor parts extending into County Louth.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drogheda is situated on the east coast of Ireland, with its main area in County Louth and its southern parts extending into County Meath. The River Boyne forms a significant boundary within the town.
The passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth are located within the town limits of Drogheda.
Answer: False
Explanation: While these significant Neolithic passage tombs are located in the hinterland of Drogheda, they are situated approximately 8 km west of the town and are not within its administrative limits.
The Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Ireland.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge is Ireland's longest cable-stayed bridge, not a suspension bridge, and carries M1 motorway traffic.
Drogheda's railway line to Navan ceased passenger services in 1958.
Answer: True
Explanation: Passenger services on the railway line connecting Drogheda to Navan were discontinued in 1958, although the line remains operational for freight transport.
Drogheda experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Consistent with its coastal location in Ireland, Drogheda experiences a temperate maritime climate, defined by moderate temperatures throughout the year with mild winters and cool summers.
The Drogheda Port Company is a modern entity that replaced the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners established in the late 18th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Drogheda Port Company is the current body managing the port, succeeding the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners, who were established by legislation in 1790.
The DART+ program plans to extend the DART system to Drogheda in the early 2030s.
Answer: True
Explanation: As part of the DART+ program, there are plans to extend the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system to Drogheda, with projected completion in the late 2020s or early 2030s.
Which river flows through Drogheda, and what is the town's significance in relation to it?
Answer: River Boyne; it's the last bridging point before the Irish Sea
Explanation: The River Boyne flows through Drogheda, and the town is significant as the last bridging point on the river before it meets the Irish Sea.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a place of interest in or around Drogheda?
Answer: The Rock of Cashel
Explanation: While Millmount Fort, St. Laurence's Gate, and the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre are significant sites related to Drogheda, the Rock of Cashel is located in a different region of Ireland.
Which major motorway provides the primary road link between Drogheda, Dublin, and Belfast?
Answer: M1
Explanation: The M1 motorway serves as the principal road artery connecting Drogheda with both Dublin to the south and Belfast to the north.
What is the significance of the Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge?
Answer: It carries M1 motorway traffic and is Ireland's longest cable-stayed bridge.
Explanation: The Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge is notable for carrying the M1 motorway and for being Ireland's longest cable-stayed bridge.
According to the 2022 census, Drogheda was the largest town in Ireland by population.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2022 census data indicates Drogheda was the eleventh largest settlement by population in Ireland and the largest town in the Republic of Ireland, not the largest town overall.
The Drogheda Leader and Drogheda Times are the main local newspapers serving the town.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary local newspapers serving Drogheda are the Drogheda Leader and the Drogheda Independent, not the Drogheda Times.
The 2006 traffic plan to pedestrianize West Street in Drogheda was approved by local councillors.
Answer: False
Explanation: The proposed 2006 traffic plan to pedestrianize West Street in Drogheda was ultimately rejected by local councillors due to concerns raised by traders.
Between 2011 and 2016, the percentage of non-Irish nationals in Drogheda decreased.
Answer: False
Explanation: Data from the 2011 and 2016 censuses indicates that the percentage of non-Irish nationals in Drogheda actually increased during that period.
In the 2022 census, the majority of Drogheda's population identified as non-white.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2022 census data shows that the majority of Drogheda's population identified as white, with specific figures for white Irish and other white categories.
According to the 2022 census, what was Drogheda's population rank among Irish settlements?
Answer: Eleventh largest
Explanation: The 2022 census data places Drogheda as the eleventh largest settlement by population in Ireland.
Which international companies are mentioned as having a presence in the Drogheda area?
Answer: Coca-Cola, State Street, Natures Best
Explanation: Coca-Cola International Services, State Street International Services, and Natures Best are listed among the international companies with operations in the Drogheda area.
What was the outcome of the 2006 proposal to pedestrianize West Street in Drogheda?
Answer: It was rejected by local councillors due to trader concerns.
Explanation: The 2006 proposal to pedestrianize West Street in Drogheda was not approved, as local councillors voted against it following objections from traders concerned about the impact on business.
Which of the following is a current venture in Drogheda's brewing and distilling industry?
Answer: Slane Whiskey
Explanation: Slane Whiskey is mentioned as a current venture within Drogheda's brewing and distilling sector.
What demographic trend was observed regarding non-Irish nationals in Drogheda between the 2011 and 2016 censuses?
Answer: The percentage increased from 16.1% to 17.4%.
Explanation: Between the 2011 and 2016 censuses, the proportion of non-Irish nationals residing in Drogheda saw an increase, rising from 16.1% to 17.4%.
Drogheda's motto, 'Deus praesidium, mercatura decus', means 'God is our refuge, trade is our strength'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The motto 'Deus praesidium, mercatura decus' translates to 'God our strength, merchandise our glory,' highlighting both spiritual reliance and economic endeavor.
The star and crescent emblem on Drogheda's coat of arms originates from a charter granted by King John in 1210.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical evidence suggests the star and crescent emblem on Drogheda's coat of arms dates back to King John's charter in 1210, rather than later myths linking it to Ottoman aid.
Pope John Paul II visited Drogheda in 1979 and made a plea for peace.
Answer: True
Explanation: During his 1979 visit to Ireland, Pope John Paul II addressed a large gathering in Drogheda, issuing a significant appeal for an end to violence and paramilitary activity.
The Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda's municipal art gallery, opened in the early 21st century.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Highlanes Gallery, housing Drogheda's municipal art collection, was established in the former Franciscan Church and Friary and opened in 2006, placing its opening in the early 21st century.
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital is the principal hospital serving Drogheda and the North-East region.
Answer: True
Explanation: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital serves as the main healthcare facility for Drogheda and the wider North-East region of Ireland.
Drogheda has only one secondary school catering to mixed-sex students.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drogheda hosts multiple secondary schools, including several that cater to mixed-sex student populations, such as Drogheda Grammar School and St. Oliver's Community College.
Drogheda United F.C. has never won the FAI Cup.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drogheda United F.C. has achieved success in the FAI Cup, notably winning it in 2005 and again in 2024, contradicting the assertion that they have never won it.
Drogheda is twinned with one city in France and one city in the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drogheda maintains twinning relationships with Bronte in Italy, Saint-Mandé in France, and Salinas in California, United States, meaning it is twinned with one city in France and one in the US, but also one in Italy.
Actor Pierce Brosnan is a notable figure from Drogheda associated with the arts and media.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pierce Brosnan, the acclaimed actor, is indeed a notable figure originating from Drogheda, recognized for his significant contributions to the arts and media.
T. K. Whitaker, a renowned economist, is listed as a notable figure connected to Drogheda in politics and diplomacy.
Answer: True
Explanation: T. K. Whitaker, a highly respected economist and public servant, is recognized as a notable figure with connections to Drogheda, particularly in the realms of public administration and economic policy.
John Philip Holland, inventor of the submarine, is recognized for his contributions to academia and science from Drogheda.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Philip Holland, the pioneering inventor of the submarine, is indeed a notable figure from Drogheda, celebrated for his significant contributions to science and engineering.
Boxer Tony Byrne, an Olympic bronze medalist, is one of the notable athletes associated with Drogheda.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tony Byrne, who achieved an Olympic bronze medal in boxing, is recognized as one of the notable athletes hailing from Drogheda.
Charles Stewart Parnell was awarded the Freedom of the Town of Drogheda in 1884.
Answer: True
Explanation: The prominent political figure Charles Stewart Parnell was indeed honored with the Freedom of the Town of Drogheda in 1884.
Drogheda hosted the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann traditional music festival in 2018 and 2019.
Answer: True
Explanation: Drogheda was selected as the host location for the prestigious Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann traditional music festival for two consecutive years, 2018 and 2019.
The preserved head of Saint Oliver Plunkett is displayed at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Drogheda.
Answer: True
Explanation: The preserved head of Saint Oliver Plunkett, a significant religious relic, is indeed displayed at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Drogheda.
Brother Edmund Garvey's Freedom of Drogheda award was rescinded in 2023 due to controversy surrounding the Christian Brothers Order.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2023, Drogheda Borough Council voted to rescind the Freedom of Drogheda awarded to Brother Edmund Garvey following public outcry related to the Christian Brothers Order's handling of abuse allegations.
What is the literal translation of Drogheda's motto, 'Deus praesidium, mercatura decus'?
Answer: God our strength, merchandise our glory
Explanation: The Latin motto 'Deus praesidium, mercatura decus' translates to 'God our strength, merchandise our glory,' reflecting the town's values.
What is the commonly believed, but historically inaccurate, origin of the star and crescent emblem on Drogheda's coat of arms?
Answer: Gratitude for aid from the Ottoman Sultan during the Great Famine
Explanation: A popular myth attributes the star and crescent emblem to Ottoman aid during the Great Famine; however, historical records indicate its origin lies in King John's 1210 charter.
During his 1979 visit, Pope John Paul II addressed a large crowd in Drogheda and made a significant appeal for what?
Answer: An end to paramilitary violence
Explanation: Pope John Paul II's address in Drogheda during his 1979 visit included a powerful plea for an end to paramilitary violence in Ireland.
Which famous submarine inventor is associated with Drogheda?
Answer: John Philip Holland
Explanation: John Philip Holland, the pioneering inventor of the submarine, has strong associations with Drogheda.
Which of these individuals, awarded the Freedom of the Town of Drogheda, was a leader in the 1916 Rising?
Answer: Éamonn Ceannt
Explanation: Éamonn Ceannt, a key leader in the 1916 Easter Rising, is among those who have been awarded the Freedom of the Town of Drogheda.
Which of the following was awarded the Freedom of the Town of Drogheda in 2001?
Answer: John Hume
Explanation: The prominent political figure John Hume was honored with the Freedom of the Town of Drogheda in 2001.
What is the primary hospital serving Drogheda and the surrounding North-East region?
Answer: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
Explanation: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital is the principal healthcare facility catering to Drogheda and the broader North-East region of Ireland.
Which of these is a notable achievement of Drogheda United F.C. mentioned in the source?
Answer: Winning the League of Ireland Premier Division in 2007
Explanation: A significant achievement for Drogheda United F.C. mentioned is their victory in the League of Ireland Premier Division in 2007.
The Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda's municipal art gallery, is housed in which type of building?
Answer: The former Franciscan Church and Friary
Explanation: The Highlanes Gallery is situated within the historic structure of the former Franciscan Church and Friary.
What notable figure from Drogheda is recognized as the inventor of the Cullen numbers in mathematics?
Answer: James Cullen
Explanation: James Cullen, a mathematician associated with Drogheda, is credited with the discovery and definition of Cullen numbers.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a twin city of Drogheda?
Answer: Drogheda, Ontario
Explanation: Drogheda is officially twinned with Bronte (Italy), Saint-Mandé (France), and Salinas (California, USA). Drogheda, Ontario is not listed as a twin city.
What is the significance of the preserved head of Saint Oliver Plunkett in Drogheda?
Answer: It serves as a significant religious relic at St. Peter's Catholic Church.
Explanation: The preserved head of Saint Oliver Plunkett is a significant religious relic housed and displayed at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Drogheda.