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Ballymurphy
Derivation:

Gaelic Baile Ui Murchu: ’Murphy’s townland’.

Potted history:

Ballymurphy is one of the housing estates in west Belfast built after the Second World War. The estate nestles between the Whiterock and Springfield Roads. Once an integrated area, the estate is now predominantly Catholic and is known for its grotto to Our Lady.

Ballymurphy is an economically deprived area, which has also suffered many social stresses and problems due to the Troubles. This fact prompted a retired priest to set up the Spring Hill Community centre in the area. Spring Hill acts as an open house for the residents and many community groups have started up as a result of this facilitation.

Famous folk:

Gerry Adams, President of the Republican Sinn Fein party, was born in Ballymurphy on October 6,1948.