“A FLOWER ON THE MAINE”
“A FLOWER OF THE MAINE” Suggested on hearin’ the Rev. John M McQuitty, B. A., very eloquently preach a suitable sermon in Heich Kirk, Bellamaina, on Sabbath evening last tae the public generally, bit mair particularly tae the “Seven Towers Royal Lilies,” noo sae weel an’ fragrantly known in the sweet wurl’ o’ botany as […]
“GOODBYE” TO THE CULLYBACKEY AND HILLMOUNT VOLUNTEERS BY C.K.S.
“GOODBYE” TO THE CULLYBACKEY AND HILLMOUNT VOLUNTEERS We have said “Good-bye” to our gallant men, They have gone to prepare for the war, And there’s sorrow and gloom in many a home, And trouble both near and far. In the village we’ll miss their cheery word As the dreary days go by; And our soldier […]
“IRELAND FOR EVER”
“IRELAND FOR EVER” Ierne, sweet homeland of the brave, The loyal heart, the true; Thou fairest gem of ocean’s wave, Though long hath gone from you The ancient glory of thy name, Yet now hast thou awoke to Fame. The sons of freedom thou hast borne, Have proved their mettle well; On Africa’s battlefields forlorn, […]
“ON EARTH PEACE”
“ON EARTH PEACE” (St. Luke 2, 14) Friends, firstly let our minds revert And may we think aright About those words addressed to men Watching their flocks by night. Although spoken so long ago By that host from above, “Glory to God” let us now shout For His redeeming love. Since then we have had […]
1600s
1628 William Huston, Craigs Castle was appointed as High Sheriff of County Antrim 1670 The Reformed Presbyterian Congregation Began its Existence as a Small Society Receiving Occasional Visits From a Minister 1676 William Huston, Craigs Castle again appointed as High Sheriff of County Antrim
1700’s
1705 John Dickey is reputed to have been the first linen merchant to erect a power-driven bleach green in Ireland, building the Lowpark works on the left bank of the River Maine about 1705. 1773 Samuel Brown Wylie First Reformed Presbyterian Minister Installed in America was born at Moylarg on 23rd May 1773 1776 Issue […]
1800’s
1810 Congregation of the United Free Church was Founded 1819 Meeting House for United Free Church erected in Tullygrawley 1819 National School was Built 1819 Meeeting-house for United Free Congregation was built in Tullygrawley 1826 Alexander McManus, Mount Davis Appointed as High Sheriff of County Antrim 1834 Loan School Opened 1839 United Free Church was […]
1900’s
1900 New Public Elementary School Built on Main Street 1900 Foundation Stone of Cullybackey Orange Hall Laid on 12th July 1901 Outbreak of Typhoid in Cullybackey 1902 LOL960 Total Abstinence formed at Dunnygarron 1905 Souterain Found at Markstown 1906 Electricity Installed in Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian Church 1907 Hillmount Flute Band Opening of New Practice Hall […]
2000’s
2001 New Housing, Charcoal Way Built 2002 Archway Opened at Millennium Riverside Walk 2003 Chester Cottages Built 2008 Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian Church Extension Opened 2012 Cullybackey & District Historical Society Formed 2013 Cullybackey War Memorial Dedicated 2014 Mr Andy Millar Awarded MBE for Services to Scouting 2017 Steve Davis Awarded MBE for Services to Football […]
21 CEAD MILE FAILTE
21 CEAD MILE FAILTE To Dunnygarron, Cullybackey on 12th July, 1910 Hurra, freens, the Twalt is approachin’ The biggest big day o’ the year; Although some folk hae bin poachin’, Bit nane o’ thim leive aboot here. Perhaps we shud cal’ each a brither, Though wanderer’s frae the “good old” Wae cherity help those who […]
A DAY OUT
A DAY OUT If shopping is really your hobby Just take a walk down the street Your first stop would be the home bakery Where you’re sure to get a nice treat If a Sunday joint you are after Lamont’s butchers is surely the place Your choice of meats there is endless And you might […]
A DUNMINNING RAMBLE, GEORGE MCNEICE
I went for a ramble one fine summer dayAnd down by Dunminning I chanced for to strayA place of importance or so I’ve been toldWhere the scenery is lovely and fair to beholdI wandered along with a leisurely strideTill I saw a mill pond just by the roadsideA harbour for wild fowl this pond has […]
A LAMENT FOR ROBERT YOUNG LATE OF HILLMOUNT
A LAMENT FOR ROBERT YOUNG LATE OF HILLMOUNT When last I wandered by the Main I had a friend my guide to be, Who joyed to hear my rural strain And share his unfeigned love with me. Sweet were the vales he led me through, And scenes I ne’er beheld before; In everything they brought […]
A LITTLE CHAMBER
A LITTLE CHAMBER 11 KINGS, IV., VERSE 10 Dear friends, we read so much these days Of houses large or small, And many places here and there That have got none at all. One time it is for lack of stuff, Or cannot find a site, Or not enough tradesmen to build, Or fix the […]
A LOCAL LEGEND
A LOCAL LEGEND Ur iver you ur I wur born, Fur so the yarn beging, Thir wus a famous wit leeved here, An’ thus the legend rins. It may be true ur partly false; I niver knew the man; So tak it wae the pinch o’ saut; As it is second han’ Foo stale this […]
A MAN’S LIFE
A MAN’S LIFE In speaking on Luke XIIv15 and in trying to show that a man’s life was itself his mission to help in finding the way back to righteousness, holiness, peace and happiness and therein be rich toward God. The writer threw in the following picture of Christ as the ideal “Way, Truth and […]
A MARCH STORM IN DIFFERENT WAYS
A MARCH STORM IN DIFFERENT WAYS The March wun whusel’t ower the hills, Wae loud determent souch, While claddin’ snaw-showers fil’t the fills That lead tae mony a shouch. The auld Pun burn, fou tae the brim, By Jenny Whyie’s rummelt, Then creepin’ on ‘neath hazels dim, Inte the Maine in tummelt, Fou dark that […]
A SONG FOR FEBRUARY
A SONG FOR FEBRUARY Day in an’ day oot on his auld farrant loom, Time lengthens the wab o’ the past; Dame Nature steps in like a lamp tae the room, Hir e’e tae the simmer o’ life geein’ bloom. So winter slips by, wi’ its mirth an’ its gloom, As spring is appearin’ at […]
A SONG OF THE RIVER OF LIFE
A SONG OF THE RIVER OF LIFE “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.” Psalm XIVI, v4 I stood by the brink of the silver Maine When the worn-out year was dying, And my heart grew faint with a sudden pain As I watched the wavelets flying. For […]
A THAMES VALLEY REVERIE
A THAMES VALLEY REVERIE When the golden sun is setting, Setting softly in the west, And the shadows on Thames’ valley Are in lovely colours dressed; It is then my thoughts go drifting On the breezy springtime air, Drifting on the scented breezes, To a glen in Antrim fair. And my memory gently lingers Round […]
A THOUGHT FOR THE TIMES
A THOUGHT FOR THE TIMES Days of darkness, skies so cold Call to mind the days of old, When our world in sorrowing night Longed for glorious hope and light Then was born that morn long past, Bringing gladness that will last. Now again our times anew Bid us look for skies of blue, That […]
ABOUT MALCOLM MCMASTER
Mr Malcolm McMaster held gospel meetings in a hall at the back of his house where he invited various speakers for the entertainment and spiritual guidance of the people of Cullybackey and the surrounding area. He was a very gifted poet as can be seen from some of his poems listed here and for many […]
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
ABRAHAM LINCOLN DIED 15TH APRIL 1865 One more of the great ones gone but not As though he succumbed unto death at length He died by the stroke of the traitor’s hand When his sun was in full meridian strength. And the nations weep; and the people’s tears Are fall ing for one who was […]
ACROSTIC “JEHOVAH SHALOM”
ACROSTIC “JEHOVAH SHALOM” J ehovah, Lord high over all, Who watches e’en the sparrows fall, E ncouraged thus we now draw near, Beseeching Thee that Thou would’st hear, H oly art Thou in all Thy ways. Yet helps a sinner when he prays, O Lord have mercy and forgive, That each and all of us […]
ADDRESS TO SLEMISH
All hail! old Slemish! hail! we bow the knee,We cry all hail! we cry to thee,Behold us, pilgrims to thy rugged crest,Footsore and weary leaning on thy breast. Those heights so near, that to the distant viewSeem round in contour, and of azure hue,Thy sturdy form small to remoter eyes,Of huge proportions now and monstrous […]
ADDRESS TO SLEMISH
All hail! old Slemish! Hail! we bow the knee,We cry all hail! all hail! we cry to thee.Behold us, pilgrims to thy rugged crest,Footsore and weary, leaning on thy breast.Those heights so near, that to the distant viewSeem round in contour, and of azure hue.The sturdy form, small to remoter eyes,Of huge proportions now and […]
ADDRESSED TO THE NEW LORD PRIMATE OF ALL IRELAND
ADDRESSED TO THE NEW LORD PRIMATE OF ALL IRELAND THE MOST REV. DR. CROZIER Dear Sur, Juist noo, tae auld Armagh We turn oor mental e’en, An’ think wae joy hoo lang it has Adorned this Isle sae green, Tae which the ither coonties guid Wae riverance bow the knee, Becas in it thir still […]
ADIEU TO CULLYBACKEY BY R. C. MACBRIDE
ADIEU TO CULLYBACKEY Sweet Cullybackey! bright and fair, To thee I breathe a fond farewell, To all thy charms and beauties rare, In midst of which I loved to dwell; I say an honest, kind adieu, And wish thee every blessing true. Wherever I may roam below, Whatever scenes may meet my gaze, Amidst them […]
AFTER THE WAR THOUGHTS
AFTER THE WAR THOUGHTS Our Saviour cried, “’Tis finished,” The blood o’ warfare’s poured; Our enemies are vanquished, Our freedom is restored. The triumph of the Allies, By famine, scourge or sword, Has come by gracious supplies, And harkening to His word. The Lord, He is our portion, Let every nation sing, Oh, the blessed […]
AGAIN WE’RE ONE
AGAIN WE’RE ONE Suggested on reading Mr Donohoe’s verses in the Ballymena Observer. Oh! brother, stay your arm I pray, And let contention cease; Sectarian strife has long been rife, And long has throttled peace. Though firm we stand for Motherland, First gem on earth I ween, We well may own old England’s throne, And […]
ALEXANDER, MARGARET WINTER
WINTER The bleak and wintry winds again do blow, And frowning clouds roll slowly o’er the sky. No mantle has the chestnut or the ash, For gusty winds blew off their golden suits. The sun bursts out from underneath a cloud, And now the land is clad in golden light, The hedges glint as moonbeams […]
ALEXANDER, POLLY FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY February fill the dyke First with black and then with white, First with frost and then with snow, Till no more the green will show. Cover up the brambled lanes, Cover all the roadway drains, Then with solid iron lips Come and freeze our finger-tips. Make the little robin hold A foot up in […]
ALEXANDER, POLLY NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER November’s breath makes the night air frosty, It freezes up the wavy rills, It makes the world a misty blue, And hides the beauty of the distant hills. He sweeps the leaves from their shady nooks, And through the air he twirls them, Up, and away, he thinks this fun, While up and down […]
ALLEN, JAMES SCHOOL IN SUMMER AND IN WINTER
SCHOOL IN SUMMER AND IN WINTER In summer I like school the best, For every place is clean, The dust it blows about our feet, And cows no more are lean. In winter it is hard and tight, For the snow lies on the ground, Then I hate to hear the clock Ring out that […]
ALLEN, JAMES SPRING-TIME
SPRING-TIME Spring-time, Spring-time, come to us, Come this sunny day; The robin is in joyful tune, For Winter’s far away. Ceased are all the storms of Winter, And sunshine glows instead; The hedgehog is now awakened, And is crawling out of bed. James Allen Age 12 Tullygrawley School
ALLEN, JAMES THE FOX AND THE GOAT
THE FOX AND THE GOAT A silly young fox fell into a well, And how to get out he could not tell, A goat by chance was walking by, And in the well she heard the cry. “Come down, Miss Goat, the water’s so cool, It’s twice just as good as that in the pool, […]
AN ADDRESS TO ADVERNIS
AN ADDRESS TO ARDVENIS Ardvernis! how I love thee! I have strayed beneath thy bowers, Beneath thy cooling shade, In company of those I hold most dear, And ever shall with reverence deep revere. Ardvernis! how I love thee! Not thee alone, but for the sake of those Who oft to me have shown The […]
AN EASTER MESSAGE
AN EASTER MESSAGE (St. John XX., 12-13) So spake the sweet angel voices To one devoted woman, Whose love brought golden words to us, From where our Lord had lain, So speak the same holy echoes, With joy and hope to all men “Why weepest thou?” Come, brothers! Rise and live anew, Not ponder the […]
AN IRISH SUMMER
AN IRISH SUMMER You may talk of Indian Summers The heat hard to survive But we will always remember The summer of Ninety-Five We thought we would have no summer As it rained most every day Until the weather finally changed The heat wave was on its way To wake up every morning And hear […]
AN ODE TO REV HOOK
AN ODE TO REV HOOK There’s a church in the vale by the river It’s surrounded by tall trees serene It’s known as Cuningham Memorial No lovelier church can be seen It’s built by the side of the river It’s known as the River Maine When visitors come to admire it They say they will […]
AN ODE TO THE REV MURPHY
AN ODE TO THE REV MURPHY There’s a church in the vale by the river It’s surrounded by tall trees serene It’s known as Cuningham Memorial No lovelier church can be seen It’s built by the side of the river It’s known as the River Maine When visitors come to admire it They say they […]
AN OLD CHURCH AT CULLYBACKEY 1920
AN OLD CHURCH AT CULLYBACKEY This humble kirk behind the ridge Shows unabashed behind the bridge; Embowered, old and grey it lies, But hallowed with green memories. What moved the fathers – did they know That thoughts grow best where flowers grow, To such a gentle thought, to raise Beside the pleasant stream a place […]
AN OLD CHURCH AT CULLYBACKEY 1922
AN OLD CHURCH AT CULLYBACKEY Farewell ye age encrusted walls! Farewell ye consecrated halls! Where Presbyt’ry once had its home, And Methodism now rears its dome. Where pious hearts old pathways trod In use and wont to worship God. Now through the years unnumbered dim They each exhort with prayer and hymn Where Presbyt’ry once […]
AN ULSTER EMIGRANT
AN ULSTER EMIGRANT Twas on a bright May morning In the year 1952 I left my home in Antrim A new life to pursue My dear old mother she stood there A teardrop in her eye To leave almost broke my heart A new life I had to try The work was scarce and times […]
ANNALOISTE SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIAL
ANNALOISTE SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIAL Not far from famous Lurgan town On Lough Neagh’s fertile shore, Dear Anna Loiste we love so well Growing more and more. The neat Orange Hall is up-to-date, And we are proud to see Their banner bright when its unfurled, States lodge is now T.T. The Mission Hall though mainly wood […]
ARTIBRANNAN TOWNLAND
Artibrannan, pronounced Arto-bran-nan meaning the height or hill of Branan’s house. It is situated 2½ miles N.N.W. of Ballymena and 1 mile E.S.E. of Cullybackey, in the barony of Lower Toome, and contains 112 acres 2 roods and 11 perches. Population in 1881 – 58 Population in 1891 – 47
AT THE BROO
AT THE BROO Let’s pou’ the gither, Wully, Let’s pou’ the gither strecht; Oor days are no’ the langest, We hae nae time tae fecht. Why should we glam at nettles, When there’s roses fresh tae pu’ Alang the windin’ stream o’ life, ‘Mang brammel at the broo? Let’s pou’ the gither, Wully, Let’s pou’ […]
BALLYBEG NATIONAL SCHOOL – EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF MR GEORGE NEELY PRINCIPAL
Educational History of George Neely Principal Ballybeg National School Pupil Teacher Ballymena Model R No 5621 from February 1868 till April 1869 Principal Tullygrawley Roll No 7265 from 12/04/ 1869 till 01/08/ 1871 Principal Straid Roll No 3355 from 01/08/1871 till 01/08/ 1878 Sub for Principal Northhumberland St Belfast R N 9974 from 1/08/1878 – […]
BALLYCLOSH TOWNLAND
Ballyclosh, Baile Claise, town of the trench or furrow. This townland is situated in the Barony of Lower Toome and contains 458 acres 2 roods and 7 perches. Population in 1881 – 347 Population in 1891 – 304
BALLYCONNELLY
BALLYCONNELLY There is a townland in County Antrim Ballyconnelly is its name It’s on the outskirts of Cullybackey On the banks of the River Maine We have the Cuningham Church with its spire That seems to reach up to the sky Up the Dreen Road there’s the beautiful Manse That seems to catch everyone’s eye […]