CULLYBACKEY YIN-O-YIN
CULLYBACKEY YIN-O-YIN You’ve heard of Cullybackey, The village of Yin-o-Yin, Of how it got this peculiar name, Or how did it begin. Suggestions have been many, But everyone a doubt; Listen to me carefully And I’ll sort this problem out. Yin and Wan were Chinese men, Who longed for a better life, They came to […]
CUNINGHAM MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – PHOTOGRAPHS AND SHORT HISTORY
CUNINGHAM MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian Church was commissioned by sisters Catherine and Jane Cuningham in memory of their mother Mrs Anne Cuningham. The laying of the foundation stone took place on Monday 9th August 1880 at 1.30pm. The new church was dedicated on 1st September 1881, by the Moderator of the General […]
CUNINGHAM MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MARRIAGES 1845-1921
CUNINGHAM CHURCH MARRIAGES 1845-1921
DAME NATURE
DAME NATURE Much time an’ talents, my dear freens, Hae been used day an’ nicht In tryin’ tae git folk tae learn Tae use Nature aricht. But lit me interduce this lass, Sweet Nature’s lovely dame, Which I wud like “Chat” readers al’ Tae woo an’ wun at hame. Fresh frae auld “mother earth” she […]
DEMPSEY BOBBIE RAIN
RAIN Up against the windows, up against the doors, Down from the skies the cold rain pours. Making all the little birds cold and numb, Making all their voices silent and dumb. Under their hutches the hens are all muddling, By the hedgerows the calves are all cuddling. Bobbie Dempsey Age 11 Tullygrawley School
DEMPSEY, BOB FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY All the trees are bare and friendless, And the ash-buds still in shelter Of their black and folded shieldlets From the icy winds of Winter. Bob Dempsey Age 10 Tullygrawley School
DEMPSEY, BOBBY SNOWDROPS
SNOWDROPS Bowing snowdrops, weeping snowdrops, Why in winter do ye bloom, When birds hop about in gloom? Then hang cold and frozen dewdrops, All the hedges mixed with grey, Then no more the catkins play In the warming sun of day. Small white snowdrops, drooping low, Why do you shoot in the cold When no […]
DIAMOND PRIMARY SCHOOL BOYS 1942-1969
DIAMOND PRIMARY SCHOOL 1942-1969 BOYS ENTRY D O B SURNAME CHRISTIAN NAMES RELIGION Address Parent’s Name LAST SCHOOL DESTINATION 11/08/1942 25/07/1937 McKeown Andrew Presbyterian Drumraw James McKeown Working at Home 22/03/1943 31/05/1938 Simpson Robert James Presbyterian Drumrankin John C Simpson B’mena Tech 15/06/1943 05/06/1938 Leetch John Presbyterian Loan Henry Leetch B’mena Tech 28/07/1943 05/08/1937 […]
DIANA
DIANA Diana you were so precious To each and everyone We mourn your death so deeply But God’s will must be done Your life was but a few short years But you led the world in love May you find the love you always craved With your maker up above Your caring ways to those […]
DR JAMES SIMPSON
James Simpson was born at Cullybackey, son of Thomas Simpson, Mayola. He was educated at the National School, Meaden’s Classical and Commercial Institute, Ballymena, and Queen’s College, Belfast. While there he was awarded first prize in Anatomy and Physiology, and in the theory and practice of Medicine. He also held prizes in Materia Medica, Surgery […]
DR NORMAN COLUM PATRICK, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H. 1878-1937
DR NORMAN COLUM PATRICK, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H. 13th August 1878-24th March 1937 Born on the 13th August 1878, Norman was a son of Mr John Patrick, D.L., Gledheather, Dunminning, a brother of Lieutenant Colonel John Patrick, D.L., and Mr Malcolm Patrick. He attended school at Russell College and was a graduate of Cambridge University and […]
DR WILLIAM SAMUEL RAINY DICK L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S., Edin., L.F.P.S.G.
DR WILLIAM SAMUEL RAINY DICK William Samuel Rainy Dick, Cullybackey, County Antrim, was born on 30th November 1875 at Ballynafie, Portglenone, son of Hugh Dick, Chamomile Hill, Gracehill. Educated at Glasgow University and Anderson’s College; L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S., Edin., and L.F.P.S.G., 1902. He was a member of the Cullybackey Branch of the Masonic Order. He married […]
DR. WILLIAM SIMPSON
DR. WILLIAM SIMPSON DIED 30TH MARCH, 1866 “Death will seize the Doctor, too.” – Shakespeare As the last low sunset fades away, And dim-eyed twilight usurps its room, Who hasn’t felt, as it were, a gloom Shadow his soul like a misspent day? It is not a breath that leaves a fear It is not […]
DREEN TOWNLAND
Dreen, Draoighin, meaning land producing blackthorn or slow bushes is situated close to, and on the west side of the village of Cullybackey in the Barony of Lower Toome. It contains 365 acres 2 roods and 36 perches. Arthur Cottage, the ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur twenty-first president of America is situated in this […]
DROMONA
DROMONA Dear freens, I lift my pen again Tae tel’ ye in a musin’ strain Aboot this place, second tae nane- Dromona. It lies north-wurds oor famous toon, Cullybackey, which wears the croon; But ye’ll no bate, search Ulster roon- Dromona. Its wild romantic hills an’ dales, Which whisper monie ancient tales O’ struggles’ tween […]
DROMORE TOWNLAND
Dromore, Druim Mór, meaning great ridge. It contains 547 acres and is in the Parish of Rasharkin.
DRUMRANKIN TOWNLAND
Drumrankin, Druim Rancain meaning Rankan’s Ridge is situated about 3½ miles E. by N. from Portglenone and ½ mile W.S.W. from Cullybackey. It is the Barony of Lower Toome and contains 596 acres, 2 roods and 11 perches. Population in 1881 – 334 Population in 1891 – 296
DUNMINNING PRIMARY SCHOOL
DUNMINNING PRIMARY SCHOOL Established locally 1832 one room 22ft x 16ft 23/04/1840 Granted to Robert Richmond master from 01/04/1840 free stock for 75 pupils 23/04/1840 Correspondent and Post town Mrs E Birnie Ballymena then in 1841 John Patrick then Mrs Patrick Scholars 25 male 15 female 15/05/1840 Free stock advised 30/09/1940 paid salary £4 to […]
DUNMINNING TOWNLAND
Dunminning Dún Manainn, Mannin’s fort or Dún Mainchin, Mainchin’s fort. This townland is situated in the south-east extremity of the Parish of Rasharkin and is bounded on the South and East by the Parish of Ahoghill.
DUNNYGARRON TOWNLAND
Dunnygarran pronounced Dun/ney/gar/ran, Dún Uí Ghearáin, meaning O’Gearan’s dun or fort. Situated in the Barony of Toome it contains 289 acres, 3 roods and 29 perches. In recent years the spelling has changed to Dunnygarron. Population in 1881 – 194 Population in 1891 – 161
DUNOINE ROAD END
DUNOINE ROAD END I took a walk one Sunday Not very far away Down to where the tent was Just below the engine brae Twas there I spied a handsome lass Her equal ne’er was seen For she’s the star of Glarryford And the rose of sweet Kilcreen. A young man called Sam Rainey He […]
EDITOR-SHIP
EDITOR-SHIP Written as a welcome to Mr. Thomas Boyd on his important appointment as Mananging Editor of the Ballymena Weekly Telegraph in succession to the late Mr. Joseph Laughlin. Readers, within yer recollection, A tried in a bit o’ rhyme Steerin ships afore yer veeshin Which ha sailed the seas o’ time. Aboot oor michty […]
ELLA YOUNG
ELLA YOUNG 26th December 1867–23rd July 1956 Eldest child of James Bristow Young and his wife Matilda, nee Russell, Ella, or Ellen as stated on her birth certificate was born in the townland of Fenagh on 26th December 1867. Ella’s parents were married in the Cullybackey Reformed Presbyterian Church on 10th August 1866. Ella was […]
ERIN HAS MY SOUL
ERIN HAS MY SOUL England, merrie England, merry may you be, Days of joy and sorrow I have spent with thee; But Erin, dearest Erin, you make the tear drops start, And often in my dreams you ease my aching heart. England has scenery that’s both rich and rare, And the girls of England are […]
FAITH DEFENDERS
FAITH DEFENDERS Beside a gracefoo ripplin’ brook Weel kent by locals al’ An’ at that noo historic nook, Yince Maggie’s famous wal’, Majestic stan’s this sacred pile, The Brook-side church o’ God, Over which stile some sleep awhile Beneath the native sod, Foo green this day. The linin’ yins wha wurship there Ir Christians heart […]
FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY
FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY 1st Corinthians xiiI V13 Dear freens, my mind reverts jist noo Tae hallow’d times lang past, Whun Mr. Moody, o’ the Pund, Saw’d Gospel seed braid-cast. A humble, faithfoo, godly man, Without yin blot ur stain; His memory sacred in oor hearts Fur iver shal’ remain. His acts o’ cherity endear’d […]
FENAGH TOWNLAND
Fenagh, Fiodhnach, wooded place, situated in the Barony of Lower Toome and contains 73 acres, 2 roods and 9 perches. Population in 1881 – 266 Population in 1891 – 234
FENAGHY TOWNLAND
Fenaghy, pronounced Fe/nagh/y, Fionn-Achadh, fair of white field or Fionn-Fhaithche, fair or white exercise field. Situated along the east side of the River Maine, extending N.N.E. for 1¼ miles from the end of the village of Galgorm, in the Barony of Lower Toome and contains 73 acres 2 roods and 9 perches. Population in 1881 […]
FENTON, GRETTA WINTER
WINTER Now the Christmas bells will ring, And we’ll have the snow to sting Every toe and every limb, And the robins cold will sing, Looking on for pleasant Spring, When the bluebells gladly ding. Gretta Fenton Age 12 Tullygrawley School
FENTON, SAM AUTUMN
AUTUMN Autumn is near, And the cold is here, The birds are dumb, And the rain is come. The daisy’s asleep, And the wall-flower a-peep. The flax is milled, And the year is filled. Sam Fenton Age 13 Tullygrawley School
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1915
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1915 The wheel of time has brought us A day’s march nearer home; Sweetest joys are mixed with grief, We’re often weak and lone. Some can look back with comfort On heavenly time they had; Some found the waters bitter, And they are vexed and sad. At mansions, high and splendid, […]
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1917
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1917 O Lord, the war’s still raging! Two years have passed away, What broken hearts are mourning Around the world to-day. Lord help us make confession, Forsaking every sin; Then look to God for victory, For He can help us win. Protect our lads, we pray Thee, Lord, help them trust […]
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1920
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1920 A year is gone since peace was signed, For this we all were glad, But memories linger round our mind That makes our poor hearts sad. The empty seat in many homes The voice much loved is still, But after all it must have been The loving Master’s will. Thy […]
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1921
FOR THE NEW YEAR My Lord is come with me to stay, He’s put my every sin away, He’ll guide my footsteps day by day I know no friend like Jesus. He’s ever near, He’s at my side, To see me through He will abide; My Lord for me He lived and died I know […]
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1922
FOR THE NEW YEAR What want I more, my health is fair, I’ve bread to eat, and some to spare, Why should I worry with much care, There’s comfort found in Jesus. What want I more, I’ve Christ within, And He has pardoned all my sin; He’ll guide me going out and in, All this […]
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1924
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1924 Another year has passed away, What changes some have had; There’s some rejoicing all the day, And others lone and sad. What hearts doth mourn for dear ones gone, Who helped them day by day; They made life’s bitter waters sweet, And brushed our cares away. There’s not a change […]
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1925
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1925 The wheels of time are moving, How quickly do they fly; It makes the chariot steady To know that Thou art nigh. To help us if we’re lonely, To cheer us if we’re sad, To draw us closer to Him, This makes our poor hearts glad. In Him there’s peace […]
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1926
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1926 All these years the Lord has led us, Sometimes through a lonely path, Yet He ever is beside us, Will be with us to the last. Blessed Lord, how much we need Thee In these days of toil and care, It will help us bear our burdens If we breathe […]
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1928
FOR THE NEW YEAR 1928 Is thy burden growing greater? Do you bear a heavy load? Look to Him who helps the helpless Weary child, have faith in God. Is thy pathway growing darker? Do you dread the lonely road? Hear Him say “I’ll never leave thee” Weary child, have faith in God. Faith in […]
FORGRAVE, SAMMIE A SNOWDROP
A SNOWDROP See the pretty little snowdrop Bobbing in the gentle breezes, Like a little piece of paper Romping softly in the garden, Through the gardens where the breezes Soft and gentle blow in Summer, Bring the gentle smell of pollen Over all the fields and meadows; All its sweetness and its beauty Through the […]
FORGRAVE, SAMMIE AUTUMN
AUTUMN First went the Ash from the smouldering ranks Scattering her leaves on the brown river bank, So went she. Next went the Chestnut, her leaves all tattered Like a robin in winter when rough storms have battered, Her robes fell. Then thirdly the Hawthorn said good-bye She went with a moan and a tear […]
FORGRAVE, SAMMIE CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS Winter, dull winter makes Christmas look dreary, But inside the logs in the fire crack cheery. The holly-decked walls are warm with the glow, While outside a-howling the wind doth blow. With reindeer and sleigh old Santa doth come, When snow is whirling and night is dumb; When the geese-downs in blizzards do silently […]
FORGRAVE, SAMMIE DECEMBER
DECEMBER I love to see the snow that whirls, And covers all the ground; I love to see it twirl and sift, And hasten into mounds. I love to see that sheeted world, With snow so fair and white. I love to see its velvet skin, That is so soft and light. I love to […]
FORGRAVE, SAMMIE FAREWELL
FAREWELL Farewell my fruitful Summer, I shall ne’er forget your scent, Though the apple-trees in Autumn with the scowling winds are bent, When the leaves are whirling quickly, and gather into heaps, And o’er the hills the Winter comes and through his carriage window peeps. When the swallows have flown over the wild and rocky […]
FORGRAVE, SAMMIE GOLD
GOLD Flicker, flicker, now the leaves Fall golden from the weeping trees, Make golden heaps and golden mounds, Make golden homes upon golden ground. Then they talk with a golden rustle, With a golden noise and a golden fustle. Now they lie in a golden sleep, As their golden heads do peep Out of a […]
FORGRAVE, SAMMIE THE FOUR SEASONS
THE FOUR SEASONS Spring comes in with howling winds, Waking every bud, Then Summer with its golden rays Dries up the mud. Now comes Autumn with his sword, Cutting down the leaves, Then Winter with his icy thumbs Hangs staples from the eaves. Sammie Forgrave Age 11 Tullygrawley School
FORGRAVE, SAMMIE WINTER
WINTER Now the sleety winds do blow Bringing snow. As it comes without a sound To the ground. Soon we’ll see it cover over Every field where singing larks did hove Above the clover. See the hedges black and bare In the air, As they quiver to and fro Through the snow, As it comes […]
FOUND ON THE LINKS AT CULLYBACKEY
FOUND ON THE LINKS AT CULLYBACKEY I’ve seen the Rose of Sharon and the lily in the dell, I’ve smiled upon the primrose and the daffodil as well; But their manifold attractions I must ever more disdain, For I’ve promised to be faithful to the Flower of the Maine. On the links at Cullybackey I […]
GALGORM PARKS
Galgorm Parks, formerly known as the Deerpark of Galgorm has taken its name from the nearby townland of Galgorm and seems to owe its origins to a grant in 1618 from King James I to Sir Faithful Fortescue which refers to the creation of the “manor of Fortescue, with one thousand acres in demesne. Population […]
GASTON, SELINA HARVEST
HARVEST I love to hear the reaper’s noise Go clicking past the rill, For then we know ‘tis harvest time, In valley and in hill. And the farmers now are busy, Working hard their barns to fill. I love to see the little lark Soar upward to the sky, And send its carol down to […]