GIFTS
GIFTS No time, perhaps, dear friends in Christ, Since apostolic age Has there been such a time as now, For “gifts” seem quite a rage. The Bible is God’s gift to man, To be our rule of life, Which states the first gift we all need Is his eternal life. Whence follow many other gifts […]
GIVEN, THOMAS LINES TO THE MEMORY OF SARAH MCKIVOR DUNNYGARRON
LINES TO THE MEMORY OF SARAH MCKIVOR DUNNYGARRON Evening shadows were around us, Soon the day was lost to sight; Still our sense of duty found us Watching in the fading light. Watching by the bed of sickness, Where a loved one lay in pain; While ‘midst grief of awful thickness Built we hopes of […]
GOLF AT THE LOOPAGH LINKS, CULLYBACKEY
GOLF AT THE LOOPAGH LINKS, CULLYBACKEY Despite the obsession that the war has laid upon all, there is still the wish to keep up the interest and pleasure of a game for those who are free, for we require all the health and energy that the nation can obtain at the moment. Cullybackey golfers, then […]
GRAHAM, JEAN IN MEMORY
IN MEMORY of the Elim Missionaries Killed in Rhodesia Far away in the land of Rhodesia, Underneath the dark African sod, We laid our loved ones to rest In the hallowed “Acre of God.” We will meet them in the Glory, We will talk with them again, We will walk with them in Heaven, Free […]
GREER, ROBERT WHAT THE CORN SAYS
WHAT THE CORN SAYS I shoot in the merry month of May, When flowers and birdies welcome the day; My ears I fill in the month of July, When the bumble bee goes buzzing by. In August I tremble like a leaf on a tree, As the gentle breezes blow over me; In September I […]
HAME O’ MINE
HAME O’ MINE There’s a spot in County Antrim Near to the river Maine, Where stands a homely dwelling, Sure it’s this I call my hame It’s the place where I was born, And now I’m twenty-three, And there’s not in dear old Ireland Half so sweet a spot to me. It isn’t too commodious, […]
HARBISON, TOM AUTUMN
AUTUMN I love to see the mists at night Come creeping all around, To blot the trees and hedges out, And thickly clothe the ground. And now the cobwebs gather fast, They’re saying night is come at last. I love to see the farmer plod In from the harvest field; When the night comes he […]
HARBISON, TOMMY IN SUMMER WHEN THE WIND I HEAR
In Summer when the wind I hear, I know the corn is in the ear, And soon the reaper will be going In the field the corn a-moving. Tommy Harbison Tullygrawley School
HARBISON, TOMMY IN SUMMER WHEN THE WIND I HEAR
In Summer when the wind I hear, I know the corn is in the ear, And soon the reaper will be going In the field the corn a-moving. Tommy Harbison Tullygrawley School
HARBISON, TOMMY WINTER DAYS
WINTER DAYS Now the winter days have come, And the blackbird’s call is dumb. Up the steep hill’s sodden brown The weary horses pull the plough. And the little robin comes In the morning for its crumbs. Then a little song it sings, And all the air with gladness rings. Tommy Harbison Tullygrawley School
HARBISON, TOMMY WINTER DAYS
WINTER DAYS Now the winter days have come, And the blackbird’s call is dumb. Up the steep hill’s sodden brown The weary horses pull the plough. And the little robin comes In the morning for its crumbs. Then a little song it sings, And all the air with gladness rings. Tommy Harbison Tullygrawley School
HARVEST FESTIVAL
HARVEST FESTIVAL AHOGHILL LIGHTED FREE OF COST In the beautifoo, solid, an’ sacred edifice known as Ahoghill Parish Church, wha’s respectes an’ zealous young rector is the Reverint Lancelot H. Becher, M.A., on Friday evenin’ last thir wus a rale suitable an’ appropriated thanksgeein’ service acknowledgin’ the guidness o’ the Geer o’ al’ guid. The […]
HENRY, MARGARET MARCH
MARCH Oh, the gusty winds at March time, Lifting dust from all the roadways; Flitting birds are seeking shelter In among the leafless hedgerows. Soaring upwards nearer heaven, Hear the fife-song of the sky-lark, Drowning all the wind’s loud whistling. Margaret Henry Age 12 Tullygrawley School
HENRY, MARGARET MARCH
MARCH Oh, the gusty winds at March time, Lifting dust from all the roadways; Flitting birds are seeking shelter In among the leafless hedgerows. Soaring upwards nearer heaven, Hear the fife-song of the sky-lark, Drowning all the wind’s loud whistling. Margaret Henry Age 12 Tullygrawley School
HERBISON, B
WINTER When all the biting frosty days Of winter time draw near, The sun has lost its warmer rays, And all is cold and drear. Beneath the hedges starving birds Will crouch benumbed and cold, For warmth to them is better far Than rich men’s piles of gold. When all the trees are black and […]
HERBISON, B
OCTOBER Now October you are here And old mother snow is near. With her downy blanket on her arm To cover the seedlings from all harm. September with beauty bedecked every tree But when you came sweeping across the bare lee, You stripped off their garments of copper and gold And through their cold […]
HERBISON, TOMMY MORNING
MORNING On the hills the sun is rising; Upwards towards it soars the skylark, Soaring upwards to the sunrays, To the welcome rays that rising Brighten up the dark world slowly. And the spotted thrush is singing, Singing loudly on the beech-tree; On the ash-tree sings the robin, Sings his cheerful song of morning. But […]
HERBISON, TOMMY MORNING
MORNING On the hills the sun is rising; Upwards towards it soars the skylark, Soaring upwards to the sunrays, To the welcome rays that rising Brighten up the dark world slowly. And the spotted thrush is singing, Singing loudly on the beech-tree; On the ash-tree sings the robin, Sings his cheerful song of morning. But […]
HOME
HOME I’ve travelled far in foreign lands, Midst scenes for ever new; I’ve worshipped each as they unfurled, Their grandeur to my view; But the scene I love the best, and my eyes will e’er retain, Is the view of Cullybackey, from the wooded hills of Maine. There are some who swear by India, Her […]
I AM THE WAY
I AM THE WAY I am the Life, the Truth, the Way, Says Jesus, so clear and plain, Come and find rest – the call obey, His teaching prove not in vain. And he will guide you all your days, With counsel by your side, He knows the secrets, and He says He will with […]
IAN COCHRANE
IAN COCHRANE 7th November 1941-9th September 2004 Ian Cochrane, who died aged sixty-two, produced six unusual, darkly comic, critically acclaimed novels during the 1970s and early 1980s. Born on 7th November 1941 in Moylarg, Dromona, near Cullybackey, Ian’s writing was encouraged and developed at Tullygrawley Public Elementary School by his headmaster, the late R.L. Russell. […]
IMPRESSIONS
IMPRESSIONS On hearing the Rev. W.R. Megaw, B.A., the newly ordained minister of Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, Ahoghil, preach his first sermon after his ordination to his congregation on Sunday 10th April 1910. Text, 1st Corinthians 2v2 First impressions aft are lastin’ Whither bad ur whither guid, Pardon, an’ I’ll tell ye my yins In […]
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ELIZABETH DUNLOP
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ELIZABETH DUNLOP Who Died on 2nd October 1913 We little thought that death was near Our much loved home beside the Brook, The very one we loved so dear, A loving wife and mother took. We loved her well, and knew just why She made our home so very dear; But […]
IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF OUR DEAR FATHER THOMAS CAMERON
Who died at his residence, Lisnagarron, 1st July 1920 The sun shines bright, the birdies sing,And flowers bloom to-dayThe young lambs sport beside the spring,So fresh, so fair and gay. But Ah! in sorrow deep we mournFor one whose love was trueHow can it be that we must partOur father, dear, with you? Christ’s Church […]
IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF ROBERT GLASS
IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF ROBERT GLASS MAIN STREET, CULLYBACKEY. Prisoner of War in Germany, Died 2nd July 1918. Oh! toll the bell with mournful notes One kind memento of esteem For him who died in Germany, His home and country to redeem. He left his home and country bright, Though but a boy just past […]
IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF THE LATE MR. JAMES ERWIN BALLYCLOSE, CULLYBACKEY
IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF THE LATE MR. JAMES ERWIN BALLYCLOSE, CULLYBACKEY Who departed this life January 20th 1910 Aged 15 years “In the midst of life we are in death” Ah, yes, how true those solemn words, How real now appear, Since in youth and health and strength Death may be very near. As in […]
IN MEMORIAM
Rev. George Raphael Buick, M.A., L.L.D., CullybackeyWho died at Damascus, April 28th1904 Toll, toll the bell, let there be light,Unveil the monumental brass,And read us from its lettered scrollThe words that as the seasons pass. Shall keep in our remembrance long,The name and fame of him who liesHis life work done – in sacred ground,Beneath […]
IN MEMORIAM BY VIGNES
IN MEMORIAM Sarah Jane Craig, Died 22nd September, 1865 “Those whom the gods love die young.” Have you ever watched, when the early sun Had burst the doors of the struggling night, How a ray, perchance, pierced the hazy dark, While the rest stopped sudden in conscious fright? Have you followed its course, as it […]
IN MEMORY OF ALEXANDER HOY
In Memory of Alexander Hoy, Who Departed This Life October 15 1914 At Broughdone, Cullybackey. God Giveth and God Taketh Away; Blessed be the Name of God. Blessed be the Lord our God from Whom All blessings rich do flow; Blessed be Him who takes away; His purpose none can know. Tho’ hard to part […]
IN MEMORY OF IAN HOY BY ELIZABETH HOY
IN MEMORY OF IAN HOY 16th September 1954 – 3rd April 2004 Samuel John Alexander My goodness that’s some name Then suddenly they shortened it And they just called you – Ian. You got a little sister When you were only three And when she couldn’t say your name She just called you Ee! Ee! […]
IN MEMORY OF MASTER GEORGE HERBERT MILLAR
IN MEMORY OF MASTER GEORGE HERBERT MILLAR Who was accidentally drowned in the Maine River, Harperstown, Cullybackey 2nd June 1916 We did not think that fatal morn Our boy quite free from pain, Would from our presence thus be torn Drowned in the River Maine. For parents’ grief what shall I bring? All void my […]
IN MEMORY OF THE LATE MISS JANE LEETCH
IN MEMORY OF THE LATE MISS JANE LEETCH Who departed this life May 24th 1914 “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.” All hail the power of Jesus’ name, Wherein the dead are blessed; From pain and sorrow all set free, Oh, grand and glorious rest. A mansion bright, a home on high, […]
IN PRAISE OF SLEMISH
Serene and strong old Slemish stands,A goodly sight to see,Unspringing from the winsome lands,Where Braid’s white homesteads be. In rugged grandeur glorified,With mellowing mist and haze,He smiles across the valley wide,Where Maine her course delays. Or looks far off to catch the gleamOf sapphire-tinted wave,By Garron’s cliffs, or by the streamNear Ossian’s lonely grave. A […]
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LATE MR WM. RUSSELL, CULLYBACKEY,
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LATE MR W. M. RUSSELL, CULLYBACKEY, WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE DECEMBER 9th 1913 THY WILL BE DONE Dear Christian friends ‘tis hard to say Our Father’s will be done, When death from out our midst doth take A needed, loving one; A father good, a husband true, But ‘twas God’s sovereign […]
IN TOWN
IN TOWN Dear friends, once more my rusty pen I dip into the ink, And try to write a verse or two If words will only “clink.” The awful war still wages on Which is not a fair fight, Ah, no, the cruel German hordes Could never do it right. “Prayer moves the hand that […]
INSPECTOR’S REPORTS
CULLYBACKEY BOYS NATIONAL SCHOOL INSPECTION REPORT 14TH DECEMBER 1892 (BOYS) INSPECTOR MR MCENERY The teachers are industrious, painstaking and highly efficient and standard of attainment on the whole satisfactory. The only noticeable defects were those noticed in the Grammar, Geography and Bookkeeping, of the Sixth Class, in the Fifth Class – First Stage Geography and […]
J. W. IN MEMORIAM ROBERT YOUNG, HILLMOUNT
IN MEMORIAM ROBERT YOUNG, HILLMOUNT OBIT JANUARY, 1872 Let him rest on; his earthly cares are ended, His griefs and troubles all are finished now, From this sad world he has at length ascended To where no sorrow clouds the anxious brow. Let him rest on; his be the peace and gladness, And ours the […]
JAMIE LAD
JAMIE LAD Let’s sing anither sang, Jamie lad, Before ye think tae gaung, Jamie lad, A sang withoot a whine, Need niver vex oor kin’, So here its line on line, Jamie lad. Ye aye were true as steel, Jamie lad, In church, or bank, or fiel’, Jamie lad, Some churls hae try’d tae bite, […]
JESUS WITH ME
JESUS WITH ME To know my Lord is with me No matter where I be In weakness or in sickness, This makes it sweet to me To know He hears my murmur To know His eye doth see The cares and grief’s that vex me This makes it sweet to me. My Lord is always […]
JOHN KENNEDY
JOHN KENNEDY 31st August 1928-13th October 2019 John Kennedy was born on the 31st August 1928 in the townland of Craigs, just outside the village of Cullybackey into a musical family. He was encouraged from a young age to listen to and was taught songs from many traditions from both his mother and his grand-mother. […]
JOHNSTON, B THE BLACKSMITH
THE BLACKSMITH The blacksmith rings the toning steel All day from morn till night, And sparks are flying through the forge Like a village all in light. And up and down the horses come With broken hooves and shoes, The blacksmith blows the roaring fire; He has no time to lose. And when the last […]
JOHNSTON, BOB WINTER
WINTER Now the leaves do hurl and blow For summer’s life is ended; Winter’s work begins to show; The trees with his winds are bended. Hedges all are getting black, And grass is withering down; Frost has left his finger-track And spoiled the trees green gown. And mud it gets as hard as flint, And […]
JOHNSTON, JACK HERE I COME IN ROARING GUSHES
Here I come in roaring gushes Bringing with me sleet and snow, Here I come along the hill-tops, Making every tree bow low, Shaking every leaf and briar, Covering them all up with snow, Shake it off in misty cloudlets As I dancing round them go! Jack Johnston Age 14 Tullygrawley School
JOHNSTON, JACK JUNE
JUNE It is the merry month of June, The cuckoo sings her song of cheer, The swallows here, and birds in tune They all do sing with voices clear. The blackbird sings upon the thorn, The swallows build beneath the eaves; The farmer rises in the morn, Soon he will cut his golden sheaves. Jack […]
JOHNSTON, JACK JUNE
JUNE It is the merry month of June, The cuckoo sings her song of cheer, The swallows here, and birds in tune They all do sing with voices clear. The blackbird sings upon the thorn, The swallows build beneath the eaves; The farmer rises in the morn, Soon he will cut his golden sheaves. Jack […]
JOHNSTON, JACK NOW THE LARK IS SWEETLY SINGING
Now the lark is sweetly singing, And the chaffinch wants his beer; In our ears his song is ringing, For he knows that Spring is here. Jack Johnston Age 13 Tullygrawley School
JOHNSTON, JACK SPRING
SPRING It is the merry time of Spring and cows are in the field, The farmers work and plough their land their yearly crops to yield. The rain is gone, the sun is come, the water-barrels leak, The buttercups we gather and the birds’ nests now we seek. The cuckoo calls upon the ash for […]
JOHNSTON, NAN MY CAT
MY CAT My cat has got a lovely dress Which is made of softest fur; It’s painted grey and barred with black, And it looks so nice on her. All through the dreary winter days, She sits on the mat and purrs. She has her food all freshly made; A happy life is hers. But […]
JOHNSTON, NAN THE GYPSIES’ DOG
THE GYPSIES’ DOG Beside the gay red caravan All day I jog along, Guarding the old grey dame inside, And listening to her song. As other dogs I watch at play I long with them to be, But still I have to jog along, There’s no such luck for me. For little is the food […]
JOHNSTON, SAM THE JOB THAT I THINK’S NICE AND FAIR
The job that I think’s nice and fair, Though he stands the mountain bare, His counted flock he has to keep; He is the keeper of the sheep. When the sun doth burn the mountain-side, The lonely shepherd his face doth hide, While the wise sheep-dog looks after the sheep, As they graze by the […]