JOHNSTON, SAM THE SNOW
THE SNOW As the mist covered the mountain row, Softly and silently came the snow. The hedges thick were covered white When the gloomy stars came out at night. The roads seemed dreary, footmarked and long, And the birds thought that something was wrong, As the old plantation looked so bare. Along the lanes marked […]
JOHNSTON, WILLIE A FABLE
A FABLE A cock upon a filthy hill Was scraping up the evil till, When suddenly a gem a-glittering Rolled out beside the hens, whose tittering Started the labouring cock to click, And with a vicious, well-aimed kick He sent that glittering thing to scorn, And said, “A grain of good fat corn Would answer […]
JOHNSTON, WILLIE THE BLACKSMITH
THE BLACKSMITH The blacksmith at his forge he stands With hammer flung above his head, While earnest sweat rolls down his brow. With tawny hands he’s working now, For I can hear his anvil ring When all is still and dead. With flaming face beside the glow His mate does wearily stand, For night has […]
JOHNSTON, WILLIE THE ROOSTER
THE ROOSTER The stately old rooster a-strutting did go, His dun-coloured feathers all waved to and fro In the hoary air of the morning. And his busby of red Hung over his head As all other fowls he was scoring. The fierce rain came on and his feathers he dropped, And into the little black […]
KENNEDY, JAMES RAIN
RAIN The rain did come and overflow The quivering burn nearby, And flood the hollow yielding fields, And make the wild birds cry. The rain did come and overflow The hollows in the lanes, And motors coming by your house Do dirty your window-panes. The rain did come and enter in Below the kitchen door, […]
KENNEDY, TORRENS AUTUMN
AUTUMN Autumn is here, The cold is near, The trees are bare In the frosty air. The insects are dead, The mouse is in bed, The harvest is over, The lark doth not hover. Torrens Kennedy Age 12 Tullygrawley School
KENNEDY, TORRENS AUTUMN (2)
AUTUMN I see the Autumn-time has come, The drowsy drone of the bee is dumb, The leaves are gone once more. The stately trees stand black and bare, Their clothes below lie in a layer About the byre door. Harsh Winter-time is growing fast, The wind is roaring at full blast, Autumn will soon be […]
KENNEDY, TORRENS FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY What a change on all the landscape; Glittering hedges sparked with jewels, Field of furrows strewed with diamonds, Buds of ash tree black and sooty, Dull and dim the hazy roadways. Torrens Kennedy Age 11 Tullygrawley School
KENNEDY, TORRENS SPRING
SPRING Spring sprouteth all in beauty Crowned with dewy flowers, Nests of birds are seen In hedges pearled with showers. Birds are singing sweetly In the blooming hedges; Skylark in the heavens, Snipe by water-edges. The farmer turns the furrow When sea-gulls dot the field, Turning o’er the clammy soil, Labouring for his yield. Torrens […]
KENNEDY, TORRENS THE THRUSH
THE THRUSH Oh! I see the buds of Spring. I my song of gladness sing, Sing as joyful flowers sprout, Sing to daffodils just out. And the farmer welcomes me On the tall and stately tree. As he cuts the grassy sod, As his horses steady plod, When he hears me sing my song, Happy, […]
KENNEDY, TORRENS WINTER-TIME
WINTER-TIME Wintry gusts are speaking now, Leaving the ash with naked bough, Bare and sorry by the cornfield. Hear the wind in angry roars, Rushing against the kitchen doors, Sweeping everything to its shield. Shelterless fields are cold and bare The calves are taken in with care, From the winter’s shivering gust, That floods the […]
KILCREEN TO CULLYBACKEY BY FROSSESITE
KILCREEN TO CULLYBACKEY I think upon the splendour So often I have seen; Of the lovely nooks and valleys On the road down from Kilcreen. From that to Cullybackey, On a pleasant summer day, I’ve seen the ivy clinging wild, When passing on that way. The lark would sing so sweetly As it soared up […]
KILDOWNEY TOWNLAND
Kildowney, Coill domhnaigh, wood of the church or Coill Tamhnaigh, the wood of or by the green field. Situated in the Barony of Lower Toome it contains 615 acres 0 roods and 30 perches. Population in 1881 – 249 Population in 1891 – 179
KILLYCOWAN TOWNLAND
Killycowan, Coill Uí Chuain, meaning O’Cowan’s Wood is situated near the South East extremity of the Parish of Rasharkin and contains 634 acres.
KILLYLESS
KILLYLESS In Killyless, that little spot, ‘Twas there that I was born, It owns no castles towering high Its fair brow to adorn. Its fields they are with daisies clad, The modest violet fair, And round the sheltering slopes you’ll find The laughing primrose there. The roses climb the garden wall And make the air […]
KILLYLESS TOWNLAND
Killyless, Coill a’ Leasa, meaning wood of the lios or earthen fort. Situated about 2½ miles E.N.E. of the village of Portglenone and 1½ miles W. by N. of Cullybackey in the Barony of Lower Toome and contains 547 acres. Population in 1881 – 293 Population in 1891 – 268 KILLYLESS In Killyless, that little […]
KNOWLES, JAMES NOW THE YOUTHFUL HIAWATHA
Now the youthful Hiawatha Had become so great a hunter That the striped snake in the hollows Could not save his life a moment From his stinging, angry arrow; That the panther in the thickets Could not in the sunny daylight Show his face of black and yellow. James Knowles Tullygrawley School
KNOWLES, JAMES OUR TURKEY COCK
OUR TURKEY COCK There he stiffly stands, so busy and proud, While his fathomless eye roves over the crowd Of lowly and frightened hens at his feet, And the rouge bantam-cock his wrath daren’t meet; He is his set-back truly indeed. If Flora the dog near him does stray, His head slowly turns from blue-red […]
KNOWLES, JAMES SANTA CLAUS
SANTA CLAUS When Christmas-time comes round again, With hail and snow and sleet, It numbs our hands right blue with cold, And nips our weary feet. But Santa, red and plump in cheek, He’s never cold, nor sick, nor weak. For Christmas dull and cold with snow He gathers playful toys, And puts them in […]
KNOWLES, JAMES SPRINGTIME
SPRINGTIME On the dark and dreary roadway Stood a youth in robes of silver, On his cheek a flush of pleasure, Filling all the land with beauty; And his eyes shone like the sunbeams. Said he in his tones so pleasant, “Rise up, flowers, and show your beauty! Rise up, lark, and sing your verses! […]
KNOWLES, JAMES SUMMER
SUMMER Soon the reaper will be coming cutting down the corn of yellow And the busy bees are humming, humming in the friendly flowers. In the hedges clean and dustless sing the birds so sweet and mellow; The busy workman in the fields spends no idle hours. James Knowles Age 11 Tullygrawley School
KNOWLES, JAMES SUMMER (2)
SUMMER The tall and budding ash-tree is standing in the farm, And on its bough a-chirping the playful starlings swarm. Behind the greeny hilltops the gleaming sun smiles down, And wakens all the people in the death-stilled town. James Knowles Age 11 Tullygrawley School
LAMENT FOR MARY STEWART, QUEEN OF SCOTS
LAMENT FOR MARY STEWART, QUEEN OF SCOTS I weep thee Mary Stewart – hapless Queen! Hard is the heart that could not weep for thee Thy breathing beauty, they commanding mien, Thy ‘trancing voice, thine eyes’ bright witchery Thy mirth, thy song, thy ready repartee; Thy sorrow and thy long review of tears! Thy very […]
LARNE WEEKLY TELEGRAPH 1908
TAKEN FROM LARNE WEEKLY TELEGRAPH 15TH FEBRUARY 1908 CULLYBACKEY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY INTERESTING HISTORICAL SKETCH (BY M. H. l.) SYNOPSIS Old Roads – Main Roads – How Built – Appearance of Country – Bogs – Abundance of Game – Dwellings – Examples – Mall – McAfee’s – Jean Patton’s – What […]
LAST SABBATH’S MEDITATION
LAST SABBATH’S MEDITATION On Luke 3 V10 & Psalm LVIIv8 Awake, my heart, why silence keep? Awake once more I duly ask. Awake once more – responsiveness Is duty still for thee thy task. To duty as it comes each day, Lord, my conscience set on fire; Before the burning grass make way As vipers […]
LAWE, NAN OUTSIDE THE BLASTING WIND DOTH BLOW
Outside the blasting wind doth blow On a winter’s night along with the snow; Through it all the birdies sleep, While to the hearth the crickets creep. Outside the door we sharply peep To see if the snow is very deep, Then happily up to bed we go, Expecting in the morning a game of […]
LAWE, NAN SPRING
SPRING Up come the dancing flowers, Down fall the pleasant showers, Brightly the welcome sun doth shine On the golden sweets where honey-bees dine. Sweetly sings the heavenward lark, Up in the sky is a sailing spark, Where milkwhite clouds come sailing by, Across the unladen peaceful sky. Nan Lawe Age 11 Tullygrawley School
LEANING OVER THE GATE
LEANING OVER THE GATE Leaning over the gate – watching the whispering grass Waving in the easterly breeze in a solemn mass, Seeing the bumblebee floating from clover to clover, Pollenating each flower, doing its daily task. The cattle in the meadow, chewing as they lie, The last of tail is frequent to disturb the […]
LET US PRAY
LET US PRAY Dear readers all, both large and small, The grave as well as gay, Though rich or poor, we’re almost sure Some people never pray. Please just now read the truth indeed And inwardly digest These rules observe and never swerve, Then God will do what’s best. In His Guide Book if you […]
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN JOSHUA ROWAN J. P., D. L.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN JOSHUA ROWAN J. P., D. L. MOUNT DAVYS 12th December 1838-1st May 1921 John Joshua Rowan J.P., D.L., the eldest son of the Reverend Robert Willson Rowan, J. P. of Mount Davys, just outside the village of Cullybackey was born on the 12th December 1838. Born and bred on the land, he […]
LIEUTENANT T. G. HAUGHTON
LIEUTENANT T. G. HAUGHTON 12th BATTALION ROYAL IRISH RIFLES (CENTRAL ANTRIM VOLUNTEERS) Thomas Greenwood Haughton, son of Mr Thomas Haughton J. P., and Catherine Isabel Haughton, Hillmount, was educated at Edgbaston Preparatory School, Birmingham and St. Edmund’s School, Oxford. Before the First World War broke out he was commander of E. Company, U.V.F., in Cullybackey. […]
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN PATRICK, D.L.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN PATRICK, D.L. DUNMINNING, GLARRYFORD Eldest son of the late Mr John Patrick, J.P., Dunminning, Lieutenant-Colonel John Patrick was one of the most popular gentlemen in County Antrim and for twenty-seven years was president of the County Antrim Agricultural Association and chairman of the Executive Committee since its inception in 1900, an organisation in […]
LIFE’S EVENTIDE
LIFE’S EVENTIDE Down the hill of life they’re tottering, Step so slow, and form so bent; They who once enjoyed life’s morning Now to eventide are spent. They, once strong to earthly burdens, Now seem weak to walk alone, And we wonder how time alters Flesh and blood to withered bone. Yes, we wonder as […]
LINES
LINES Addressed to the noble sons of patriotism, loyal comrades of the 1st Battalion North Antrim Regiment Ulster Volunteer Force, who so very willingly sacrificed, perhaps all, and joined Lord Kitchener’s Army on Saturday 26th September, 1914, in the Protestant Hall, Ballymena. Dear comrades, who have responded, Like loyal men and brave, To the call […]
LINES IN MEMORY OF JAMES ERWIN
LINES IN MEMORY OF JAMES ERWIN DIED 20th JANUARY 1910 AGED 19 YEARS Oh, death how cruel is thy touch, What grief when thou art near; Why dids’t thou leave thy hand on such As him we loved so dear. So young, so bright, so full of mirth We thought he was our own But […]
LINES ON THE DEATH OF MR PATRICK GIVEN BY CUTIS
LINES ON THE DEATH OF MR PATRICK GIVEN LATE OF CULLYBACKEY Upon the landscape, still and broad, The silvery moonlight gently fell, And on the flowery turf it glowed Of a meek poet’s narrow cell. There – listening to the wild-night breeze A kindred spirit stood alone, Who loved to hear it ‘mong the trees […]
LINES TO THE MEMORY OF PATRICK GIVEN CULLYBACKEY BY J. FLEMING
LINES TO THE MEMORY OF PATRICK GIVEN CULLYBACKEY WHO DIED AUGUST 17th 1864 Again the stern tyrant who mocks at our sorrow Has shrouded our joys with the garments of gloom; Our summer has changed, winter’s pall we must borrow, For the friend we loved dearly lies low in the tomb. No more by the […]
LINES WRITTEN IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF GIBSON LYNN
LINES WRITTEN IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF GIBSON LYNN WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE, 18TH NOVEMBER, 1890; AGED 50 YEARS. “And as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” 1 Cor., XV 40 He bore the earthly image While here with us below, But now he bears […]
LINES WRITTEN IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LATE MR JOHN MAILEY
LINES WRITTEN IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LATE MR JOHN MAILEY Who departed this life at his residence, Cullybackey, 23rd July 1910 aged 63 years “Et quisquis vivit et credit in me, non mortieur in aeternum.” Death, solemn death, here in our midst, Hath made its mark again, Selecting our beloved friend And workmate in the […]
LITTLE GLENS OF ANTRIM
LITTLE GLENS OF ANTRIM The little glens of Antrim Are rolling to the sea, And mid London’s rush and roar They always call to me, In early morning sunlight, And when evening shadows fall, Sure I’m always dreaming Of old Cushendall. The little glens of Antrim, Through London’s mighty din, Troth they give my heart […]
LIVINGSTONE, WILLIAM CULLYBACKEY BY THE MAINE
CULLYBACKEY BY THE MAINE In the shadows of its great church spire lies a picturesque wee village Its origins acquainted to its fertile land and tillage Its founding art a spade mill, the ancient books would say Hence the spade related name still used by us today. This obviously preferred low ford, to cross the […]
LOAN PRIMARY SCHOOL
LOAN PRIMARY SCHOOL 1840 Rev F Buick not vested Teachers George Smyth, W Montgomery 23/06/1854 Relative to sermons having being preached in school. State Rule – Inform manager that it is the admission of the public generally as upset. Ask if rule will be observed. 30/09/1854 Resigning of W Montgomery School closed during October
LOAN TOWNLAND
Loan, pronounced Lone, Luan meaning a loin, light or radiance. This townland is situated about one mile west of Cullybackey and 2½ miles E.N.E. from Portglenone, in the Barony of Lower Toome. It contains 506 acres 2 roods and 23 perches. Population in 1881 – 360 Population in 1891 – 275
LOUDLY FLOWS THE GREAT WIDE RIVER
Loudly flows the great, wide river, Winding, bending in the sunlight, Sparkling, gliding o’er the pebbles, Waving at the coloured flowers, As she sweetly goes a-humming Through the meadows, and the lowlands. Through the drowsy, rustling beech-trees Flows the sleeping, living river. Unknown Tullygrawley School
LOVE CAN NEVER DIE BY JOHN PARKINSON
LOVE CAN NEVER DIE One said to me in voice so sweet, Oh, lonely heart, why dost thou weep; Your loved ones do but softly sleep, For they are free from care and pain. Their souls with Me do live, And in My Kingdom reign. For them that seek My face Shall surely taste My […]
LURGAN, CO ARMAGH
LURGAN, CO ARMAGH Dear editor of the “Lurgan Mail” If you could grant the space I’ll try and tell your readers good What I think of this place. Sir, how to put my thoughts in words Is just what puzzles me, But that is where the rub comes in, As anyone can see. To picture […]
MAJOR SAMUEL GILLMOR HAUGHTON M.P.
MAJOR SAMUEL GILLMOR HAUGHTON M.P. 1889-1959 Samuel Gillmor Haughton, second son of Thomas Wilfred Haughton, was a well-known member of the Haughton family of Hillmount, Cullybackey, and a director of the firm of Messrs. Frazer and Haughton Ltd. He was educated at St. Edward’s School, Oxford and entered the business in 1907.` He was an […]
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF CRAIGS PRIMARY SCHOOL
Term of office 01/07/1967-30/06/1970 Representatives of Transferors of Former Managers 1 Mr Tom McMaster Craigs 2 Mr W Selfridge Craigs 3 Mr John Greer Craigs 4 Mr James Barkley Craigs 5 Mr James Mairs Craigs 6 Mr William Barkley Craigs Representatives of Parents 1 Mr Samuel McCullough Craigs 2 Mr henry McCloy Craigs 3 Mr […]
MARKSTOWN
MARKSTOWN Markstown, the ancient, of monastic fame, As Kilmakevit, where in other days, From Druid lips arose the hymn of praise To gods that bore not great Jehovah’s name; Who shall dispute thy true and rightful claim, Thou quiet hamlet, to the song I raise, Weak though, contrasted to the native lays Of thine own […]
MATRIMONIAL MATCHES
MATRIMONIAL MATCHES A merriage register yin time Contained the purport o’ this rhyme, By gein names an’ day an’ date O’ those who joined the marriage state, First Mr King we Miss McQueen, An’ Billy Orange took Biddy Green: Mr Rid, a manly fellow, Mad a wife o’ yin Miss Yellow: Auld Mr Gray merrit […]