Posts Tagged Ireland

Culture Vulture (16 -22 March 2024)

March 15, 2024 at 1:55 pm · Filed under Culture Vulture, Film & DVD Reviews ·Tagged , , ,

3,867 words, 20 minutes read time.

Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week’s entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. With St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday we see a lot of Irish themed programmes this week including The Hunger a fascinating documentary on the Great Famine as well as a lighter emphasis on Irish culture in music, dance and painting. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.

Saturday 16 March 2024

Dark Victory (1939) 3.10pm BBC2

In this film, socialite Judith Traherne (played by Bette Davis) leads a lavish yet emotionally hollow existence. Her joy lies in horse riding, and her stable master (portrayed by Humphrey Bogart) secretly harbors feelings for her. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her doctor, Dr. Frederick Steele (played by George Brent), informs her that she has a brain tumor. Distraught but determined, Judith opts for surgery to remove the tumor. Along the way, she discovers love and faces more medical challenges, all while grappling with mortality.

Bette Davis delivers a tour de force performance, infusing the character with energy and life force. The film deftly balances triumph and tragedy, making it a moving exploration of life, love, and resilience. Despite its vintage, Dark Victory remains emotionally effective and skillfully executed, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

The film’s exploration of mortality and the human desire for connection resonates even today. While it may not match the depth of Akira Kurosawa’s Ikiru, Dark Victory stands as a classic example of Warner Bros.’ women’s melodramas—a genre known for its emotional potency and tearjerker qualities.

Philadelphia (1993) 6.30pm GREAT!movies

Philadelphia indulges in some clichés but compensates with stellar performances and sensitive direction. Tom Hanks delivers an exceptional portrayal of Andrew Beckett, capturing the emotional turmoil of his character. Denzel Washington’s Joe Miller provides a strong counterpoint, emphasizing compassion and justice.

The film’s exploration of AIDS, discrimination, and the fight for equality resonates deeply. Despite its predictable courtroom drama structure, Philadelphia remains a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ cinema. Director Jonathan Demme breaks the ice, addressing a crucial subject of our time.

While some critics find it mediocre, the film’s impact endures, especially considering its 1993 release. It’s a reminder of progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of empathy and understanding.

Sunday 17 March 2024

Dunkirk (2017) 10pm BBC2

Dunkirk (2017), directed by Christopher Nolan, is a gripping war film that masterfully captures the intensity and desperation of World War II. Here’s a concise review:

The film unfolds during the harrowing events of May 1940 when German forces advanced into France, trapping Allied troops on the beaches of Dunkirk. Amidst relentless air raids and ground assaults, British and French forces orchestrate a daring evacuation. The story revolves around the survival and heroism of soldiers as they await rescue.

Nolan’s direction is nothing short of remarkable. The visuals, sound design, and music blend seamlessly to create an immersive experience. The ticking clock motif adds urgency, emphasizing the soldiers’ race against time. The film’s structure, weaving together land, sea, and air perspectives, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The talented ensemble cast, including Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, and even musician Harry Styles, delivers authentic performances. Their expressions convey fear, determination, and camaraderie, making the characters relatable.

Dunkirk avoids sentimentality. Instead, it focuses on survival instincts, sacrifice, and the chaos of war. The absence of traditional character arcs heightens the realism. The haunting score by Hans Zimmer amplifies the tension.

The film pays homage to the actual events, honoring the 330,000 soldiers—French, British, Belgian, and Dutch—who were evacuated. It’s a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity.

Dunkirk serves up an emotionally satisfying spectacle, blending technical prowess with a fact-based narrative. Nolan’s best film to date, it leaves an indelible mark on war cinema.

The Hunger: The Story Of The Irish Famine (one of two) 8.35pm PBS America and,
The Hunger: The Story Of The Irish Famine (two of two) 9.40pm PBS America

“The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine” is a poignant documentary that commemorates the 175th anniversary of the devastating Irish Famine. Narrated by the esteemed Liam Neeson, this two-part film delves into the origins, development, and enduring legacy of this tragic chapter in Irish history.

The film outlines the social, political, and economic conditions that allowed the Famine to unfold.It charts the initial three years of the crisis in Ireland and Europe, revealing the British government’s response, which initially succeeded but later worsened the situation.

Based on new research, the documentary sheds light on the tragic reality of the 1840s Irish famine. It unveils how the crisis was not only a natural disaster but also a manifestation of class struggle, affecting the most vulnerable segments of society.

The film prompts viewers to reflect on the fallout from relief policies, political ideologies, and religious beliefs. Through candid interviews and historical context, it invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about Ireland’s past.

In this exploration of tragedy and resilience, “The Hunger” serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of famine and the importance of understanding our shared history.

Jack B. Yeats: The Man Who Painted Ireland 9.30pm Sky Arts

“Jack B. Yeats: The Man Who Painted Ireland” is a captivating documentary that delves into the life and artistry of one of Ireland’s most significant painters, Jack Butler Yeats. Born on August 23, 1871, in London, England, and passing away on March 28, 1957, in Dublin, Ireland, Yeats holds a prominent place in Irish art history. His work spans the 20th century, and his paintings resonate with themes of daily life and Celtic mythology.

The Shamrock Tenors: St Patrick’s Night Concert 10.40pm BBC4cert

“The Shamrock Tenors: St Patrick’s Night Concert” is a harmonious celebration that brings together the soul-stirring voices of the Northern Irish vocal group, The Shamrock Tenors. This enchanting concert, which aired on BBC Four, resonates with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Night and captures the essence of Ireland’s rich musical heritage.

Filmed at Belfast’s Ulster Hall, the concert marks a triumphant return for The Shamrock Tenors. Their international hit show finds its roots in the heart of Northern Ireland, where the melodies echo through the historic venue.

The Tenors’ harmonies blend seamlessly, evoking emotions that transcend borders. Their renditions of traditional Irish ballads, folk songs, and contemporary tunes transport viewers to the emerald landscapes of Ireland.

Literary luminary Colm Tóibín adds depth to the performance. His interviews with the Tenors reveal the stories behind the songs, connecting the music to Ireland’s history, resilience, and enduring spirit.

In this melodic journey, The Shamrock Tenors remind us that music transcends time, borders, and language. Their voices weave a tapestry of tradition, passion, and pride, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who listen. 🍀

The Chieftains: Water From The Well: Live Over Ireland 10.40pm Sky Arts

“The Chieftains: Water From The Well: Live Over Ireland” is a captivating documentary that immerses viewers in the soul-stirring world of traditional Irish music. Let me share some insights about this remarkable musical journey:

Formed in 1962, The Chieftains are legendary ambassadors of Irish folk music. Their unique blend of instruments, including violins, bagpipes, tin whistles, harps, and bodhrán, creates an enchanting tapestry of sound.

In this documentary, the band members return to their roots, traversing the sylvan Irish countryside. They visit churches, pubs, and music schools, sharing their melodies with locals. The backdrop of rolling hills and ancient stone walls adds to the magic.

The concert revolves around their CD release titled “Water From the Well.” The title itself evokes the mystical Hazel trees of Celtic mythology, whose hazelnuts dropped into sacred wells, symbolizing wisdom and inspiration.

Musical Conversations: The Chieftains engage in musical conversations with fellow musicians, celebrating the rich heritage of Irish tunes. Their performances resonate with authenticity, passion, and a deep connection to Ireland’s cultural legacy.

Literary luminary Colm Tóibín provides context and depth. Through interviews, he unveils the stories behind the songs, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary interpretations.

“The Chieftains: Water From The Well: Live Over Ireland” is a harmonious pilgrimage—a celebration of music, history, and the enduring spirit of Ireland. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, this documentary invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of Irish melodies.

Steps Of Freedom: The Story of Irish Dance 11.40pm BBC4

Steps of Freedom: The Story of Irish Dance” is a mesmerizing documentary that unravels the captivating journey of Irish dance, tracing its evolution from humble origins to a global phenomenon adored by millions.

The documentary delves into the rich history of Irish dance, which began as a simple folk tradition.
From the ritual dances of pagan Ireland to its association with defiant political ideology, Irish dance has weathered storms and stood resilient.

Irish dance has transcended borders, captivating hearts worldwide. Weekly Irish dance classes now thrive in over 60 countries.
Theatre shows draw millions of spectators, and television programs celebrate the rhythmic magic of Irish dance.

The film showcases breathtaking performances by dancers who embody the spirit of Ireland.
Their intricate footwork, synchronized movements, and vibrant costumes weave a tapestry of tradition and passion.

Literary luminary Colm Tóibín provides context and depth, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary interpretations.
Through interviews, he unveils the stories behind the steps, revealing the soul of Irish dance.

“Steps of Freedom” celebrates not only the artistry but also the resilience, joy, and unity that Irish dance brings.
As dancers leap, twirl, and stomp, they honor centuries of tradition while creating new rhythms for generations to come.

In this rhythmic odyssey, “Steps of Freedom” invites us to tap our feet, feel the pulse of Ireland, and embrace the universal language of dance. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a curious observer, this documentary leaves an indelible mark on the heart and soul.

Folk Hibernia At The BBC 12.40pm BBC4

Folk Hibernia at the BBC is a delightful celebration of Irish folk music, drawing from the rich archives of the BBC.

The documentary compiles performances by iconic artists, including The Clancy Brothers, The Chieftains, Christy Moore, The Pogues, and Sharon Shannon.
Their soulful renditions evoke the spirit of Ireland, resonating with audiences across generations.

From lilting ballads to foot-stomping jigs, the program captures the essence of Irish tradition.
Whether it’s the haunting harmonies of The Clancy Brothers or the spirited tunes of The Chieftains, each performance is a musical gem.

Literary luminary Colm Tóibín provides context and depth, bridging folklore with contemporary interpretations.
His interviews reveal the stories behind the songs, connecting us to Ireland’s cultural tapestry.

Picture the warmth of a cozy pub, the clinking of glasses, and the shared joy of music. “Folk Hibernia” transports us to those magical nights.
In this hour-long journey, we sway to the rhythms of Ireland, carried by voices that echo through time. Whether you’re a folk enthusiast or a curious listener, this program invites you to raise a glass and immerse yourself in the heartwarming melodies of the Emerald Isle.

Monday 18 March 2024

Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure 10pm Channel 4

“Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure” is a thought-provoking documentary that takes viewers on an eye-opening journey into the heart of Orania, a controversial town in rural South Africa. Here are the key insights from this compelling film:

Created in the 1990s, Orania was established as a “safe haven” for Afrikaners, descendants of white European settlers.
Despite the dismantling of apartheid, Orania remains a “whites only” town, where only white Afrikaners are allowed to live and work.

Journalist and presenter Ade Adepitan ventures deep into Orania, seeking to understand the motivations and perspectives of its residents. His week-long immersion sheds light on the complexities of race, identity, and division.

As the world grapples with increasing divisions, this documentary serves as a mirror, reflecting the cultural, political, and social fault lines within communities. Adepitan’s encounters with Orania’s inhabitants reveal both entrenched beliefs and moments of potential understanding.

“Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure” prompts viewers to question the legacy of apartheid, the boundaries of tolerance, and the possibility of bridging divides.
Through candid conversations and personal reflections, Adepitan invites us to confront uncomfortable truths.
In this exploration of one of the most racially divided places on Earth, the documentary challenges us to seek common ground, empathy, and a path toward healing.

The Long Good Friday (1980) 11.10pm Film4

The Long Good Friday (1980), directed by John Mackenzie, is a gritty and groundbreaking British crime film that leaves an indelible mark. Here’s a concise review:

The film revolves around Harold Shand (portrayed by Bob Hoskins), a ruthless London gangster with grand ambitions. He aims to orchestrate the largest real estate deal in Europe, fueled by Mafia money from America and the tacit cooperation of the London criminal organization. However, a series of bombings threatens to unravel his carefully laid plans during the crucial Easter weekend.

Harold Shand is a fascinating character—a bundle of contradictions. He’s brutal and sadistic, yet vulnerable and sensitive. Bob Hoskins delivers a powerhouse performance, capturing Shand’s complexities. His interactions with his intelligent mistress, played by Helen Mirren, reveal layers of his personality.

The film unfolds in an indirect manner, weaving seemingly unrelated events. As the plot unravels, we discover the truth behind the bombings. The IRA’s involvement adds an extra layer of suspense. The final shots, focusing on Shand’s face, are haunting.

The Long Good Friday is sharply scripted, reflecting the Thatcher-era political and economic climate. The Docklands area’s emergence as a business hub lends the film an eerie prescience.

This masterfully constructed film combines noir sensibilities with a gripping narrative. Bob Hoskins’s portrayal of Harold Shand remains iconic, making The Long Good Friday a must-watch for crime film enthusiasts

Radioactive (2019) 12.15am BBC2

Radioactive (2019), directed by Marjane Satrapi, delves into the life of the remarkable scientist Marie Curie. Here’s a concise review:

The film chronicles Marie Curie’s journey—from her groundbreaking research alongside her husband, Pierre Curie (portrayed by Sam Riley), to her discovery of the elements polonium and radium. It also explores her personal struggles, including the tragic loss of Pierre and her scandalous affair with colleague Paul Langevin (played by Aneurin Barnard).

Rosamund Pike steps into Curie’s shoes, but unfortunately, the film doesn’t fully harness her talent. Pike’s portrayal remains committed to the cause of scientific advancement, but the script often reduces her to reciting inspirational catchphrases. It’s as if Curie has a string attached to her spine, pulled whenever she needs to deliver a motivational line.

Radioactive champions intelligence and scientific curiosity, but it does so with a heavy hand. The audience is spoon-fed historical context, and even a child creating an atomic model is deemed necessary for comprehension. The film’s foreboding statements about radiation’s potential misuse are equally on-the-nose.

Radioactive falls short of its potential. While Pike’s central performance shines, the storytelling lacks nuance, leaving us with a biopic that doesn’t quite reach critical mass.

Tuesday 19 March 2024

Undergods (2020) 11.10pm Film4

Undergods (2020), directed by Chino Moya, is a haunting trilogy of stories set within a desolate and dilapidated landscape. Here’s a concise review:

Moya utilizes every inch of the screen, delivering a unique viewing experience. The film’s grand visuals, at times reminiscent of constructivist art, serve its purpose well.

A riptide of surrealism runs through the film, with tales that don’t merely interlock but butt into one another. From scavengers in a post-apocalyptic landscape to a shifty stranger claiming to be locked out of an apartment, each story weaves its own strange tapestry.

The surges of Vangelis-like synth propel the characters along their paths, hinting at a dark, unifying destiny. The film’s commitment to originality is heartening.

Undergods deals in metaphors, orbiting around dysfunctional domesticity and satirical business environments. While parody occasionally bogs it down, the overarching story arc connects in weird and unexpected ways.

Undergods is a visionary dystopian anthology that leaves totalitarianism in its surrealist, satirical sights. Released in cinemas and on digital platforms, it’s a film worth exploring.

Just Mercy (2019) 11.15pm BBC2

Just Mercy (2019), directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, is a fact-based legal drama that packs an emotional punch. Here’s a concise review:

The film follows Bryan Stevenson (portrayed by Michael B. Jordan), a passionate lawyer who dedicates his life to fighting injustice. He takes on the case of Walter “Johnny D” McMillian (played by Jamie Foxx), a man wrongly accused of murder and sentenced to death row. As Stevenson delves into the flawed legal system, he confronts racism, corruption, and the struggle for truth.

Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx deliver full-blooded performances. Their chemistry and commitment elevate the film. Foxx’s portrayal of McMillian captures the despair and resilience of a man fighting against a broken system.

Just Mercy sheds light on systemic issues—racial profiling, inadequate legal representation, and the dehumanization of death row inmates. The film’s anger and urgency resonate, especially given its relevance today.

Cretton’s direction, while solid, occasionally lacks ferocity. The film opts for safe choices, which can flatten its impact. However, the emotional finale and Stevenson’s unwavering pursuit of justice leave a lasting impression.

Just Mercy may not break new ground, but it serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and compassion within the legal system.

Wednesday 20 March 2024

Brighton Rock (1947) 1.10pm Talking Pictures

Brighton Rock (1947), directed by John Boulting, is a gripping British film noir that immerses viewers in a world of fear, sin, and criminal intrigue. Here’s a concise review:

The film is set in the interwar period, amidst the racecourse gangs of Brighton. Pinkie Brown (played by Richard Attenborough), a teenage gangster, takes charge of a protection mob. His ruthless ambition clashes with the established criminal figure, Colleoni (portrayed by Andy Serkis). Pinkie’s troubles escalate when he murders an enemy gangster and becomes entangled with the timid waitress Rose (played by Andrea Riseborough).

Brighton Rock brilliantly captures the seedy, transient allure of Brighton—a town teetering on the edge of decay. The film’s noir aesthetics, shadowy alleys, and the ever-present sea contribute to its brooding atmosphere.

Attenborough’s portrayal of Pinkie is a revelation. His cold, morally compromised character exudes tension and menace. Pinkie’s inner turmoil and twisted sense of destiny are palpable.

The film delves into sin, Catholic guilt, and the struggle for redemption. As Pinkie’s actions spiral, we witness a descent into damnation. The ending, though controversial, leaves an indelible mark.

Brighton Rock remains a classic British noir, anchored by Attenborough’s unforgettable performance. Its exploration of morality, love, and the transient nature of pleasure lingers long after the credits roll.

Thursday 21 March 2024

A Life In Ten Pictures (one of six: Carrie Fisher) 9pm BBC2

“A Life in Ten Pictures: Carrie Fisher” is a captivating documentary that delves into the extraordinary life of the iconic actress and writer, Carrie Fisher. The program presents a unique perspective by showcasing a handful of both iconic and private photos that reveal the sensitive soul behind the famous persona.

Carrie Fisher shot to international stardom as Princess Leia in Star Wars, but her journey was far from straightforward. Beyond the glitz and glamour, her private life was marked by turbulence, tragedy, substance abuse, family challenges, and mental health struggles. These intimate snapshots provide glimpses into her multifaceted existence, capturing moments that shaped her identity and legacy.

Coincidentally, I was recently watching another program featuring Ruby Wax, the renowned comedian and mental health advocate. Little did I realize that Ruby and Carrie were also great friends. It also reminded me what an accomplished writer Carrie was.

A Life in Ten Pictures masterfully weaves together visual storytelling, personal anecdotes, and historical context to honor Carrie Fisher’s enduring impact on popular culture. Whether you’re a devoted fan or simply curious about the woman behind the iconic Leia, this documentary is a must-watch.

Villain (1971) 10.15pm Talking Puctures

Villain (1971), directed by John Boulting, is a gripping British crime thriller that immerses viewers in the seedy underbelly of 1970s London. Here’s a concise review:

The film follows the psychopathically violent gangster Vic Dakin (portrayed by Richard Burton). Vic runs a criminal enterprise in west London and is tempted to venture into armed robbery. His ruined handsomeness, angle-grinder voice, and death mask of hostility make him uniquely disturbing.
Performances: Richard Burton’s lip-smackingly gruesome portrayal of Vic Dakin is a masterclass in nastiness. His sneering contempt and brutality leave an indelible mark. The rest of the cast, including Nigel Davenport, TP McKenna, and Ian McShane, form a mouth-wateringly ripe buffet of character-acting talent.
Themes and Influences: Villain weaves elements of corruption, violence, and the creepy ruling class. It draws inspiration from real-life cases, including the Profumo affair. The film’s unflinching portrayal of sexuality and homosexuality adds to its gritty authenticity.

Villain stands alongside the better-known Get Carter as a classic British crime thriller. Its unapologetic brutality and Richard Burton’s unforgettable performance make it a stand out film.

Friday 22 March 2024

And finally, The Wife (2017) 12.30am BBC1

The Wife (2017), directed by Björn Runge, features an unforgettable performance by Glenn Close. Here’s a concise review:

The film revolves around Joan Castleman (played by Glenn Close), the seemingly perfect wife of Nobel prize-winning author Joe Castleman (portrayed by Jonathan Pryce). As they travel to Sweden for Joe’s Nobel ceremony, secrets and tensions unravel.

Close’s portrayal of Joan is unnervingly subtle and unreadably calm. She simmers with self-control, revealing layers of marital pain and deceit. It’s a career-best performance.

The Wife delves into the sexual politics of prestige, literary ambitions, and the sacrifices made within a marriage. Christian Slater’s insidious journalist adds tension.

The Wife relies on Glenn Close’s power to drive home its story, leaving a lasting impact.

Picture Credits

Dark Victory (1939)
By http://www.movieposterdb.com/poster/94189217, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7200777
Philadelphia (1993)
May be found at the following website: http://www.impawards.com, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8005206
Dunkirk (2017)
By IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51683157
The Hunger: The Story Of The Irish FamineBy James Mahony – http://seanduke.com/2011/08/08/is-there-a-genetic-memory-of-the-irish-famine-the-holocaust/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24088245 – The scene at Skibbereen, west Cork, in 1847. From a series of illustrations by Cork artist James Mahony (1810–1879)
Jack B. Yeats: The Man Who Painted Ireland
By Alice Boughton – Smithsonian Photography Search, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5153787
The Chieftains
By Maelor – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4557568
Flag of Oriana
By Vectorebus – https://orania.co.za/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78030530
The Long Good Friday (1980)
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14847458
Radioactive (2019)
By CineMaterial, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61869325
Just Mercy (2019)
By The poster art can or could be obtained from Warner Bros. Pictures., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62555909
Brighton Rock (1947)
By The poster art can or could be obtained from Charter Films., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24525044
Carrie Fisher
By Riccardo Ghilardi – Crop of File:Actress Carrie Fisher © Riccardo Ghilardi photographer.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55103929 – This file has been extracted from another file, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56867189
Villain (1971)
Derived from a digital capture (photo/scan) of the VHS or DVD Cover (creator of this digital version is irrelevant as the copyright in all equivalent images is still held by the same party). Copyright held by the film company or the artist. Claimed as fair use regardless., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26538848
The Wife (2017)
The poster art can or could be obtained from the distributor., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55237222

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The Onion of Bigotry: a History of Hatred

August 8, 2014 at 10:00 am · Filed under Drama, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Spirituality/Philosophy ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

The Onion of Bigotry: a History of Hatred

Black Dingo Productions.
Running time 60 minutes

blackdingoJust at St John’s, St John’s Church, Princes St, EH2 4BJ (Venue 127)
1 – 25 Aug 2014

Production: Kielty Brothers
Performers: John Kielty, Gerry Kielty, Jordanna O’Neill, Stanley Pattison

This lively light-hearted rattle through Scottish history might fall flat on non-Scots or anyone not familiar with some of the highlights and lowlights of the country’s past. There are some great songs; how else could you manage to rhyme Reformation, Protestation and Excommunication? We learn that past kings called James had a rough time of it and we have to endure some excrutiating puns; Orthodox Sea, bloody big Hanover and ninety-five faeces anyone?

That said, this story does remind us that dreadful things were done in the past but offers a simple solution is a rousing chorus at the end. Your people did some dreadful things to mine. My people did awful thing to yours. But instead of indulging in more whataboutery let’s just get over it. Simple, eh?

**** Four Stars

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Good Vibrations

April 15, 2013 at 6:12 pm · Filed under Comedy, Music, Punk ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Good Vibrations PosterAnyone in Belfast who plays in a band, appreciates music or even who buys records regularly will probably have come across Terri Hooley. Terri would admit that he is an unlikely businessman. He certainly can’t claim to be the most successful record shop owner in history, but then again, the Virgin Megastores, Zavvi, Tower Records and Our Price have passed into history and HMV is in deep trouble but Good Vibrations manages to hang on in there, despite it all.

The crazy thing is that Terri Hooley opened his shop in Belfast in the mid-seventies in the city’s most-bombed street above a dusty whole food shop run by the Guru Maharaj Ji’s Divine Light Mission. The city in the 1970s was a bleak place. Belfast city centre emptied at 6 o’clock of all but the brave or the foolhardy. The conflict – which Ulsterfolk euphemistically call ‘The Troubles’ – was at the height of its random tit-for-tat viciousness. People retreated in the evenings to the ghettos where they lived in search of some security. They socialised where they could; in local clubs, pubs, parish halls, Orange halls or illegal sheebeens. They rarely – if ever – met with people from ‘the other side’.

The novelist Glenn Patterson and Colin Carberry have conjured up a film script that really captures the nature of this anarchic mould -breaking larger-than-life character. Their script buzzes with dark Belfast humour and a soundtrack that brings everything to the mix from Hank Williams’ I Saw the Light, Phil Spector’s girl bands, through to Rudi’s Big Time and of course, the Undertones’ Teenage Kicks. The action was intercut with contemporary footage of background events. This gave an immediate reminder of the very real dangers stalking the city then. Many folk of a certain age would have been delighted to see one-time Scene-Around-Six news anchor Barry Cowan, (sadly no longer with us), on-screen again.

Terri’s mum was a devout Methodist and his dad was a revolutionary socialist. He never quite fitted in to Ulster’s divided society. In the Sixties, he protested against the Vietnam war and in favour of nuclear disarmament, but as the Troubles took hold many of his contemporaries forsook protesting for peace in favour of violence.

His first love was music, especially reggae, but he became enthused by the energy of the growing punk movement which drew young folk from both communities to the rundown Pound Club on the edge of the city centre to hear bands like Rudi and the Outcasts. This led him into launching a record label to introduce Rudi to a wider public. Other bands followed. The ‘big one’ was The Undertones from Derry whose single, Teenage Kicks went stratospheric after it was taken up by the influential Radio One presenter, John Peel.

Despite its bleak environment of bombs everywhere, soldiers on the streets, officious cops and random, casual violence, this is a real fun, feel good movie. Dormer’s Hooley often messes things up, not least his life and his relationship with his wife, Ruth. He’s more interested in the music than making money from it.

Some scenes will haunt the viewer for life. I was struck by the scene where Terri hears ‘that’ Undertones song for the first time and fell about laughing at a scene where a bemused British soldiers stops Hooley and the band in the van only to discover that they are both Protestants and Catholics from north, east and west Belfast. Terri had never asked them what they were.

Coming out at a time when old divisions threaten to open up again in Belfast, this movie reminds us that we can do better. In the country of the blind the one-eyed man is king. Roll on the DVD release. One Love!

PS.  The DVD is now available,

By David Kerr

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Images of Ireland – North Belfast

July 27, 2011 at 8:42 pm · Filed under Books, Culture ·Tagged , , , , , ,

North Belfast images

Images of Ireland: North Belfast

. 

By Peggy Weir.  Nonesuch Publishing,Dublin,Eire.  1999.  £11.75.

ISBN 978 1 84588 915 9

 

THERE’S a fair chance that many folks who currently live in South East Antrim originally hail fromNorth Belfast.  Indeed, some probably still have relatives in areas such asTigersBayor theYork Road/Shore Road area.

With this in mind, I’d recommend an excellent book called Images of Ireland – North Belfast by Peggy Weir.  This book consists of nearly 130 pages crammed full of good, clear black and white photographs.  Ten chapters – including Industy and Transport, Troubled Times, Churches and Houses – examine various aspects of life in North Belfast.

However instead of giving North Belfast a full written review, I thought I’d just decide to echo the thoughts of Fred Heatley.  In his brief but thought-provoking Introduction, Mr Heatley – President of the North Belfast Historical Society – notes:

“The adage ‘one photograph is worth a thousand words’ holds true.  Even the most eloquent speaker finds difficulty in explaining past social conditions without adequate illustrations.  This collection of photographs proves that.  School or wedding photographs may appear of interest only to those in the picture or their descendants, but for us they show the alterations in the dress, style and the modes of the times.  Buildings, streetscapes, transport and places of entertainment are unimaginable without the camera’s product.  Each illustration tells of an age now long gone but for memories”.

 

–         John Jenkins

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Tales from the Castle Gate

June 5, 2011 at 9:02 pm · Filed under Books, Culture ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

Tales from the Castle Gate

“THERE is perhaps no more fruitful form of education than to arouse the interest of a people in their own surroundings”

– Joe Baker, Glenravel Local History Project, North Belfast.

I THOUGHT I knew a bit about local history, but even I was stunned to hear that French forces had invaded Carrickfergus! Indeed, from 21st February to the night of 25th – 26th February 1760, Carrickfergus was an overseas territory of the French realm of King Louis XV!

This event – and much more besides – can be found in an excellent book written by Charles McConnell (and published by Carmac Books, Carrickfergus in 2002). Called Tales from the Castle Gate it attempts to provide as much information as possible about the castle. As McConnell notes: “There are few buildings in Ireland with such a well-chronicled and long history as the town’s most compelling landmark and it was the strategic importance of the Castle as a military fortress that led to the succession of memorable events associated with the town’s history”.

There is so much to read in this remarkable book – chapters include The Castle Builder, Lord Edward Bruce, Roundheads and Cavaliers, The castle and the Williamite War – but the day Carrickfergus became part of France really captured our imagination! This is dealt in reasonable depth with a chapter entitled Under a Foreign Flag. It really is a fascinating account of the French invasion – and subsequent capture – of Carrickfergus.

On 21st February 1760 around 600 French troops – under the command of Commodore Francois Thurot – landed at Kilroot and advanced towards Carrickfergus. The castle and town were put on alert as soon as the French were spotted. Around 300 French Prisoners of war, captured from previous land and sea battles, were being held in the castle. (They had originally been held in Cork for two years. However, because of rumours of a French invasion of the southern coast of Ireland, they had been moved. These prisoners were first moved to the Irish midlands and then on to Belfast. Three Hundred were held in Barrack Street in Belfast and the remaining 300 held in Carrickfergus). When Thurot’s fleet was spotted these prisoners were mustered and marched off to Belfast!

During this period Carrickfergus Castle wasn’t as militarily impressive as it had been. Tales from the Castle Gate states that in “the relatively peaceful times of the first half of the 18th century in Ireland, complacency had developed about the Castle’s military role”. Thus it had fallen into a state of disrepair – indeed; there was fifty foot breach in the outer curtain wall where a section had collapsed six years earlier in 1754.

The only military forces defending Carrick at the time was a detachment of General Strode’s regiment, the 62nd Regiment of Foot. This consisted of about 160 young recruits undergoing training. There was barely only enough ammunition for each soldier’s training and there were no guns mounted! They were under the command of Colonel John Jennings. (According to Tales from the Castle Gate, the commander of Carrickfergus Castle, Colonel Jennings, later described it as “an old fortress little better than a heap of ruins”.)

The majority of those soldiers defending Carrick – the 62nd Regiment of Foot – were deployed at Joymount where the main French attack was expected. Others were deployed at North Gate, West Gate and the castle itself. A lack of ammunition saw the British troops retreat to the castle. And a series of running battles saw some of the French invaders get into castle. The bulk of the French troops had marched into Market Place. Some were then deployed on to West Street then to Cheston Street where they could fire directly at the outer castle gate. Other French forces were concentrated in Castle Street. The web-site of Carrickfergus Borough Council http://www.carrickfergus.org also notes that whilst the French were on route to the castle “the silver in St Nicholas church was stolen”.

Those defending Carrickfergus castle found themselves in an impossible situation. The lack of ammunition (which had prompted their initial retreat) meant that there was more powder than ball. Therefore, half the powder from each cartridge was fired with the bullet – the other half was used to fire a metal button from their tunics!

It wasn’t too long before the French invaders charged. Led by Captain d’Esterees they attacked the castle door, which had not been closed properly. This led to hand to hand fighting in which d’Esterees was the first to fall. Senior British officers – including Colonel Jennings – and about fifty men with fixed bayonets repulsed this initial French attack. They were aided by their comrades who although they didn’t have any ammunition threw stones and bricks at the French!

Given the inadequate state of the British defence, it’s surprising that they were able to hold off the French for several hours. However, it was clear that Colonel Jennings would have to surrender. His men were outnumbered three to one and were completely out of ammunition. Despite fighting against overwhelming odds the British defenders had two killed and five wounded. At the same time, the “French lost a surprising number of, about fifty being killed, including three officers, and about the same number wounded”. (Interestingly, one of those wounded during the fighting was Brigadier General Flobert. He originally wanted the diversionary invasion abandoned but was overruled by Thurot. Flobert was so badly wounded that he had to stay ashore to recover). Additionally, it was only a matter of time before the French discovered the massive breach in the defensive wall. This would have led to the French completely overrunning the castle and possibly killing all of its defenders.

In Tales from the Castle Gate, McConnell notes that the terms of capitulation were generous. “The garrison were allowed to march out with drums beating and flags flying and be on parole till they were exchanged for an equal number of men. The Castle was to be delivered up with the stores in it. The town was neither to be plundered nor burnt, nor the inhabitants misused.”

Once the French had occupied Carrick Castle they demanded provisions and stores from Belfast. They stated that if nothing arrived they would burn Carrick to the ground and kill all of its the inhabitants. The provisions were slow in coming so Commodore Thurot threatened to march on Belfast. The local authorities relented and met his demands – enough food and fresh water was supplied to see them back home. The French invaders also took what they could from Carrick – including any clothing they could find to protect them from the bitter winter. To ensure their safety they took some local dignitaries as hostages.

The brief French occupation of Carrickfergus ended when – on the night of 25th – 26th February – Thurot’s forces left just as the advance guard of the British reinforcements approached. However, Because Carrickfergus lies within Belfast Lough, they had to wait two days for a favourable wind to take them out to the open sea.

However Commodore Thurot never reached home. Three ships of the British fleet having been alerted, intercepted the three French ships off the Isle of Man and in the ensuing battle the French were defeated and Thurot killed.

Reviewed by John Jenkins.

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Books: Old Portrush, Bushmills and the Giant’s Causeway

February 19, 2011 at 5:20 pm · Filed under Books, Culture ·Tagged , , , , , ,

old Portrush.

Click on image to buy

Old Portrush, Bushmills and the Giant’s Causeway
Alex F. Young. Stenlake Publishing, 54-58 Mill Square, Catrine, Ayrshire, KA5 6RD. 2002. ISBN 1 84033 189 5 £7.50.

IT’S PROBABLY a safe bet that virtually every reader from Northern Ireland would have been in Portrush at some point – but how much do we really know about the place? Probably very little.

If you want to know more about Portrush – ‘Northern Ireland’s favourite holiday destination’ – then look out for an excellent book called Old Portrush, Bushmills and the Giant’s Causeway. It is absolutely crammed full of fantastic black and white pictures and features some of the most extensive – and informative – photo captions that I’ve seen.

A succinct and dispassionate introduction sets the scene:

“From early times Portrush was a harbour, or more correctly, a landing place, around which grew a scattering of fishermen’s cottages. By the late eighteenth century it had one merchant and an inn. Trade and development came with the decision in 1826 by the Portrush Harbour Company to build a true harbour. Thereafter, growing tourist interest in the Giant’s Causeway brought steamer services with Liverpool and Glasgow and assured the town’s future. The arrival of the railway in 1855 brought more tourists and the need to accommodate them resulted in more building. The benefits of the tramway to Bushmills in 1883, and to the Giant’s Causeway four years later, were not immediate, but in 1899 it carried 95,151 passengers. As the nineteenth century closed Portrush had at least seventeen hotels and many, many boarding houses. Tourism had now supplanted both harbour trade and fishing.

Cassell’s Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland, published in 1900, described Portrush as a ‘seaport and fashionable watering place’. However, during the First World War the boat service to Scotland was stopped and income from tourism was halved. It would never really recover. Efforts were made in the 1920s and ‘30s – Barry’s Amusements (including the 1935 indoor entertainment area), the Arcadia Dance Hall and Phil’s Amusements were all successful ventures – but the high season was gone. The closure of the tramway in 1949 seemed the final nail in the coffin and the 1950s, ‘60s and the ‘troubles’ of the ‘70s merely confirmed this. Portrush was not unique during these times, as the history of any British resort during the rise of the Spanish resorts will show. Only since the late 1980s has tourism – on the back of golf weeks (the Senior British Open Championship in 1995, ‘96’ and ’97), motor cycle racing, soccer tournaments and sea angling – started its recovery and found its future”.

One picture shows the town in 1933. It’s absolutely fascinating. On the left hand side of the picture is Portrush railway station. The railway line from Belfast to Ballymena opened in 1848, but took another seven years to reach Portrush via Ballymoney and Coleraine. In 1860 the line was taken over by the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway. The original station, which had only one platform, was rebuilt in 1893 in grand Tudor Style. It had three 600 foot long platforms, the first third of which were covered, a 6000 square foot booking hall, and an adjoining café/restaurant which could cater for 300. The station cost £10,000 to build. To encourage development in Portrush, anyone building a house with an annual value in excess of £25 was offered free first class travel to Belfast for ten years. These ‘Villa Tickets’ helped treble the town’s population to 1,800 in the fifty years up to 1895, and summer visitors quadrupled this figure. While the main building still stands, the station is now a shadow of its former self.

Immediately behind the station is the Hydropathic Hotel or Golf Hotel. It’s believed that it was originally called the Hydropathic Hotel but changed its name to the Golf Hotel. However, it’s not clear when the name change occurred. It is now the Castle Erin Christian Holiday and Conference Centre. To the right of the hotel is the developing housing estate of Dhu Varren (‘the dark rocks’) across the bay.

In front of the train station is Station Square. The vehicles parked there are taxis as private cars were not allowed. There are also a couple of horses and carts, although it’s not too clear what their purpose is.

Towards the right hand side of the station is the Station Café. During the winter it was used as a meeting place and badminton court. Requisitioned during the Second World War, it was both a lecture hall and a billet for American forces.

In the centre of the picture is Victory, Portrush’s war memorial. Commissioned by a special committee formed in 1920, it commemorates the seventy-eight Portrush men who fell in the First World War and was sculpted by Frank Ransom of Golders Green in North London. It was unveiled on Armistice Day 1922. Thirty more names were added after the end of the Second World War. It stands on a granite plinth.

On the right hand side of the picture is Barry’s Amusements. It arrived in Portrush in 1926 with the Trufelli family, opened for Easter – and stayed. Barry’s was built on the site of the former American Skating Rink, which opened in 1905. The skating rink could accommodate 2000 roller skaters! The Ferris wheel in the picture was replaced in the 1940s by a bigger and better one, which lasted until 1958.

Reviewed by John Field.

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BALLYCARRY – Voices from the Past

February 6, 2011 at 8:20 pm · Filed under Books, Culture ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BALLYCARRY – Voices from the Past
Souvenir Booklet produced by Ballycarry Community Association. February 1992.

IN 1992 the Ballycarry Community Association arranged a historical exhibition of photographs, maps, documents and artefacts. BALLYCARRY – Voices from the Past seems to have been produced to accompany the exhibition. This booklet consists of 20 A5 pages, crammed with pictures, articles and poems. Most of the articles are a series of extracts from other publications about Ballycarry. It’s an absolute mine of local history information.

Unfortunately, it was produced on yellow – or buff – paper and printed in brown ink. Originally this may have looked ok, but time and age has made it virtually impossible to decently reproduce anything from it. (For instance, there’s a great picture of the post being delivered in Ballycarry – by a postman complete with pony and cart. There’s also a picture of Main Street that also features just a couple of horses and carts). However, don’t let this put you off – I’ve never seen so much information crammed into such a small booklet before. It completely deserves to be updated and printed on white pages with a card cover.

So what about Ballycarry itself? For those not familiar with the area, Ballycarry nestles in the hills of Co Antrim offering panoramic views of Islandmagee. Situated midway between Larne and Carrickfergus, its population (according to the 2001 Census) consisted of 981 people. In Ulster-Scots, Ballycarry is called Braid Islann and in Irish it’s known as Baile Caraidh.

However the ancient name of the area was Irewe – sometimes spelled Ireve. There are differing accounts of the origins of this name. Some say Irewe is Norse and means plaited or braided island. Others claim that in medieval times the letter ‘v’ and ‘w’ were interchangeable and that the name Ireve referred to arable land.

Whatever the origin of the name, one thing is for sure – 1,000 years ago the area was an important ecclesiastical centre. ‘The present old church ruins and St. John’s Parish Church and their cemeteries lie within the area of an ancient enclosure – an earthen bank, stone wall or thorn hedge – which marked the exterior of an important religious site. The name of this church site in the 12th century was Lislaynan or Lislanan, and its extent, identified from aerial photographs, makes it the fifth largest in Northern Ireland’.

Ballycarry has two other main claims to fame. In 1613 (a Scot from Drymen near Loch Lomond) the Rev. Edward Brice became the first Presbyterian minister in Ireland. He ministered here between 1613 and 1636. In the 1620s and 1630s Brice and other Scots ministers came under pressure to adhere to new canon laws of the Church of Ireland (in which they had technically been ordained, although they viewed themselves as ministers of the Kirk of Scotland).

Like the others, Brice refused to accept these Canon Laws and was deposed from the parish charge and forbidden to preach as a result. Although it is likely he continued to minister in private houses and possibly also in the open air, it was said that Brice died of a broken heart. He was interred inside the church where he had ministered, and in time a memorial stone was erected there too, by which point the Presbyterians had long moved to their own church on the Main Street, where the Old Presbyterian Church is sited.

Additionally, James Orr – the Bard of Ballycarry – became one of the most famous of the weaver poets in Ulster. Orr was born in 1770 and died in 1816. He ranks on an equal par with Robert Burns as a poet, and took part in the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion, after which he fled for a short time to the United States. He was also a prominent Freemason, and his imposing memorial was erected by members of the Masonic Order in 1831.

If you’re ever planning to visit Ballycarry make sure you don’t miss the annual Broadisland Gathering – the most prominent and successful Ulster-Scots Gathering on the east coast of Ulster. Held on the first Saturday of September, it highlights the unique Scottish heritage of the village and has attracted visitors from as far all over the world.

FOR FURTHER information about the Rev. Edward Brice, why not view this site:

http://www.ballycarrypresbyterian.co.uk/history/presbally.html

FOR FURTHER information about James Orr – the Bard of Ballycarry – why not view this site:

http://www.libraryireland.com/CIL/OrrJames.php

FOR FURTHER information about the ruins of Templecorran Church, Ballycarry, why not view this site:

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~econnolly/books/silentland/silentland05.html

– Reviewed by John Field.

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A TOUR OF EAST ANTRIM.

February 6, 2011 at 8:14 pm · Filed under Books, Culture ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

A TOUR OF EAST ANTRIM.

By Doreen Corcoran.
Friar’s Bush Press, Belfast. 1990.
ISBN o 946872 38 4

A TOUR of East Antrim is a selection of historic photographs from the William Alfred Green (1870 – 1958) Collection in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. It illustrates life in the coastal towns of Larne, Whitehead, Carrickfergus, the town of Ballyclare and the then picturesque villages of Gleno, Glynn, Carnmoney, Ballynure and Ballycarry.

Green – from a middle class urban background – was destined for a career in the family tea business. Poor health forced him to find an occupation which would take him outdoors. He therefore became an apprentice assistant to RJ Welch, Ulster’s leading photographer of the day. In the early 1900s Green went into business himself and found himself drawn to observing country life and customs. However, only a few of the pictures featured in A Tour of East Antrim reflect this interest. This is because Green was a working photographer in a competitive business and he took many pictures that were to be later reproduced as postcards.

William Alfred Green took many black and white photographs of Whitehead, Carrick, Eden and Ballycarry. They all represent fascinating and evocative glimpses of a bygone era.

FOR FURTHER information about the famous photographer William Alfred Green, why not view this site: http://www.ulsterhistory.co.uk/wagreen.htm

– Reviewed by John Field.

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Under the Big Lamp – Historic photographs of the county and town of Carrickfergus

December 16, 2010 at 9:16 pm · Filed under Books ·Tagged , , , ,

Under the Big Lamp – Historic photographs of the county and town of Carrickfergus

By Sheela Speers of the Ulster Museum.

Friar’s Bush Press, Belfast.  1989.  ISBN 0 946872 22 8

THE LAYOUT, format and content of Under The Big Lamp – Historic photographs of the county and town of Carrickfergus is simple but effective.  The first few pages give a historical overview of Carrick from Medieval times.  This is followed by page after page of black and white photos (complete with explanatory captions) taken between 1870 and the late 1930s.

What makes it different is that it resists the natural temptation to focus exclusively on the castle and harbour.  “The history of the town and people of Carrickfergus (though influenced by the presence of the castle) is a quite distinct story, encompassing eight hundred years of urban development and change”.  Thus it remains a “town-centred view of Carrickfergus and the surrounding district; the castle is seen more distantly, as a backdrop to the life of the locality and its people”.

Carrick grew up around the castle, which was built by John de Courcy to defend the Anglo-Norman principality, which he established in east Ulster in the last quarter of the twelfth century.  Two other buildings also dominated Carrick: the parish church of St Nicholas and the friary of St Francis.  These three buildings formed a triangle – within this triangle were the streets, dwellings and market place of Medieval Carrickfergus.

Between the Thirteenth and Sixteenth centuries, the layout of the town remained virtually the same.  Wealthier families built stone tower-houses, but the majority of dwellings were single story thatched houses.  During this medieval period, Carrick was Ulster’s main port and it enjoyed trading contacts with Europe.  The town was granted borough status in the Thirteenth Century.  “This gave the town independence from the lords of the castle and made it a self-governing community with a mayor and corporation”.

During the Sixteenth century, Carrick was the headquarters of Queen Elizabeth’s royal armies.  The Seventeenth century saw the town’s reconstruction – it had virtually been destroyed by fire in 1573.

The Eighteenth century saw the building of the Co. Antrim courthouse, gaol and custom’s house.  The county of Carrick was largely rural (apparently cheese making was a speciality!) although increasing numbers were employed in linen bleaching and hand loom weaving, and in cotton print works.  The Nineteenth century saw dramatic change – Carrick ceased to be both a garrison town and county town of Antrim.  Against this saw the growth of linen industry, the establishment of salt mining and the opening of the shipyard.

After this brief historical overview comes the main section of the book – around 100 black and white pictures divided into different chapters, each with a different theme: Castle and Harbour, Churches, Town and People and so on.

The book has so many interesting photo’s it’s virtually impossible to describe them all.  I was really interested to read about the salt mines at Duncrue, Maidenmount, Frenchpark and Eden.  I’d heard of them, but didn’t know too much about them.  Therefore the pictures of the mines are very interesting – salt mining looks to be a physically demanding and an arduous job.

Under The Big Lamp left me gobsmaked when I read about the Carrickfergus Shipyard.  Sadly, there’s not too much information about the yard, although the first ship launched from the yard was the David Legg in 1845.   Whilst the Carrick yard was nowhere the size of Belfast’s Harland & Wolff, a picture shows the workforce to be about 100 strong.  It appears that Legg Park is now situated on the old yard site.  Indeed, a picture of the park taken in 1930s shows an outdoor swimming pool in the park – believed to be constructed from the yards former dry dock.

Another connection with the Carrickfergus Shipyard is a wonderful picture of the Result.  This steel, three-masted topsail schooner was designed and built at the yard in 1892.  Sadly it’s now reduced to just a rusting hulk at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, in Cultra.

Other fantastic photographs include one of children playing on the main road in Eden, with just a horse and cart for company; Barn Spinning Mill at Taylor’s Avenue and Robinson’s Butcher’s Shop in Market Place.  This last photo is remarkable in that most of the produce is hanging outside the shop on open display.  God knows how many European Health and Safety laws this would contravene today!

– John Field

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BY THE LOUGH’S NORTH SHORE

October 3, 2010 at 9:38 pm · Filed under Books ·Tagged , , , ,

BY THE LOUGH’S NORTH SHORE

Paintings by John J Marshall.  Text by Robert Armstrong.

Cottage Publications, Donaghadee.  2002.  ISBN 1 900935 28 7

FEATURING a lovely padded cover and full of beautiful illustrations, By The Lough’s North Shore is an excellent read.  It forms part of a much-complimented illustrated book series on various areas of Ulster and Eire.

By The Lough’s North Shore, would be of great interest to anyone who knows the general South East Antrim area – specifically Carrickfergus – as it prominently features Carrick Castle, the Andrew Jackson centre and the King Billy statue by the castle.

The book starts with an extensive and fascinating history lesson.  Entitled The People of the North Shore Part 1 it recounts how – around 7000 BC – nomadic people travelled across Europe searching for a new homeland.  It’s believed that they first set foot in the area around Larne.  The history lesson continues with a detailed look at the invasion of the Celts (in the 5th century BC) and the introduction of Christianity, by Patrick in the 4th Century and the later arrival of the Vikings and their descendants, the Norman’s.

The book is cleverly set out in a geographical manner – starting with Belfast Castle and ending with Black Head Lighthouse.  It means that readers can ‘do a tour’ of the area.  Sites visited have two pages devoted to them – one of text, the other an excellent painting of the subject matter.  This combination works really well, it makes you want to turn the page to find out what’s next on the ‘tour’!

There are a lot of areas that would be of great interest to those who want to know more about Carrickfergus itself.  For instance, Carrick gets its name from Fergus – the son of Eric of Armoy – who left Ulster to form a kingdom in Scotland but because he suffered from leprosy returned from time to time to bathe in a well which apparently had healing properties.  On one of these visits he was shipwrecked on the rock, on which the castle is built thereby creating the name ‘Carrickfergus’, meaning ‘the rock of Fergus’.  Incidentally, it’s believed that Fergus’ healing well is the one still surviving within the Castle.

And there’s no doubting the importance of this site:

“The importance of Carrickfergus Castle in a international context is epitomised by the involvement in its story (at various times) of a German General (Fredreich Schomberg), a former Dutch Prince (King William III), a French Commodore (Thurot) and an American Privateer (John Paul Jones) who is credited with being the ‘founding father’ of the American navy.

The book also takes in the statue of King Billy, Carrickfergus Town Hall and The Andrew Jackson Centre.

It ends with another detailed history lesson, The People of the North Shore Part II.  This looks in some detail at the Norman influence in Ulster.  The Plantation, King William III, the United Irishmen, Home Rule, the Somme are also examined.  There’s some interesting social history as well – such as the development of Rathcoole and the rise and fall of multinational companies such as ICI at Kilroot.

By the Lough's North Shoreprovides an excellent snapshot of the general South East Antrim area.  It’s guaranteed to make readers want to learn more about the general area and the specific sites it highlights.

– John Field

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