BANNTASTIC FESTIVAL Programme 2009

How to find us Portglenone is found on the banks of the Bann between the towns of Ballymena, Ballymoney, and Magherafelt. It remains one of the main crossing points of the Lower Bann.

TOWNHILL RD

TO CULLYBACKEY

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From Belfast it can be reached via the M2, then through Randalstown or Ballymena A26 then A42.

Portglenone

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Belfast

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RD TO BALLYMENA / BELFAST

For further details or tourist information contact the Tourist Office The Braid, Ballymena Town Hall, Museum & Arts Centre, 1-29 Bridge Street Email: tourist.information@ballymena.gov.uk Tel: (028) 2563 5900

Portglenone 1

1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church, Main Street

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Portglenone Primary School, Cullybackey Road

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Community Centre & Marina

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Site of the Battle of Portglenone

3 3rd Portglenone Presbyterian Church, Townhill Road 4 Portglenone Orange Hall, Main Street 5 Church of Ireland Parochial Hall, Main Street

How To Find Out More If you would like to find out more about the Banntastic Twelfth Festival contact either members of Bannside Community Safety Group or Portglenone Orange District No. 7.

Alternatively use the Festival Helpline on: 07870 862412 or follow the progress of the Festival online at www.portglenone.org.uk

KINDLY SPONSORED BY -

Market Square, Main Street

Ballymena

Portglenone

PROGRAMME

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WELCOME TO ALL We would like to thank you for supporting our Bannt as t i c Twe l f t h F e s t i v al , by coming along to the events, sending children to the summer school or helping out in any way.

We as organisers could not succeed without the help and support of the community, and in turn we hope that you were entertained, informed and included in the week of events. A special thanks must go to our primary sponsors Ballymena Borough Council and the Ulster Scots Agency which provided funding for the festival, then to our other sponsors too numerous to mention, and to you who have paid for events or programmes. All organisers are volunteers and have given of their time and talents freely and I am sure that you will join me in expressing thanks to them.

Last year we hosted the first BANNTASTIC TWELFTH FESTIVAL and were encouraged by the Ulster Scots Agency and Ballymena Borough Council to develop it this year. Like last year when we worked in partnership with the Independent Orange District we are working with Portglenone Orange District No. 7. They will this year host their Annual Triangle Twelfth of July Demonstration. This has always been a most professionally run event and an asset to the local community. It was decided to develop it by integrating it into a wider festival with associated activities, which would marry a range of traditional events such as the annual Band Parade and Twelfth Parade with new events, which encourage wider community participation, especially from children In order to make the festival more community centered it was agreed to allow the B.C.S.G. to facilitate it. The partnership approach allows each to bring particular skills and to build new ones ensuring a safer, more professional and welcoming event. The aim is also to underpin the culture of parading and festivals with community safety and thereby improve community relations.

WHO ARE WE? Bannside Community Safety Group was established in 2006 to address issues of concern to local communities in the Greater Bannside area. It works in the villages of Ahoghill, Cullybackey and Portglenone and the rural hinterlands to improve community safety. The Group works with the local community and in partnership with other groups to raise awareness of, and to address by prevention or reduction the socio-economic, environmental and associated factors, which affect people’s right to live free from crime or the fear of crime. We act as an interface between local communities and their organisations and statutory bodies such as the PSNI to deal with matters of concern.

The group is growing and going from strength to strength as it helps protect the people and property of the local community. Its work ranges from parades, public order and events management to youth work and education. It raises awareness and provides practical help and advice to older people providing support to many.

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BANNSIDE COMMUNITY SAFETY GROUP

We are a group of ordinary people who have a vision for a safer area, we need your help to make that Vision a reality. We hope that you will help us to help you by giving of your time and talents.

We are offering membership to the community as a way of including you and your family in our events and initiatives. At all our events places are limited but membership would guarantee priority places and regular newsletters to keep you updated on all our work. It would also allow us to target the delivery of free equipment, advice and support to those most in need. Most importantly it would give you a chance to have your say in issues of Community Safety and to help plan and prepare our activities.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Members will receive priority places to limited events such as Annual Christmas Dinner and Information Day.

Distribution of equipment such as alarms and home security equipment Schemes such as the Home CCTV Scheme and Fire Alarms.

We will also be running a number of Youth Events where the children or grandchildren of members will receive early notification these events include Banntastic Ulster Scots Summer School and Fun Day Sports activities and Coaching.

Name ................................................................

Address.............................................................. .......................................................................... ..........................................................................

MEMBERSHIP CARD

Tel/Mobile No .................................................. Name ..................................................

Email ................................................................

Interested in ……………………see list above Membership Fee - £10 per Person £15 per Couple

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Membership No ....................................

Date of Expiry - December 2009

THE FIRST ORANGE ASSOCIATION IN ANTRIM William Prince of Orange’s landing in England in November 1688 was enough to unite people across the British Isles to his cause. He promised to protect them from tyranny and arbitrary power, and in Ireland the Protestant Community led by their Churches and the Aristocracy risked all to rally to his cause. James at the head of a professional French army landed in Ireland and marched North in a bid to recover his throne. Had he secured Ulster he would have had a bridgehead to take Scotland and unite with Scottish Jacobites to retake England. His success would spell the destruction of Protestant Britain and with it any hope of the survival of that faith anywhere in Europe. Literally the future of Protestantism hung in the balance and it was the actions of the men of Antrim who fought along the Bann and behind the walls of Derry and across Ulster which ensured the very survival of the faith we hold dear.

Whether Ulster Protestants appreciated the vital role they were to play in preserving the Reformed faith we cannot tell but they were inspired by the fear of their destruction in Ireland.

The Antrim Association was created to unite and defend Protestant interests in the face of the Jacobite advance North. Across Ulster Protestants formed under the leadership of officers recently dismissed from the army by Richard Talbot, Earl of Tyrconnell, who was James II’s representative in Ireland. He spelt out James policy clearly in a banner, which flew over Dublin Castle with the words “Now or Never Now and for Ever”, emblazoned on its Green silk. The import of these words were not lost on Protestants as they realised they were fighting for their very survival.

THE PROTESTANT HEROES OF PORTGLENONE Who were the men who led Resistance to James and his Catholic Army? For centuries their identities have been shrouded by the mists of time and their courage and vision unrecognised.

We must now remember the defenders of Portglenone and give thanks for their heroic deeds, just as we do for the defenders of Enniskillen or Londonderry. They took on the might of a trained European Army with farmers and field-hands, a volunteer force of ordinary men united by their faith and courage, and bought precious time allowing the defenses of Londonderry to be built up thus ensuring the ultimate success of their cause.

They were led by Protestant gentry such as the Earl of Mountalexander, Sir Arthur Rawdon, Sir John Skeffington and the Stafford family, who raised volunteer regiments from their tenants and local farmers, and took to the field against the professional Irish and French army of James Stuart. The men of the Antrim Association realised that they must hold the line of the Bann to halt the march of James. They were outnumbered and terribly stretched, as the dug in along the Lower Bann from Toome to Coleraine. Each day they could hold the river was a day in which Londonderry could improve her defenses, in which King William could assemble an army to sail to Ulster to relieve them.

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Lieutenant-General Sir George Rawdon.

Known as ‘Cock of the North’ because of his courageous defiant stand, he became the figurehead of the Ulster Protestants as they prepared to defend themselves. In the winter 16889 Rawdon, with Sir John Magill, attempted to disarm Sir Arthur Newcomen’s Regiment in Lisburn and secure Belfast and Carrickfergus by stealth, but Gustavus Hamilton brought a message from Belfast saying that the town’s gentlemen were ill prepared for the coup and it failed. Rawdon subsequently raised a Regiment of Dragoons and formed part of the Northern Consult which was headed by Lord Mount-Alexander and his son, Clotworthy Skeffington for Down & Antrim, Lord Blaney for Armagh & Monaghan and Lundy and Gustavus Hamilton for Derry, Donegal & Tyrone. Sir William Franklin, Arthur Upton Templepatrick, Adair of Ballymena and Sir Robert Colville of Galgorm, James Hamilton of Bangor and Francis Annesley all raised troops for the Consult.

Rawdon was an inspiration and gave spirit to the Northern Protestant Army as it made its stand along the banks of the Bann. His regiment was stationed in Moneymore to protect the Western Flank of the line of the Bann as another Jacobite army made its way through Tyrone. He fought at Portglenone having ridden there to bring supplies to the defenders, he had just left to return to his post when hearing of the Irish attack led his men, including Captain Hugh MacGill back to relieve the defenders. He fell gravely ill and had to be evacuated to England for treatment before the siege began. However he remained active in Ulster’s cause and eventually testified at the Parliamentary Committee against Robert Lundy.

Colonel CLOTWORTHY SKEFFINGTON The Skeffingtons were of ancient Norman extraction and Colonel Clotworthy Skeffington was son of Sir John Skeffington, 5th Bt, 2nd Viscount Massereene Governor of Co. Antrim Governor of Co. Londonderry and the town of Coleraine in 1685 a Privy Councillor who was a ‘conspicuous defender of the Protestant interest in Ulster, and particularly anxious to prevent Roman Catholics from enlisting in the army or militia ..., [even when] ... James II and Tyrconnel substituted an Irish army for a protestant militia. ... Recruiting was within his special province as Governor of Co. Londonderry. When the citizens of Londonderry determined to stand on their defense, Massereene helped them with a large sum of money, ... [and] was one of those to whom the Enniskilleners specially appealed for help ... ‘ It was at Antrim Castle that the Protestants of the county met under Massereene’s presidency to form the “Antrim Association” to resist the Jacobites, and his only surviving son, Clotworthy, was chosen to command them in the field. Massereene himself withdrew to England soon afterwards. In Tyrconnel’s proclamation of 7 March 1689, both father and son were among the ten persons excepted by name from mercy as “principal actors in the rebellion”. Massereene was in London in November 1689, being one of the Irish committee chosen to confer with William.

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Soon after the “break of Dromore” on 14 March 1689, Antrim Castle was sacked, about £4,000 in money and plate falling into Jacobite hands. He and his son were both included in the great Irish Act of Attainder in May 1689, his estate being valued at £4,340 a year.

Clotworthy Skeffington, 3rd Viscount Massereene (1660-1714), was colonel of a regiment of foot and joint commander of the Williamite forces in Co. Antrim. He later became MP for Co. Antrim, succeeding his father in the House of Lords in 1695. He raised a regiment in which Colonel Downing and Captains John and Richard Bickerstaff from’ Roe’s Gift’ served. Stationed along the Bann around Bellaghy and Castledawson to garrison both Toome and Portglenone Castle he was tasked with securing this section of the river and its crossings. He was a courageous is somewhat impetuous officer as is shown as he made his way from Portglenone to Derry. Arriving outside the gates of Derry hotly pursued by the Jacobite Army, he found himself and his militia locked out and shot at the sentry stationed on the walls and threatened to burn the gates down before he and his men were quickly. Therefore the men who fought at Portglenone went on to defend the wall of the Maiden City.

Colonel EDMUNTON LAIRD OF DUNTREAGH Originally from Duntreagh Castle, in Scotland, William Edmonstone, together with his brother James, came over to Ulster at the time of the First Plantation to join Sir Hugh Montgomery in the Newtownards area. Then on May 26, 1609, William Edmonstone leased part of the “Tough of Braidenisland”, comprising the parish of Templecorran, some 2,870 acres, from John Dalway.

Dalways were another prominent Plantation family which soon allied themselves to the Orange cause and remained so until the end of the 1800s when Marriott Dalway left these shores to begin a new life in Australia. He had become prominent within Orangesm as the founder of the Independent Orange Association in 1870 The Edmonstone family were staunch Presbyterians and brought over Edward Brice, the first Presbyterian minister in Ireland, and re-built the old parish church for him in 1622. Born in 1637 Archibald, 9th of Duntreath, suffered cruelly for his faith after Episcopacy was restored in Scotland, in 1660. Imprisoned in the Tolbooth (the common prison) in Glasgow, for six months, he was denied legal representation and only by his wife’s petition was his life saved. Archibald’s health was badly affected by imprisonment and he returned to Ireland for what should have 6

been his twilight years, tending the new estate. However duty called once more and as the storm clouds grew over Ulster he raised an independent regiment of three hundred foot amongst his tenants and neighbours to fight for the British cause in January 1689. Colonel Edmonstone garrisoned his house Redhall, Ballycarry and on 29th March he was ordered to Portglenone where re-inforced with men from Adair’s regiment, he secured the pass at Glenone, to prevent the enemy from repairing the bridge across the Bann. By Friday the 5th he sent word to Rawdon that his men were starving and that he needed provisions and wished to speak to Rawdon. Rawdon went the next night to see him and found him very well dug in. By Sunday the 7th however the Irish had found five or six large boats, crossed the river and come within a mile of Edmondstone’s trenches. Rawdon notified Whitney and Michelburne of the situation and for a time Edmondstone managed to hold out although greatly outnumbered. When the number of Irish troops was seen to be too numerous to resist it was decided to march Edmonstone and Whitney’s men back to Coleraine and Skeffington’s and Kenning’s to Derry He was already 51 when he fought at Portglenone a considerable age in those days and his imprisonment for his faith had taken its toll. The weather was extremely wet and, fighting in a muddy trenches on the edge of the Bann in water up to his knees, he caught a very bad cold

and fever. Forced from his position, he tried to enter Derry, but the garrison there, besieged and starving, refused admittance. Struggling on, by now extremely ill, he managed to reach the fort of Culmore, where, knowing he was dying, he asked to be buried in Strathblane Church. He died at Culmore fort on the 14th of April. He is presumably the same Edmondstone whose gravestone was discovered in Strathblayne Church in 1884 since it bore the inscription ‘ he r e l y e s i n t he s ame gr av e wi t h Mar y Count e s s of Angus , s i s t e r t o Ki ng J ame s I of Sc ot l and, f r om who he i s l i ne al l y de s c e nde d, Ar c hi bal d Edmonds t one Es qui r e , of Dunt r e at h i n t he Ki ngdom, and of Re d Hal l i n I r e l and, who di e d i n t he y e ar 1689 age d about 51 y e ar s ’ . His widow Anna Helena later married Alexander Dalway of Belliehill.

Right Honorable Edmund Francis Stafford Edmund Stafford was the grandson of Sir Francis Stafford and may have either lived still in the castle or was the builder of the grand new Castle or Mansion of Mount Stafford just on the edge of Portglenone. Military service ran in the Stafford’s veins and like many other Protestant 7

Officers, Edmund would have been dismissed by Tyrconnell. He like many of the other gentry of Ulster made swift and decisive preparations on their estates. Remembering well the massacres of 1641 and warned by the same Comber letter that spurred the men of Londonderry into action Stafford like others would have armed the men of his estate and the locality, gathered provisions and fortified the area.

The title implies he like his grandfather was a Privy Councillor and he was we believe an MP, sitting in the Parliament in Dublin. Stafford used his position there to protect Protestant interests before realising that it was only by the strength of arms that the ambitions of the Jacobites could be stopped. He and the men of Portglenone would have been invaluable in helping to secure the area, their local knowledge vital in the defenses. Also local Jacobites and repartees who terrorised isolated Protestants were held in check by an armed militia. Stafford and the men of the Bann Valley fought bravely and went on to defend the Maiden City securing freedom for us all. Stafford is recorded as ‘one of the gallant defenders of the place, during the memorable siege.’

COLONEL ADAM DOWNING Descended from an ancient Devonshire Family in England, which owned much of the land that is today central London including Downing Street, the residence of the Prime Minister which has been named in their honour. Adam Downing was indeed born there on March 18, 1666 before making their Bellaghy Estate his home. He held the rank of Colonel and raised a body of men at his own expense, and was present at the siege of Derry. He certainly was engaged in action around Portglenone and his own family estate. Today the tomb in Bellaghy Parish Church bears an inscription which records the services and lauds the virtues of Adam Downing, and reads: ‘ I n t hi s pl ac e ar e de pos i t e d t he r e mai ns of Adam Downi ng Es q. , de s c e nde d f r om an anc i e nt f ami l y i n De v ons hi r e and honour abl y al l i e d t o t hi s Ki ngdom, be i ng mar r i e d t o Anne , daught e r of J ohn J ac k s on of Col e r ai ne . He gav e s i gnal pr oof of hi s c our age at t he Si e ge of De r r y and t he Bat t l e of t he Boy ne , whe r e he c ommande d an i nde pe nde nt c ompany . I n c ons e que nc e of whi c h he was appoi nt e d by Gov e r nme nt i n t he y e ar 1715 one of t he Commi s s i one r s of Ar r ay . Soon af t e r he was made L i e ut e nant Col one l of Mi l i t i a Dr agoons and on t he 18t h of J anuar y , i n t he s ame y e ar , De put y Gov e r nor of t hi s c ount y . ’ He died on the 15th of December 1719 in the 53rd year of his age

Major Mitchelburn Afterwards commissioned as a Colonel of Skeffingtons Regiment and Governor of Derry credited with flying the Crimson Flag, organising the first commemoration and forming the first Apprentice Boys Club. He served under Percy Kirke at Tangier between 1680 and 1683, and received a commission from William of Orange. He fought at Portglenone, stationed to hold the ford at New Ferry, he then led his men to Londonderry where he made his name as one of the finest officers and leaders of his day.

He was joint Governor and despite a stormy relationship with Baker he continued as Joint Governor until after the relief when Kirke made him sole Governor. Funding his men from his 8

own pocket he lost all during the siege including his wife and seven children. He was promoted to full Colonel and went on to lead Skeffington’s Regiment which was renamed Mitchelburn’s Regiment of Foot at the Boyne and beyond.

THE MacGill Family Like many other leading Protestant families the MacGills rallied to the cause of William of Orange. Theirs is a remarkable story of two brothers who served together, young men who both gave their lives on the battle fields of Ireland in the Orange cause.

Captain Hugh MacGill A rising star in the Williamite army he raised a force of dragoons from Ards and soon made a name for himself at the siege of Coleraine when he had stopped Jacobite cannon fire from destroying the Gates by killing the gunner. A sharp shot with a musket he saved the day and soon became popular with all ranks. He was privy to the Councils of War held for example on March 11th 1689 as the strategy of holding the Bann was discussed. He served under Rawdon and had went with him to visit Portglenone.

He no doubt spent time with his younger brother James in the trenches at Portglenone exchanging banter and remembering happier times in County Down. As he left they wished each other well and parted to their respective posts. However less than a mile away Rawdons men heard of the surprise attack at Portglenone and rode back to give assistance. The MacGill brothers fought together on that fateful day

Captain James MacGill Named after his father also Captain James McGill an old Cromwellian Officer who was granted lands near Dromore.

James and his elder brother Hugh both grew up to follow in their fathers footsteps and on that April day in 1689 he was one of three young Captains ordered by Lieutenant Colonel Whitney to lead the men forward to check the advance of the Jacobite grenadiers. However Whitney seeing the size of the Catholic Force and the position they held behind a hedge lost his nerve. Only young James ashamed of Whitneys cowardice pressed on supported by Rawdon and his own brother Hugh. But a second line of Irish had lined the hedges to the rear of the grenadiers and Captain James was shot from his horse as he led the charge. An Irish Grenadier Captain approached the wounded officer and ran him through several times as he lay on the ground before a soldier beat out his brains with a clubbed musket.

His elder brother Hugh and Major Henry Baker disregarded their own safety to fight their way 9

through the withering Jacobite fire and lines to reach young James and his men, however it was moments too late. We can only imagine the pain as he saw the fate of his younger brother and the anger that drove him on to led his men back through the enemy and to ensure that the Protestant force was able to evacuate their positions despite being surrounded. The ultimate tragedy befell the Macgill family when on 19th July, 1690 the eldest son, Hugh was killed with a cannonball at the siege of Athlone.

Other officers who fought in the Bann Campaign that year were Lieutenant Colonel Blair “ The Protestants at Fagivie [Agivey],under command of Captain Blair, beat back some of the Irish who had crossed the river there.” A contemporary poem recording the achievements of many Ulster gentlemen has : “ Our General did wonders everywhere, Assisted by LieutenantColonel Blair.”

Another ford of the Bann at Agivey was held by Blair who secured an old castle at that point.

The minister of the congregation, Thomas Boyd, was in Derry during the Siege, and his successor in Aghadowey, James M’Gregor, had the rank of Lieutenant, and is recorded as having had a share in announcing the relief of the city by discharging a shot from the Cathedral tower.

Colonel George Canning The Cannings proved themselves devoted to the public interest at this critical period. George Canning, who had the rank of Colonel, raised a regiment on his estate. He was son of the member of the ‘family who lost his life in the battle at Garvagh in 1641. Colonel Canning led his men to Magherafelt where they protected that flank.

Colonel Whitney He Commanded Sir John MacGills Regiment of five companies of foot who were supposed to assist Col Edmonston. Whitney had three young captains including Captain James McGill but despite their skill and enthusiasm he proved an indecisive and ineffective commander whose failure at Portglenone led to the withdrawal from that position.

Major Baker and Captain Dunbar who were officers under Rawdon and fought alongside Hugh Macgill. Captain Henley was wounded and taken prisoner later suffering terribly at the hands of the Jacobites. Lieutenant Colonel Shaw was left to guard the trenches with sixty men and made a valiant stand fighting a daring rear guard action. Lieutenant Colonel Houstan appears to have been the Commanding Officer stationed at Toome which after being catured by the Williams in a famous earlier victory know as the ‘break of Toome’.

Of those who fell under the ban of James’s Parliament we have the, names Downing (Bellaghy), Rainey (Magherafelt) , Blair (Aghadowey), Hillhouse (Ballykelly), Phillips (Limavady), Adair (Ballymena) , Rowan (Clough), Galland (Vow), and Church (Kilrea). Other names made known to us, chiefly by the Armagh poem, belonging to men who distinguished themselves, are Hyndman, Godfrey (Coleraine), Fisher (afterwards of Garvagh, Hunter and Mulholland (Maghera), M’Cauland, Jackson(Tobermore). and many others. These men deserve our recognition and celebration as it was their courage which has secured our faith and freedoms 10

THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS

JOHN CALVIN BY Rev. Stephen Neilly, Third Portglenone Presbyterian Church John Calvin was the greatest thinker during the time of the Protestant Reformation and he produced one of the finest and fullest statements of the Christian faith that has ever been seen.

He was suddenly converted to Christ from what he calls a more hardened heart than was to be expected in such a young man. His great work is called the I ns t i t ut e s of t he Chr i s t i an Re l i gi on and its first edition was completed when Calvin was only 25. He expanded on this throughout his life, with its final form running to some 1500 pages, but people should not be daunted by its size. Ordinary Christians without theological training can pick it up and have their minds broadened and stretched and enlightened and purified. One of the famous opening sentences states, “man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God’s face, and then descends from contemplating Him to scrutinise himself.”

Yet it would be wrong to think that Calvin spent most of his time shut up in his study thinking and writing. He saw himself first and foremost as a preacher of God’s Word, and, with his rapiersharp mind and biblical knowledge, he often found himself disputing publicly with representatives of the Roman church. It is hard to see how three men working full-time today could have produced as much as this instrument of God did. In a day when religion had been corrupted both by priests and enthusiasts Calvin went only where he believed the Bible was leading him. The change that the city of Geneva experienced during his time there was due to the rigorous application of the teaching of Scripture. Every other week Calvin preached early each morning to the folk of Geneva before they went to their place of employment. It was his habit to work through books of the Bible verse by verse and chapter by chapter, to give his hearers a taste of the breadth and scope of a sovereign God’s plans of salvation and restoration for His people and His world. Calvin’s goal, to reform the city for God and his method, the systematic preaching of God’s Word, have had an impact on the whole of western civilisation.

John Calvin also wanted to train men for the gospel ministry and sent many missionaries into his native France, for some of them to give their lives for the good news of sins forgiven only through the finished work of Jesus. He conducted an impressive correspondence with many of the crowned heads of Europe, as well as writing to encourage many imprisoned for their Protestant, biblical beliefs. He visited the people of Geneva faithfully and sought to underline 11

their natural sinfulness but the much greater grace of Jesus Christ the mediator, the great prophet, priest and king, who gave His life to purchase those who would turn from their sin and trust Him. Calvin was concerned about the people’s physical welfare too, spending much time designing a sewerage system for the city. He married happily, but his wife died young, and he gave himself, as his motto states, ‘heartily and sincerely to God’. A humble man, but a fiery man too, he left instructions to be buried in an unmarked grave. We best remember him when we seek to follow the Scriptures as closely as he did and, like him, to love and serve the only Redeemer of God’s

chosen people.

We (DO NOT) Apologise for Interruptions to Normal Service!!

BY Rev. Albert Baxter First Portglenone Presbyterian Church The Service of Worship was proceeding as normal, when, without warning, a piercing cry was heard. All eyes turned instinctively towards the source of the commotion, where a woman seemed to have collapsed. It wasn’t a faint, for she was groaning in agony – but not with physical pain – “O, my sins! Lord have mercy! Save me, O Christ, or I perish,” she cried repeatedly.

As she was subsequently helped out of the building, an atmosphere of stunned anxiety and frightened agitation descended among the worshippers. Several of them also had to be removed in a visibly shaken condition, crying for mercy and forgiveness as they were led outside.

The year was 1859 and the scene was 1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church. The Minister recognised immediately that, far from being an unwelcome interruption to the Service of Worship, this was the direct consequence and evidence of God in His majesty moving among the people. As he sought to calm the worshippers, he acknowledged with them the need for guilty sinners to be afraid in the midst of this tangible presence of a holy God, but assured them that there was no need for hysteria, for God in his grace had provided a marvellous way of 12

escape in Christ. Let them turn to this mighty Saviour who was ready to deliver them and they would be safe in his arms forever.

Many did just that! Indeed, so many Portglenone people came to Christ in the remainder of 1859 that, throughout the village, there was no building large enough to accommodate those who wanted to gather each week for worship. And so it was that on 5th March 1860 the Church Committee Minutes record “Moved by Mr McFadden and seconded by Mr Glass and unanimously agreed to, that inasmuch as the present house is not sufficient to accommodate the people, a new house be built to accommodate those who are anxious to attend Public Worship and that Mr. Houston be requested to bring the matter before the congregation on Sabbath first.”

Soon afterwards the magnificent building, which stands tall to this day at the head of the village, was completed. As its stones have stood the test of time, so too have the spiritual effects of the 1859 Revival. In those days God breathed new life into his Church – not just in Portglenone, but throughout the country.

The well-documented records of incredible events in Ballymena, Coleraine, Belfast, etc. may still be read today – church buildings that suffered under the strain of excessive crowds, prayer meetings that spilled out onto the streets for want of space, quarterly law-courts that had to be dismissed due to lack of cases, schools and businesses that were temporarily closed while pupils and workers sought to get right with God, supremely thousands of individuals whose lives were never the same again!

Times of Revival, such as this, are marvellous and mysterious. Our mighty God, in his sovereign power, is always working majestically. Constantly he is calling his people into the Kingdom, as, in every single day, individuals are recognising their serious state as sinners on the way to meet a Holy God, hearing the gracious invitation of Christ to come and be saved, and casting themselves on his mercy – never to be the same again. Every single day there are astounding miracles of mercy from heaven – often quietly and unobtrusively. But in certain locations and at certain times, God is pleased to pour out such an anointing of his Spirit and profusion of his grace, that even the foremost sceptics and disbelievers are stopped in their tracks and the course of history is altered. The true people of God always yearn and pray for times such as those – As the old hymn puts it “Mercy-drops round us are falling, but for the showers we pray.”

Those “showers” (or perhaps, more accurately, “deluges”) of God’s visible mercy and grace are what we refer to as times of Revival. They are awesome times, never to be forgotten by those who live through them. Those times of Revival leave behind them a physical, social and spiritual legacy for good that endures long after the people living at the time have gone. The startling evidences and lasting effects of such times defy all scientific or psychological explanation. They are quite simply the astounding power of the Sovereign God of the universe unleashed for a time with unusually visible effect.

Portglenone, as a village, has been richly blessed! God has been good to us! Our forbears have been privileged to witness incredible times of Revival. We, their children, rejoice in the ongoing legacy of that Revival, but yearn that we and our children might see similar events in our day.

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First Portglenone Presbyterian (At the “head of the town”)

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Still worshipping in the Revival Building Still enjoying the legacy of Revival Still yearning for new days of Revival Still glorifying the God of Revival

Our doors are open to everyone!

We warmly invite you to join with us • Sunday 12.00 noon (every week) • Sunday 7.00 p.m. (alternate weeks) Lots of activities and meetings for all ages commencing in September Further details: Albert Baxter (028) 25821345

Third Portglenone Presbyterian Church Townhill Road

We warmly invite you to join with us • Sunday 12.00 noon (every week) • Sunday 7.00 p.m. (alternate weeks)

Where has Second Portglenone Presbyterian Church Gone?

Many visitors often comment about the missing Church in Portglenone. The graveyard and a memorial to the old congregation of Second Portglenone are found out the Townhill Road.

14

OVER TWO HUNDRED YEARS OF ORANGE ORDER TRADITION Orangeism has been a feature of life in this area for 210 Years and in that time tens of thousands of men have passed through the ranks of this organisation. It has shaped the life of the village and remains a central part of the community. The festival marks this contribution and aims to educate and inform people about its positive legacy. For many families it is a way of life passed down through generations, sadly like many organisations it has declined in numbers as young people move away from rural areas to find work or education. Now in the new century we seek to remember our past and prepare for our future The booklet outlines the history of Portglenone and how Orangeism is interwoven into the very fabric of the community. To try and remove that thread would mean destroying the very fabric from which the village and community is made. We hope people of all faiths and creeds will learn about us, enjoy our rich culture and meet with us in the same open genuine spirit we meet with you. Above all we wish everyone a happy and peaceful Twelfth of July.

The Orangeism Reaches the Bann Valley Founded in 1795 after the Battle of the Diamond near Loughall the Orange Order aimed to protect Protestant Persons Property and Principles at a time when they were under attack. The Order grew and spread across Ireland as local Protestants found themselves under threat from newly armed and militant Catholics organised under the name of Defenders.

Just before the outbreak of the 1798 Uprising in May of that year the first meeting of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland took place in Dublin. On the 8th March 1798 Orangemen from all over Ireland met in the city. Gentry from Ulster were very well represented as the upper classes had put aside their early aloofness and joined the Orange Order in large numbers. The chair was taken by young Thomas Verner and this resolution was put forward: “That it is advisable that proper correspondence should be instituted forthwith between different Orange lodges in the Kingdom. That a Grand Lodge be formed for this purpose.

That such a lodge be called the Grand Lodge of Ireland. To facilitate organisation and administration, each county should be divided into districts by the Grand Master and other Masters of the county. That each county should have a Grand County Lodge to be formed of District Masters.”

It was also put forward that the Grand Lodge’s first meeting would be on Monday, 9th April 1798 in the house of Thomas Verner, Dawson Street, Dublin. The resolutions were submitted to all Lodges for ratification. There were 471 issued warrants but only 281 of these were issued with full details. Of these 167 Lodges approved the resolutions including LOL 1 and LOL 36 which had James Sloan of Loughgall as it’s Master.

15

The first meeting of the Grand Lodge was indeed a grand affair. Among the 46 who gathered in Thomas Verner’s upstairs drawing room were: The Right Honourable Earl of Athlone; The Most Noble Marquis of Drogheda; The Right Honourable George Ogle MP; Lord Viscount Isaac Corry; The Right Honourable John Barry-Maxwell MP; Sir Richard Musgrave; Major Henry Sirr of Dublin; The Honourable JW Cole (later Lord Enniskillen); Captain John Claudius Beresford of the Dublin Cavalry; Captain John “Hunter” Cowan of Wexford; The Right Honourable Patrick Duigenan LLD MP, Grand Master of the Aldermen of Skinners Alley; and the Very Reverend Dean Keating who was Chaplain to the Irish House of Commons. The first move was to elect the officers for the Grand Lodge. George Ogle spoke first, he proposed Thomas Verner for Grand Master. 22 year old William Blacker rose next to second the proposal. Sir Richard Musgrave was elected Grand Treasurer, Captain John Beresford was elected Grand Secretary and Dean Keating was elected Grand Chaplain. The last item which remained was the establishment of a committee to codify the rules and set one single set of ordinances for the whole Orange Order. This was entrusted to two young men Harding Giffard and Samuel Montgomery.

After the meeting closed the Brethren moved downstairs and as was the custom of the day toasted the “Glorious and Immortal Memory” with whiskey, wine and porter. The porter was a gift from Arthur Guinness, a Kildare man who 20 years earlier established a brewery at St James’ Gate Dublin for the production of a dark beer known as “Guinness, Black Protestant Porter”.

Arthur himself was well advanced in years but his four sons were among the founding members of LOL 176 in Dublin.

16

The 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion and especially the massacres of Protestants in Wexford and the role of the subversive Defenders encouraged Protestants to join the Orange Order. They saw it as not only a means of defending their Religion, Crown, Constitution and Culture, but also their farms and families. Orangeism spread to Portglenone through the soldiers who were either stationed there or a local man who had returned home on leave.

MILLTOWN TRUE BLUES L.O.L. NO. 205 – Was formed in Portglenone early in 1798, with a “Marching Warrant” issued to Sgt. Cooksley. Milltown was a military lodge and the “Marching Warrant” if not the first was certainly among the first issued at the formation of the Order. The lodge had membership belonging to the Irish Artillery which was then of course part of the British Army, and although the lodge warrant found itself with the Regiment in India in the 1820’s (according to Grand Lodge records) it nevertheless returned again with no doubt some of the membership to the place where the lodge was formed in Portglenone and at Milltown where the lodge remains encamped to this day. In the painting of the Battle of Ballynahinch by Thomas Robinson the uniforms of the Artillery are clearly seen in the bottom left corner. These would have been similar to the uniforms over which Milltown first donned their sashes and marched into Portglenone. It is a lasting testament to the Loyalty and vision of the protestant community in Bann Valley that within three years of the Battle of the Diamond they had formed their first lodge.

17

BATTLE OF THE SOMME 1916 July holds a special place in the memory of many families across Northern Ireland, as they remember the loss at the Somme. For many young Ulstermen the road to Flanders began years before in the lanes and streets of their native Ulster.

They followed Carson’s call and after signing the Solemn League and Covenant on Ulster Day Saturday 28th September 1912, joined the ranks of the Ulster Volunteer Force. As the Crisis continued events in Ulster were overtaken by those on the Continent as the World lurched towards the Great War. Those brave sons of Ulster formed the 36th Ulster Division and marched to death and immortal glory at the Somme on 1 July 1916. Today in many homes across Ulster two treasured possessions hang , they are two documents which tell a story of duty and sacrifice. They are linked by blood as many who signed the Covenant later literally gave their lives at the Somme and the document to the right was sent to their families upon their death.

18

THOSE MEN FROM PORTGLENONE WHO PAID THE SUPREME SACRIFICE ADAMS, William James, 9554, Sergeant, 1st Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on 2nd December 1917 by a trench mortar. He was born and lived in Portglenone and enlisted in Ballymena.

BROWN, William, 7905, Rifleman, 16th Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on July 1, 1916. He is buried in Hamel Military Cemetery, Somme. He was born in Portglenone and enlisted in Ballymena. His wife and daughter at Culnafay, Portglenone.

CLARK (Clarke) William 31310, Private, 2 Royal Scots, KIA on September 26th, 1917. Named Tyne Cot. Aged 20, enlisted and lived Glasgow. Son of George and Margaret, Garvaghy, Portglenone. Commemorated 1st Portglenone Presbyterian, Church.

COULTER, Alexander, 3473, Private, 2nd Irish Guards, KIA on July 21st, 1917. Buried Canada Farm Cemetery. Of Tullynahinnion/Drumraw, Cullybackey.

Commemorated 1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church DAWSON, Samuel, 14860, Private, 11th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, KIA on 1st July 1916. Born Portglenone, enlisted Belfast, lived Glasgow.

Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial.

GORDON, Robert James, 26091, Rifleman, 4th Bn, 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade, was killed in action in Belgium on the 7th June 1917. He was the son of Mrs. T Gordon, Lislea, Portglenone and he listed his brother in law, a Mr J T Kyle, Waipukurau, New Zealand, as his next of kin. He was a farm labourer and had left New Zealand on 25th September 1916 with the 11th Reinforcements 2nd Battalion, F Company aboard the troopship Devon. He is remembered on the Messine Ridge (NZ) Memorial.

19

GOURLEY, Samuel Mooney , Clyde 3/2177, Able Seaman, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. “Viknor.” He died on the 13th January 1915.

(HMS Viknor was an armed merchant cruiser of 10th Cruiser Squadron and was under the command of E O Ballantyne. Her crew, 22 Officers and 273 Men, were all lost when she struck a mine off Tory Island. 25 men, of whom Gourley was probably one, came from the Newfoundland Division of Royal Navy Reserves. He was aged 21 and was the son of James Gourley, Portglenone.

He is commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

GREER, Joseph, S/13953, Lance Corporal, 1st Gordon Highlanders, died of wounds on 5th June 1918. Aged 23 and the son of M. Greer, Sprucebank, Portglenone. Buried Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport.

KILPATRICK, William, 53433 (NA says 33433), Driver, 76 Bty. Royal Field Artillery, died on the 31st July 1916. Aged 27, he enlisted in Newcastle Upon Tyne and was the son of William and Jane Kerr of Tullynahinion, Portglenone. He is buried in Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery, Iraq. He is commemorated in 1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church.

LAW, William, 19767, Private, 6th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was KIA on the 17th October 1918.

Aged 41, he was the son of James Law of Gortaheron, Portglenone. His wife Nancy resided at Killycoogan, Portglenone. He is buried in Highland Cemetery, Le Cateau, France and commemorated in 3rd Portglenone Presbyterian Church.

McANALLY/McNALLY, 6/2795, Lance Corporal, 6th Connaught Rangers, died of wounds in Bellahoustin Military Hospital, Glasgow. Aged 34, he was born, enlisted and lived in Ballymena.

His wife Sarah lived at Railway Place, Ballymena and his parents, John and Margaret McAnally, lived in Cullybackey. He is buried in St. Mary’s (Aughnahoy) Cemetery, Ahoghill Road, Portglenone McCARTNEY, Andrew, 12733, Private, 8th Welsh Regiment, died on the 30th September 1915.

Aged 50, he was born in Ballymena. He was the son of Robert McCartney, Townhill, Portglenone and the husband of Maggie Ross McCartney. He is buried Alexandria (Chatby) Military & War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

20

McCLEAN, Alexander, 18/727, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on the 29th May 1917. Aged 19, he was the third son of Hugh and Ann McClean, Bracknamuckley, Portglenone.

He is buried in Pond Farm Cemetery, Heuelland, Belgium and commemorated in 3rd Portglenone Presbyterian Church.

McGALL (DCM), James, 3/10823, Private, Durham Light Infantry (Depot), died on the 1st November 1918. Aged 35, he was the son of Johnston and Lizzie McGall, Portglenone. He enlisted in Gateshead and his wife Sarah Jane lived at Portglenone. He is buried in Heworth Churchyard, Durham.

McMASTER, William, 939, Rifleman, 9th Royal Irish Rifles. was KIA on the 7th August 1917. Aged 20. He was born in Portglenone and enlisted in Ballymena.

He was the youngest son of William and Mary Jane, McMaster, Cullybackey.

He is commemorated on the Ypres Memorial (Menin Gate) and in Cullybackey UF Church.

MEWHINNEY (Mawhinnie), William James, 15841, Private, 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers, was KIA on the 29th September 1915. He was born at Ballynafie, Portglenone. He is commemorated on the Ypres Memorial (Menin Gate).

O’NEILL, Luke, 22128, Private, 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, was KIA on the 12th October 1916. Aged 22, he was the son of Roderick and Mary Ann O’Neill, Gortgole, Portglenone. He enlisted in Coatsbridge and lived at Rasharkin. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial

21

PATTON, Archibald, 18689, Rifleman, 1st Bn., 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade, was KIA on the 12th October 1917. He was aged 33 and had embarked on the 26th July 1916 with the 9th Reinforcements 2nd Battalion, F Company. He was the son of John and Sarah Patton of Tyanee, Portglenone. He is buried Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Ypres. He is commemorated in 1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church.

RAINEY, J G, 290563, Private, 1/8th Scottish Rifles (Cameronians), died on the 29th July 1918.

He was aged 27 and the son of John and Hannah Rainey, Aughnahoy, Portglenone. He is buried Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, France SMYTH, John, 41205, Private, 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers (formerly 1435 North Irish Horse), died of wounds on the1st December 1917. He was born in Tamlaght O’Crilly, Co. Londonderry and was living in Portadown, but he was the son of John Smyth, Sprucebank, Portglenone. He is buried in St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.

SPENCE, Alexander Reverend, Padre 36th Dept. Army Chaplains, died of wounds as POW on the 31st March 1918. His father Alexander Spence of Brookfield, Portglenone. He is buried Roye New British Cemetery, Somme. He is commemorated in Ahoghill Church of Ireland.

STEWART, James, 1488, Rifleman, 8th Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA 7th June 1917. He is buried Wulverghen Lindenhoek Military Cemetery. He was aged 22 and was born in Portglenone. He was the son of James and late Nancy Stewart and he lived in Cullybackey.

WATT, Robert John, 19818, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, died on the 29th February 1916.

He was killed by shrapnel while in billets behind the lines. He was aged 30 and the son of Agnes Watt. He was the husband of Elizabeth Ann Watt, Portglenone, Co. Antrim, and a cousin of Mrs Johnston McGall, Fair Hill Lane, Ballymena. He is buried in Mesnil Ridge Cemetery, Somme.

Our t hank s t o De s s i e Bl ac k adde r whos e har d wor k and de di c at i on i n r e s e ar c hi ng t he s e l oc al l ads wi l l e ns ur e t hat t he i r s er v i c e and s ac r i f i c e i s ne v e r f or got t e n. F ul l de t ai l s on al l t he Bal l y me na me n who s e r v e d and f e l l ar e t o be f ound i n a wonde r f ul we bs i t e Bal l y me na 1914 - 1918 22

THE BATTLE CRY THAT COMES FROM PORTGLENONE Poe t r y

and s ong ar e

r e l e v anc e

of

Communi t y was

a

t he

c ul t ur e

be s t and

e x pr e s s i on of a

c ommuni t y .

The

v i br anc y Ul s t e r

and

Sc ot s

gi v e n a uni que and i de nt i t y and c ul t ur e whe n i t

r al l i e d t o t he Or ange c aus e i n 1688. t he y not

t he

he l d out

at

I t be c ame t he f i r s t and had

Por t gl e none ,

woul d hav e be e n t he l as t

L ondonde r r y and Enni s k i l l e n

s t and f or

f r e e dom and l i be r t y .

That

l i be r t y and t he s pi r i t and s ong was t r ans por t e d f r om our s hor e s t o Ame r i c a and gav e wi nd t o t he wi ngs of t he Ame r i c an Re v ol ut i on.

Today t hat r i c h c ul t ur e and t r adi t i on s t i l l t hr i v e s wi t h l oc al

c ont i nue s and

t al e nt e ns ur i ng t hat t he hi s t or y and

ac hi e v e me nt s of our f or be ar e r s ar e not f or got t e n.

The f ol l owi ng

poe ms and s ongs r e c or d t he hi s t or y and honour s of our hi s t or y and t gl of e none ’ s Welcome r ol e i n i t .

ThePor Prince Orange The Pr i nc e of Or ange We l c ome t o L ondon To the Tune of: The two English Travellers The Prince of Orange he is come to this Land, Who does in defiance of Popery stand: He does not desire Supreme for to Reign, But our Laws and Liberties here to maintain.

Which some evil Persons did strive to Invade, And we into Bondage might have been betray’d We see all their dealings, which troubl’d us sore, The Fryars and Jesuits daily came o’re They still are inventing and forging of Lies Against our Bible and Clergy likewise

In hopes they might suddenly be overthrown And then they conclude the Game was their own God bless all the Noble, Religious and Just, Who always was faithful and true to their Trust I hope they will settle this Nation again That we may ne’r have any cause to complain.

And when a Free-Parliament shall Regulate And Compose our Fractions in matters of State, The Joys of this Nation again to restore Then both King and People may flourish once more.

Finis Printed for G.J. 1688 Source:The Pe y ps Bal l ads .,Harvard University Press, Cambridge,1930

23

Orange Yeomanry of 98 I am an humble OrangemanMy father he was one; The mantle which the sire once wore Has fallen to the son; He ranked with those who quelled their fires— The foes of Church and State; The gallant Orange Yeomanry Who fought in Ninety-eight!

The light which led their spirits on.

O’er battle-field did shine Each breast was Freedom’s temple pure.

Each heart was Freedom’s shrine As sinks the day in glorious ray, Some sunk—and bright their fateThe gallant Orange Yeomanry Who fought in Ninety-eight!

To guard the faith which Luther preached The rights which William won, The Orangeman relies upon His Bible and his gun; He prays for peace, yet war will face, Should rebels congregate; Like the brave Orange Yeomanry Who fought in ‘Ninety-eight!

“Who fears to speak of “Ninety-eight?”

This was the silly note Of one who was afraid to put His name to what he wrote; He was afraid—they’re all afraid— They know we’d gag their prate As did the Orange Yeomanry Who fought in “Ninety-eight!

In peace, like watchful silent stars Can Orangemen remain; In war, their energies are like The surges of the main; And each true-hearted Orangeman Would smile though death await, As did the Orange Yeomanry Who fought in ‘Ninety-eight!

24

THE RIBBONMEN’S RETREAT The Ribbonmen’s Retreat from Holy Hill Composed and sung by James Reid, of Gortaheron Come all ye Protestant Heroes, and join me in chorus to sing In praise of a few valiant soldiers who made our green valleys to ring, By scattering a party of Rebels, who ran like the fox to his den, Pursued to their holes very closely by a body of brave Orangemen.

Chorus - Then hurrah for the boys of McNeillstown! They never fear cudgel nor stone, And hurrah for bold Ward, the Attorney, who freed them out in Portglenone It was upon August the fifteenth, in the year of grace, 72 That this party of Rebels assembled in numbers most fearful to view; Their Priest said his Mass in the morning and pardoned their sins you may know, So they thought they were safe from all danger, it mattered not where they did go. (ch) Onward they marched in procession, still trembling whene’er they heard noise, For they knew they would get a warm reception if they met the true Orange Boys.

Our lads let them pass in the morning - neither rebels nor flags did we mind; But on their return in the evening our spirits could not be confined! (Ch) So we loaded our guns and we fired amongst those vile rebels around, When they took to their heels like poor cowards, and their flag was laid low on the ground, The women were crying and screeching - while the rebels hid close in their den, And called on the good Virgin Mary to save them the Orangemen. (ch) Priest Conway then took of his hat, and to his brother rebels did say:“Boys don’t you remember what I did in the morning before going away?

So Ribbonmen don’t affrighted” - but they heeded not poor Conway’s calls, And we scattered them, as did our forefathers, under Derry’s old Walls. (ch) In pity our boys had ceased firing, then the “varmint” had crept out of their holes And fell down on their knees and thanks “Mary” for saving their bodies and souls, Early next morning they gathered and straight to the Police they went, When fourteen of our Orange Heroes were arrested and to prison sent. (ch) But long live the brave Mr. Graham, in our need he ne’er did turn tail, So he went to the town the next morning, and offered ten thousand pounds bail, And another god friend we must mention the brave Barkley, from Portglenone, Who has to our noble order many friendly services shown. (ch) From Belfast we brought an Attorney - the loyal and true Mr. Ward, Who loves every bold Orange Hero - and for rebels never had a regard, He rose in the Court on that morning, and to the Crown Lawyer did say “Sir these brave Orange Chiefs are my clients, and must be liberated to-day. (ch) 25

Now another “Attorney I’ll mention - Mr. Glover is the gentleman’s name,

To assist the brave Ward on that morning straightway to Portglenone he came, Oh boys, if you heard these two lawyers insist that the bench should agree To dismiss the case on its merits, and set the brave Orangemen free. (ch) Brethren, be loyal and steady, support still the good Orange cause; For with God on our side we are certain to trample on all Popish laws: On our flag there is no Popish idols - to Dagon we ne’er bend a knee; The true God is the God we worship - while Victoria claims our loyalty. (ch) So now Orange Boys must finish; ‘tis time I should lay down my pen; Here’s a health to brave Ward the attorney, and all other good Orangemen, We have fought and have conquered the Papists - we fought with a hearty good willThen a cheer for the day we chased Rebels away from our own Holy Hill.

The Union Cruiser Far across the stormy ocean in our happy Northern home, Where our country men are arming to resist the wiles of Rome, I can see the Union Cruiser in the harbour of Belfast And the Orange flag of Liberty is floating on her mast.

Every city, town and village in our happy Northern coast, Is preparing to defend itself against the Redmond hosts From the shores of Carrickfergus to the margins of Lough Neagh There’s a hundred thousand Orangemen preparing for the fray.

Magherafelt and Castledawson, Maghera and Tobermore, Are as eager for the conflict as they were in days of yore, Culnady and the Tamlaght boys still loyal to the throne, Are responding to the battle cry that comes from Portglenone.

The fighting men of Garvagh and the Sprigs of old Kilrea, With their armour brightly burnished and their flags and banners gay, Send a ringing call to arms rolling o’er our native hills That was heard at Ballymoney, Aghadowey and Bushmills.

In the streets of Londonderry there’s a grand inspiring scene, Where our ‘prentice boys are arming to defend our Maiden Queen, And our walls are stoutly guarded by defenders of the soil, And their cry of ‘No Surrender’ echo’s o’er the river Foyle.

You Loyal Sons of Ulster who have of your valour shown, On the crimson field of battle as defenders of the throne, Put your trust in God above, be courageous calm and cool, And the North bid bold defiance to John Redmond and Home Rule.

26

McNEILLSTOWN ORANGE HALL “Come up to the hall on Tuesday night,”

The date it all started and the dates in between,

Bobby Andrews said,

William had listed them all,

“It’s up at the top of the Blackstone road,

Accompanied by pictures displayed on the screen,

Up at the very head.”

A great night was had by us all.

“Sure I know where it’s at,” I said to him,

With teapots of tea and plates of wee buns,

I’ve been there many times before,

And trays of sandwiches too,

McNeillstown hall feels like home to me,

There was plenty to eat and plenty to drink,

With its welcome there at the door.”

It turned into quite a good ‘do’.

A good wee band they’ve had for years,

Then they sold raffle tickets, a pound for each

And many a trophy they’ve won,

strip,

‘Though it used to be flutes a long time ago

A bargain, I’m sure you’ll agree,

That played to the beat of the drum.

And when numbers were drawn, someone would shout, “Howl on a minute, that’s me.”

But the pipes have a sound that’s better by far, And the kilts make a lovely display, Where knobbly knees and hairy legs,

Willie’s number was called, so he went up and

Are the highlights of any girl’s day.

picked

I remember one twelfth as the rain poured down,

While Davy decided a handbag was best,

And the drums went rat a tat tat,

Oh didn’t he really look swell.

A spray with a delicate smell,

I sheltered below a warm tartan shawl, Then an auction was held, and that was a hoot,

But I’ll say no more about that.

As Cyril tried hard to extract, So now to get back to that great night in March,

A few extra pounds from the folk at the front,

When they held the history event,

And more from the boys at the back.

With details of how it all came about,

continued....

It was a night truly well spent 27

Then an invitation to return the next week

So another good time was had by us all,

Was made by your man at the door.

And just like the Tuesday before,

“Come back,” he said, “you’ve only heard half,

There was plenty of tea and sandwiches too,

Come back next week for there’s more.”

And wee sticky buns by the score.

He told the truth, for the next Tuesday night,

More tickets were sold and more prizes were won,

There were lots more stories to hear,

Some folk were luckier than others,

Of battles for freedom and battles won,

But nobody cared, for most of the crowd,

And men who had never known fear.

Were fathers or mothers or brothers.

We heard of a happening one day on the bridge,

And then came the auction, and there once

When the riot act it was read,

again,

Where not one man paid one bit of heed

Brave Cyril was firmly in charge,

To a single word that was said.

Going once, going twice and finally gone, Some of the bids were quite large.

The men would parade, they wouldn’t give in.

“We’ll do it,” they said, “for we can.”

Says I to Alex, “there’s a picture up there,

For just like brave Billy who crossed over the

And I tell you, there’s no doubt about it,

Boyne,

You’ll just have to bid, no matter how high,

They would cross over the Bann.

For I’m not going home without it.”

Yes Portglenone played its own vital part,

Now that picture of Billy astride his white horse,

In battles right down through the ages,

Hangs on my dining room wall,

Its name will be there, forever entwined,

A lasting reminder of the night that I spent

In history’s well worn pages.

In McNeillstown’s wee Orange Hall.

Betty Hueston

28

The Feuds Along the Shining Bann Oh! Portglenone’s sweet village upon the River Bann Where many bitter feuds occurred among the local clans McQuillan from County Antrim fought with O’Cahan bold Upon the rivers wooded banks their territory for to hold.

O’Cahans from County Derry invaders sure were they.

Who came across the shining Bann, about the break of day To fight with brave McQuillan and extra land to gain With clashing swords the McQuillans easily won that day And O’Cahan went, in fact retreated across the grassy braes.

By James McIlhatton

A Great Accordion Tradition The rich tradition of song and verse is well complemented by the music of the area. Steeped in Ulster Scots tradition local bands have promoted the very best of our culture for decades. Portglenone has perhaps the greatest collection of accordion bands for such a small area in the world. A truly international instrument invented in Germany in the 1820s it has become well integrated into the Ulster Scots tradition.

Portglenone has in recent years had at its height six accordion bands in the district with the same again in the wider area.

29

Milltown Accordion Band – A Short History Milltown Accordion Band started in the autumn of 1961, following the original Milltown Purple Star Flute Band which had been in existence from the mid-1930’s.

Several local bands had made a decision to change to become accordion bands around this time and Milltown proved to be no exception. Under the band master, Hugh Thompson, the band commenced practices with James Adams as the musical trainer where tunes were learned that could be played on the road. Fundraising and subscriptions enabled 20 Paolo Soprani accordions, drums and uniforms to be purchased.

this day within the band. During the 1980’s, William Kyle became bandmaster and the band began to receive musical training from Sammy McCarroll which heralded a change in the learning techniques.

Towards the end of the 1990’s, with Thomas McCullough now bandmaster and Michael McCullough providing musical training, the band made the decision to purchase new uniforms in order to ‘move with the times’ and to attract new members. Milltown Accordion Band has grown in strength in the last number of years, from hosting their own band parade within the village to supporting other community events, such as attending lodge functions and playing to elderly residents in local residential and nursing homes.

At a band committee meeting on the 5th June 1962, it was agreed that the instruments would be dedicated on Friday 29th June 1962 and this would provide the ideal opportunity for the band to parade for the first time in public. The following bands paraded through the village: Milltown Accordion, Vow Accordion, Killycoogan Independent Accordion, Dunloy Accordion, Craigs Accordion, Portglenone Accordion, Fenagh Accordion, Killycoogan Accordion, Drumcon Accordion, Killyless Accordion, Gortfad Accordion, Eden Accordion, Tully Flute, Hillstown Pipe and McNeillstown Pipe.

A street collection on the night also raised the sum of £77 and 10 shillings.

The step was also taken in the autumn of 2008 to organise a Gospel Concert on behalf of the band. Under the assistance of Edith Reid, the band agreed a selection of pieces to be played with her accompanying on keyboard. The concert took place in Cullybackey High School in March 2009 As Milltown Accordion Band approaches its 50th anniversary, it is one of the most well known, recognisable and respected local bands. A busy year is expected again when the band will attend local parades, lead their own lodge at the unfurling of a new banner and on the Twelfth Day parade in Portglenone.

The band has at all times received unstinting support from the local and wider community and the members wish to take this opportunity to thank them. The band is always on the lookout for new members and anyone interested in learning an instrument should contact any of the current band members.

In 1976, the band decided to upgrade their accordions and began to raise funds in a surprising way! Potatoes were planted and sold and the profit was used to purchase 21 brand new Paolo Soprani accordions which were dedicated in 1977. It turned out to be a very wise move, since the price of potatoes that year proved to be a high point for many farmers, with potatoes rarely reaching similar prices again. These accordions still remain to 30

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Ulster Unionist Party Rev Dr Robert J. Coulter, MLA Tel No (028)2565 7798 Cllr Neill Armstrong Tel No (028)2565 4061 Cllr Robin Cherry Tel No (028)2568 5535 Cllr James Currie Tel No (028)2589 8147 Ald William McNeilly Tel No (028)9447 2655 Over a century of faithful service to Ulster 37

Your DUP representatives have been working

hard to deliver for the people in North Antrim

and we continue to provide the highest standard of constituency service. For help or assistance contact our offices in either Ballymena or

Ballymoney to arrange a meeting with the

strongest team representing you.

Jim Allister MEP

Local Councillors

139 Holywood Road Belfast Northern Ireland BT4 3BE

Ald. J. Alexander 5 The Close, Old Park, Ballymena, BT42 1BQ

T: 028 9065 5011 E: info@jimallister.org

(H) 028 2564 9887 E: aldjima@hotmail.com

Ald. R. Gillespie 19 Ballybeg Road, Ahoghill, Ballymena, BT42 1LS (H) 028 2587 1580 (M) 07776 268859

Cr. S. Gaston 32 Killycowan Road, Glarryford, Ballymena,

Cr. R. Stirling 32 Cloughwater Road, Ballymena, BT43 5SY

(H) 028 2568 5451 (M) 07711 075639

(H) 028 2564 2991 cr.stirling@ballymena.gov.u k

United Unionist Coalition Party Cr. D. A. Tweed 18 Cherry Gardens, Ballymoney, BT53 7AS (M) 07909 900264 cr.tweed@ballymena.gov.u

Cr. W. D. Wilkinson 12 Tully Road, Portglenone, BT44 8DG (W) 028 3755 2619 (M) 07946 359308 cllrwdwilkinson@hotmail.co.uk