Tales of old Ballycastle, North Antrim and the Glens have been recorded for posterity by the combined forces of modern and yesteryear local historians.
The Glens of Antrim Historical Society launched their latest publication on Monday — ‘McCahan’s Local Histories’ — at the Antrim Arms Hotel in Ballycastle.
It’s the first hard-back version of a collection of rare pamphlets written by noted Ballycastle historian Robert McCahan (1863—1942). Known locally as ‘Wee Doctor’, he owned a newsagency and library in Ann Street and was secretary of Ballycastle Presbyterian Church for 40 years.
Appropriately enough it was Cahal Dallat, who could be regarded as his illustrious and knowledgeable successor as historian of the modern age, who compiled the pamphlets in single volume book form and launched it on the 125th anniversary of McCahan’s birth.
And the Society made the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Godfrey Brown, an honorary life member for his contribution to the publication which retails at £12.50.
The pamphlets —first published in the ‘Northern Constitution’ early this century — cover such topics as biographies of Shane O’Neill and Sir Roger Casement to local histories of Rathlin Island and Dunluce Castle.
FACTS
At the function on Monday, attended by Billy McCahan, the grand-nephew of Robert, Mr. Dallat praised his predecessor; “The fact that Bob McCahan got all these facts down on paper is what matters. There’s a wealth of material and the variety of topics it covers is astounding.
“The list is endless and we are greatly indebted to him for the trouble he took. I remember the man very clearly, he was a very private person.” added Mr. Dallat.
Launching the book itself, Dr. Brown paid tribute to Mr. Dallat for his inspiration and hard work and said that he was delighted the essays had been brought together in one production as many were based on local oral tradition.
“Mr. McCahan was a generous benefactor of the Presbyterian Church as can be seen from the McCahan library and museum in Church House and which is under the care of the trustees of the church and the Presbyterian Historical Society.
LEGENDS
“He has left his mark behind in all sorts of ways, beavering away at local history, especially through the oral tradition and the spoken word. Many local living legends would otherwise have been lost had old Bob not recognised their significance and put pen to paper,” added Dr. Brown.
The Moderator also paid tribute to McCahan’s role in preserving the early life of Ballycastle Presbyterian Church and said that the book was something of real value for the future.
The Society’s committee member Jack McCann then thanked and paid tribute to Dr. Brown for his support, encouragement and co-operation in the publication and conferred life membership on him.
“Robert McCahan has left a priceless legacy for the children of Antrim. We, in Northern Antrim, have a wealth of local folk-lore but if we fail to share it we are very poor indeed,” said Mr. McCann.
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Present at the launch of ‘McCahan’s Local Histories’ in Ballycastle are, from left, Mr. Jack McCann, of the Glens of Antrim Historical Society, Mr. Cahal Dallat, who compiled the book, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. Godfrey Brown, Mr. Tommy McDonald of Impact Printing and former editor of the ‘Northern Constitution’ Mr. Robert Bacon