The rain that had stayed away all morning started to fall lightly as we gathered at the Town Hall in Ballyclare to honour one of the town's forgotten sons.

Circle Chairman, Chris Spurr welcomed Alderman William Webb, Mayor of Newtownabbey Borough Council, Martin McDonald, Member of the Heritage Lottery Fund NI Committee, Ian Crozier, CEO of the Ulster-Scots Agency and guests to this special event. In a year when the fame of an Ulsterman called McIlroy has rung around the world, he suggested that it was appropriate to remember another McIlroy, internationally famous in his day as an author whose books made an important contribution to writing in Ulster Scots. Forgotten for too long, Archibald McIlroy was now rightly celebrated by an Ulster History Circle blue plaque and the republishing of one of his best-loved books. He thanked the Ulster Scots Agency, Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund for their backing for the plaque. He mentioned the Heritage Lottery Fund's five-year grant to the Circle to cover various projects, including its new publication, the Guide to Blue Plaques, which is an important part of our outreach programme, free copies of which were available here.

Mayor William Webb, welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the life of Archibald McIlroy and to commemorate his achievements through the unveiling of the blue plaque. He commended the Ulster History Circle for the dedication it shows to honouring the many men and women who have contributed to the Province's history. He said that within Newtownabbey itself there were blue plaques commemorating the pioneer aviator Lilian Bland, Sir Edward Coey of Merville House, Dean Jonathan Swift and Francis Joseph Bigger. Archibald McIlroy now joined this notable list and he was delighted to be able to support the Ulster History Circle in their most worthy endeavours. He also commended the Ulster-Scots Language Society for reprinting McIlroy's The Auld Meetin'-Hoose Green which would be launched after the plaque unveiling. This would allow a whole new generation to enjoy McIlroy's writing.

Martin McDonald spoke about the Heritage Lottery Fund's support for heritage projects and commended the Circle on its work, which it was pleased to support. In particular he mentioned the purely voluntary nature of the work, with no paid employees, ensuring the most effective use of resources.

Ian Crozier, CEO of the Ulster Scots Agency, congratulated the Circle for commemorating McIlroy and said that the the Agency was proud to support the event.

In the Town Hall after the ceremony Ronnie Hassard, Principal of Ballymena Academy, spoke movingly about McIlroy's life, work and times. A full transcript of his talk is available HERE.

Jeanette McKendry, of the Ballyclare Historical Society read excerpts from The Auld Meetin'-Hoose Green. It was interesting to listen to the authentic voice of the local people over a century ago as conveyed through McIlroy's words.

In the Town Hall there was an Exhibition of McIlroy's life and work, contributions from the Ballyclare Historical Society, refreshments courtesy of the Borough Council and the launch of the reprinted book by the Ulster-Scots Language Society.

A musical group from Ballyclare Secondary School entertained the company. It was a wonderful performance and soundly acclaimed.

By the end of the day it was clear that Archibald McIlroy was forgotten no longer; the book and the plaque being tangible reminders of his contribution to his community and to the world.

Some photos of the event are shown below.