The threatened rain stayed away and a pleasant morning greeted the group that gathered at the Crown and Shamrock, Francis Joseph Bigger's only remaining public House, opened 100 years before, to unveil a blue plaque in his memory.

Sean Nolan, Secretary of the Ulster History Circle introduced the Mayor of Newtownabbey Borough Council, Alderman Paula Bradley.

The Mayor welcomed the guests and thanked the Ulster History Circle for its work in commemorating those who had contributed to the Province's history. She said that the Crown and Shamrock was the most fitting location for the plaque.

Mayor Bradley's full address is here

Professor Patrick Murphy, on behalf of the Heritage Lottery Fund said that heritage was that which we inherited from the past, including landscape; buildings; arts/music/poetry; oral history - and maybe most of all people. Northern Ireland's heritage can be traced through its people. The Ulster History Circle, an organisation, part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, that does much to protect the heritage of the people, identifies these people not just through history, but through geography. Where did they grow up or live or work - how did their environment -influence them and how did it shape their views and values. In recent years the Ulster History Circle has erected blue plaques to many people - Mabel Annesley in Castlewellan, John Martin and John Mitchel in Newry - two dissenting Presbyterians in the generation before Biggar; Sam Hanna Bell; Thomas Russell; Sam Thompson; Robert Welch, photographer and fellow member with Biggar of Belfast Naturalists' Field Club; Sir Tyrone Guthrie and most recently actor and playwright Joseph bigger in Portaferry. These are the people who have shaped out society. Some are politicians - others are artists and writers and poets. You can like them or dislike them, agree with them or disagree with them but we cannot ignore them because they are part of what we are.

So we are celebrating today Francis Joseph Biggar; a man of many qualities but most of all he was an antiquarian. And what does an antiquarian do? He or she does heritage. Today we care commemorating a man who treasured the value of heritage - antiquarians celebrating a man who led the way in Ulster antiquarianism.

After the unveiling ceremony refreshments were served in the inn, courtesy of the owners, Rosemary and Frankie O'Boyle. The guests were entertained by the trio Harp Attack. Roger Dickson of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum gave a light hearted, entertaining and informative talk about Bigger and his activities and idiosyncrasies. Of the public houses he had built, to great opposition both from the owners of the then notorious drinking dens but also the temperance movement.

Some photos of the event are shown below.