'Places have a soul, and men make it for them by living in them. And even after the men pass away, and the place with the soul has become depopulated and deserted, something, if it be only a memory, remains'

Although Cavendish Street, with its thriving community, is far from depopulated, the above opening lines of Cathal O'Byrne's famous book of old Belfast As I Roved Out, ("the bible of Belfast" according to Joe Graham, editor of Rushlight) have resonance here where he lived for many years, with his sister. His grand nephew, Jim Copeland, remembers him in Cavendish Square holding forth at weekends with his aquaintainces and friends.

A wet, cool day it was, a day for umbrellas and warm coats, when the company, which included Gerry Adams MP and Cllr. Tom Hartley, gathered to unveil the blue plaque and honour his memory. The event was sponsored by the Irish News. Eamonn Phoenix, representing the Editor, Jim Fitzpatrick, spoke about O'Byrne's contribution to the Gaelic Revival and his friendship with many of the leading political, intellectual and literary figures of that period. After the unveiling the group adjourned to a cultural centre on the Falls Road for some welcome warm refreshments. These photographs provide some views of the ceremony.