Lilian Bland

An atypical granddaughter of a Dean of Belfast, as a young woman she wore trousers, smoked cigarettes and tinkered with car engines. She was also a successful press photographer and sports journalist.

Louis Blériot's cross-Channel flight (1909) inspired her to build her own bi-plane glider, the Mayfly, which successfully left the ground on Carnmoney Hill, with four Royal Irish Constabulary constables hanging on to the wings. She then installed a 20 h.p. engine (bought from A.V. Roe) in it, intending to build aeroplanes on a commercial scale, but lacked the finance and had to give up.

In 1912 she emigrated to Canada, married a cousin and carved out a farm on virgin land. In 1935 she retired to Cornwall, "gambling, painting and gardening"- to quote her own words.

Location of plaque: On the site of Templecorran House, Carnmoney, where she was born. Mayfly was presented to the Dublin Flying club.

Print copy HERE