Ballycastle Library hosts events to commemorate Titanic 2012

‘Ballycastle and its Titanic connections’, a talk by local historian, Dr Aidan McMichael, will take place on Thursday 8th November, from 6.00pm - 7.30pm.

Dr Aidan McMichael is an expert on the life and times of Robert Welch, Titanic’s photographer and his connections, particularly to Ballycastle and north Antrim. He has carried out unique research in relation to Ballycastle’s Titanic connections, has spoken widely and published articles on Robert Welch and the Titanic.

The second event, ‘James Blaney - the stoker from Ballycastle lost on the Titanic’ will be held on Saturday 10th November from 2.00pm - 3.30pm. Everyone is invited to this talk by Sean McMichael, a local historian, who spoke on board the Titanic anniversary cruise ship in April.

Sean McMichael has carried out research concerning Ballycastle in relation to the story of James Blarney who dies on the Titanic and to the wider story of migration from the Ballycastle area. During his talk, he uses a unique set of past and present photos to illustrate and recreate life 100 years ago in Ballycastle, along with rare documents to illustrate the story.

Mary Bradley, Heritage Services Manager with Libraries NI, said:

“By supporting Titanic 2012 with a range of library events, libraries aim to encourage a sense of pride in our heritage and we hope that these free events will encourage people in the Ballycastle area to call into the library and be a part of the Titanic 2012 commemorations.”

Admission is free to both these Titanic 2012 events and everyone is welcome.

You can contact Ballycastle Library (5 Leyland Road, BT54 6DT) on telephone no: 028 2076 2566 or email: [email protected]

For details of all events taking place to mark Titanic 2012 in Libraries NI, go to www.librariesni.org.uk