Clergyman’s link to acclaimed writers

For the past six years, the Rev Ian Linton has been rector of the historic St Columba’s Parish Church, Drumcliffe in County Sligo, where the poet William Butler Yeats is buried.

Before training for the ministry, Rev Linton was a member of St Nicholas’ Church, Carrickfergus, with its famed link to poet Louis MacNeice.

Rev Linton was ordained in June 2004 in St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, where he served as curate and where he met his wife Amanda; they now have two children, Lucy and Eli.

Instituted as rector of St Columba’s, Drumcliffe, on 30 April 2008, he recently welcomed around 30 members from Railway Street Presbyterian Church, Lisburn, who were on a four-day trip to County Mayo and on the way stopped at the church.

John Kelly, who was a member of the travelling party and kindly contributed the photographs above, explained that Rev Linton arranged for them to have a talk on the history of church and he later joined them for lunch in Drumcliff Tea House in the grounds.

The vistors had a chance to see Yeats’ grave which carries the noted inscription: “Cast a cold eye on life and death horseman pass by.”

Louis was the son of John Frederick MacNeice, who was rector at St Nicholas’ in 1908 and later was made Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore.

As well as a leading poet, Louis was also a respected playwright and during his work with the BBC was responsible for many productions.

Meanwhile, a Festival of Flowers will be held at St Nicholas’ Church May 15- 18.