Exhibit planned on Larne gun-running

On the night of April 25, 1914, the SS Clyde Valley landed in Larne laden with rifles and ammunition from Germany for the Ulster Volunteer Force.

And to mark the 100th anniversary of this historically significant event, Larne Borough Council has agreed to host a historical exhibition and lectures in the museum.

The local authority will also erect a plaque on the Clyde Valley monument at Sandy Bay.

The plans were proposed by DUP Councillor Gregg McKeen, who told the Times: “This was a major historical event not only for Larne, but for the whole country.

“It is only right and fitting that we should commemorate it.”

Meanwhile, a number of Somme societies have also joined forces to form the Operation Lion Centenary Committee (the original gun-running exercise was carried out under the name Operation Lion).

The committee has asked Larne Council for use of Sandy Bay playing fields on Saturday, April 26 2014, to hold a commemoration event.

It has also requested permission to erect a plaque on the monument at the shore front to mark the centenary.

The committee has said that while the commemoration will celebrate an important historical event for Larne and the province as a whole, the intention is to make the occasion a day for all sections of the community to enjoy.