Historical Society Group is formed to boost tourism

Plans for an improvement scheme for a local graveyard that is the burial ground for two United Irishmen and a First World War hero are being pursued.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Feb 2014, 07:54 BST
The Mayor of Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay, Alderman Bill Kennedy, Frankie Cunningham and Steven Phillips from Dervock and District Community Association at the grave of Private John Meeke at Derrykeighan Old graveyard.INBM06-05-14 Pic Lyle McMullanThe Mayor of Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay, Alderman Bill Kennedy, Frankie Cunningham and Steven Phillips from Dervock and District Community Association at the grave of Private John Meeke at Derrykeighan Old graveyard.INBM06-05-14 Pic Lyle McMullan
The Mayor of Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay, Alderman Bill Kennedy, Frankie Cunningham and Steven Phillips from Dervock and District Community Association at the grave of Private John Meeke at Derrykeighan Old graveyard.INBM06-05-14 Pic Lyle McMullan

Derrykeighan Old graveyard is well known to those with an historical interest both locally and further afield.

An Historical group is currently being formed to celebrate the history of the graveyard as well as of the area in general.

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The group is centred in Benvarden, Derrykeighan and Dervock and is supported by interested members of the community.

“In this year of the centenary of the beginning of the first World War we want to look at the involvement of our local personalities like John Meeke MM whose grave at located in Derrykeighan.

“The graveyard is in a bit of disrepair and it is hoped that we might get Council to manage the yard better,” spokesperson Steven Phillips said.

Ballymoney Council have been thanked for trimming back some of the overgrown areas.

It is hoped they can do more in the near future.

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Recently there was a visit from members of a reciprocal group from Wexford and Mayo to the graveyard which has significant importance to Northern Ireland’s rich history.

“We would hope to encourage tourists with an historical interest to the area through the setting up of a historical tour of the Benvarden Ward which encompasses Benvarden Derrykeighan and Dervock,” Mr Phillips added.

Related topics:Dervock