Local history series looks at Home Rule

In this new 3-part series, popular local historian S Alex Blair looks at its far reaching impact both at home and further

afield. The first talk takes place on Tuesday 24 September and is entitled Home Rule – With Protestant Support?

It was generally accepted that most of the Roman Catholic population of the country were in favour of Home Rule. They saw it as establishing a Parliament in Dublin which they would dominate.

On the other hand, most Protestants were scared that Home Rule would mean Rome Rule and their Protestant freedoms would be threatened.

Was there anywhere in Ireland where there were Protestants who would support Home Rule? It would be hard to find such a place but Ballymoney may be a possibility. Mr Blair’s talk will discuss how the Home Rule issue was perceived by various people and how Ballymoney came to feature in their discussions.

It’s a talk which will highlight the complications, hopes and fears which pervaded the thoughts of many influential people and brought Ballymoney to the forefront in the anticipation of some of them.

On Tuesday 24 October, Mr Blair will talk about The Big Meeting of Protestants in Favour of Home Rule, which took place in Ballymoney Town Hall exactly a century ago and on 26 November will conclude by looking at what happened subsequently in After the Big Meeting – Rare Birds & Changed Times.

All talks take place at 8pm in Ballymoney Town Hall. Admission £2 includes refreshments.