New book heralds a landmark birthday for Grammar School

At 176 pages, the colourful hardback book uses photographs to chart the history of the school founded in 1886 by Sir Edward Coey and John Crawford.

Principal John Wilson, who has been at the helm for the past decade, said that while the “coffee table book” spanned the full 125 years, it focused particularly on the last quarter-of-a-century.

“The school released a book to mark its 100th anniversary, so that period of time has already been looked at comprehensively. But there was a lot of ground to cover over the last 25 years, and we decided the best way to approach this was through a pictorial representation,” he added.

As well as exploring the key academic and sporting successes of the school since 1986, the book looks back at the extensive list of well-known past pupils, including professional golfer Gareth Maybin, retired British Lion Trevor Ringland, and international footballer for Northern Ireland Gareth McAuley, to name a few.

Several of these successful alumni also recall their time spent at Larne Grammar and describe how it influenced their lives. The pages also contain memories from previous principals such as DJ Morrow, and contributions from other key figures, including former Mayor Andy Wilson and trustees chairman the Very Rev Dr RVA Lynas.

Principal Wilson said he was delighted with how the book turned out and believed it would be filling quite a few stockings in the town this Christmas.

“Generations pass through the school, and many can see quite a few pictures of themselves and their children in this book,” he concluded.

Larne Grammar School: 125 Years is available to purchase at the school reception, as well as SD Kells and Book Nook on Main Street, and is priced at £17.50.