Here’s 12 familiar figures who hail from Carrickfergus or are connected to it.
9. Claire McCollum
Broadcaster and journalist Claire McCollum was born in Carrickfergus. After a career at UTV, McCollum has worked at the BBC, hosting a number of programmes including BBC Proms in the Park and Songs of Praise. Photo: Larne Times
10. Alastair Seeley
Motorcycle road racer Alastair Seeley was born in Carrick on October 4 1979. He has won 27 races at the North West 200. In 2021 he won the Ulster Superbike and Supersport Championships. He was the 2009 British Superstock champion and the 2011 British Supersport champion. Photo: Pacemaker
11. Dave Finlay
Former wrestler, Dave Finlay Snr, who has lived in Greenisland since 1960, is the patriarch of Ireland's most famous wrestling family, pro or amateur, the Finlay's. His son 'Fit' Finlay having wrestled for years with American-based World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and his grandson Dave Finlay Jr carries on the tradition by wrestling in Japan. Mr Finlay wrestled across Ireland and the UK and was also a very successful promoter and trainer throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s. He first set foot on a wrestling mat in
1952. 70 years on, Dave has recently retired after training hundreds of successful wrestlers over the years. He and his daughter Wendy have been at four Commonwealth Games in the sport of Olympic Wrestling. Photo: Contributed
12. James Crichton VC.
James Crichton, VC (15 July 1879 – 22 September 1961) was an Irish-born soldier and a recipient of the Victoria Cross. He was born in Carrickfergus before the family relocated to Scotland. After serving in the Boer War he moved to New Zealand and settled in Auckland. Crichton was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his deeds of 30 September 1918 during the 'Hundred Days Offensive.' Photo: Image contributed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council