Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has approved the installation of an Ulster History Circle (UHC) blue plaque in honour of Coleraine-born folklorist, Sam Henry.

In 2023 Council started a partnership arrangement with UHC. Since then there have been two plaques installed in the Borough - one in recognition of physicist James Sayers in 2024 and one in recognition of pioneer golfer May Hezlett in 2025.

At June’s Leisure and Development Committee meeting, members were asked to approve a third plaque in honour of Mr Henry, who was born in 1878 and is best known as a folklorist, recognised for his Songs of the People collection that published folk songs in the Northern Constitution newspaper between 1923 and 1939.

Mr Henry was also a keen photographer capturing people and places across the borough, as well as a radio broadcasting pioneer.

Members approved plans to erect a UHC blue plaque in honour of “respected cultural figure” Sam Henry. CREDIT CC&G/Officers’ report

placeholder image — Members approved plans to erect a UHC blue plaque in honour of “respected cultural figure” Sam Henry. CREDIT CC&G/Officers’ report

He was an active member of the local community and a local councillor for a short time. Coleraine Museum holds his collection of over 15,000 objects, documents and photographs which is recognised locally, nationally and internationally, with the collection of songs held in the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.

Sinn Féin councillor Niamh Archibald proposed approval and praised Mr Henry as a “very respected cultural figure in Coleraine Town”.

She added: “He preserved traditional songs and he’s a very important part of the history and heritage of this area, so I’m happy to support that.”

The proposal was seconded by Alliance Alderman Richard Brown Stewart, while fellow Alliance representative and Committee chair, Peter McCully, agreed Mr Henry was a “very deserving nominee” for the plaque.