INKPOT COTTAGE 696
Here we have the charming thatched cottage which was dubbed the 'Inkpot' by the people Antrim. Though it is no longer standing in Kirby's Lane,
many locals still fondly recall the distinctive little building when out for a walk while courting.

IRELAND SISTERS 938
All smiles for the camera at Lawther Primary School in 1952 we have Ella Ireland
who brought her little sister June to get photographed with her, but I'm afaraid it was all too much boring for June!

IRELAND PORTRAIT 933
This beautiful shot is of June Ireland who has just told the photographer
that gentlemen should not ask a lady her age - so all we know is that is was taken in 1953.

LEN IRELAND 2886
This is Len Ireland at Lurgan Park in 1956. He is sitting astride his home built streamlined race machine fabricated in 1955.
It had a 48cc four stroke Ducati engine named 'Cucciolo', a two speed gearbox mounted in a moped bicycle frame with his own designed front forks.The 'Dustbin Fairing' was permitting in the 1950's. Len rode this machine from his home near Antrim to Lurgan and other races hence the licence plate. He sold the machine the following year together with an accordian which was bought by Wilcil McDowell who now lives in Larne who went on to become a member of the 'Irish Rovers' group. Wicil was taught by Gordon Johnston who lived on the Seven Mile Straight.

ISLANDBAWN 1816
It's 1937 and sitting on the steps of his home at Islandbawn, Muckamore is John Steele aged four with his dog.

ISLANDREAGH 1704
Too busy concreating that the moped is running smoothly is Thomas McQuillen at his home at Islandreagh in 1957.

ISLANDREAGH 1725
Out enjoying the sunny day in the field at the back of their house at Islandreagh are some of the McQuillan family. At the back on the left is Billy Connor
then Ann McQuillan, her brother Norman is next who in turn has his arm round Jim McQuillan. The two girls on the left are Lilian and Elsie McQuillan.
In the background you can see that their mum has hung out the washing on the line beside the corrugated tin hut which is the outside toilet.

ISLANDREAGH 1726
Ann McQuillan back in 1960 is not posing for this photograph behind their home at Islandreagh.
she is more likely saying to herself " How much longer, can I hold out?" for Ann is waiting to use the outside loo!
Remember those times running out in the rain or the snow and in my day no toilet paper just squares of old newspaper.

ISLANDREAGH 1729
Out for a walk in the fields around Islandreagh we have the McQuillan family. At the back are May, her mum Elizabeth, sister Doris and brother Norman. In front are Lilian, Jim and Elsie.

ISLANDREAGH 1728
Standing outside the McQuillan family home at Islandreagh is Doris McQuillan.
I wonder did Doris know that wearing a flower over your right ear meant you were single and available!!

ISLANDREAGH 1697
Standing outside the home of the McQuillan family as Islandreagh we have on the left Mrs Gordon fixing her daughter May's hair, then next is Ann McQuillan, Elizabeth McQuillan, Doris McQuillan and Sadie McQuillan. In front are Elsie McQuillan, Unknown, Eileen Gordon, Lauren McQuillan and lastly Lilian McQuillan.

ISLANDREAGH 1695
Outside their house at Islandreagh we have seated and belting out a tune is Tommy McQuillan.
Behind him on the left is his brother Sammy and on the right is his sister Doris.

ISLANDREAGH 1696
Getting photographed after out playing in the fields around Islandreagh we have Elsie McQuillan.
Jim her brother who has his arm around her protectively is telling his mum that it was his fault Elsie got her dress dirty.

ISLANDREAGH 1690
Having their photograph taken during a summer break at Islandreagh we have on the back of the trailer George Johnston, Unknown, May McQuillan, Unknown, Doris McQuillan, Jim McQuillan and Elsie McQuillan. In front the lady with her arms round her husband are both unknown, then Elizabeth McQuillan, Lilian McQuillan, Annie Johnston, Tommy McQuillan, Ann McQuillan and Norman McQuillan.

IRELAND WEDDING 1577
Having their picture taken in L'Atelier Studio's on the Main Street at Portrush in 1930.
We have after their wedding at Crosscennon, the Groom Robert Ireland and his beautiful Bride Jeanie Ireland.
Sadly the Best man and the Bridesmaid's names are unknown.

IRELAND 1482
This is Jeanie and Bob Ireland going to a Wedding in 1966.

INTREPID CLIMBERS 1305
These intrepid ladies from Antrim back in 1928 were not out for the usual walk even though dressed the way they were and look at the shoes.
In fact they were part of the way up the Cave Hill, the only known lady is second from the right Agnes Scott.

INNOCENCE 1319
Holding the long handled brush is the delighful Joan McElrea aged 3 in 1937.

ICE-CREAM 2106
There is one thing that is guaranteed to bring a smile to any child's face and these three are no exception back in 1966.
The reason Gary, Sharon and Norman McQuillan are smiling is because they have just heard the chimes from the ice-cream van!

IVAN GILLESPIE1409
This is Ivan Gillespie who owned a hardware shop in Church Street on the 7th July 1948.
Ivan is standing at the yard door which led to his shop.

IRELAND PORTRAIT 950
This lovely portrait photograph of June Ireland in 1952 was originally black and white.
The photographer has hand coloured to make it look nicer back then - today June is just as pretty as she was then!

ISLANDREAGH 1699
Having their photograph taken during a summer break at Islandreagh we have on the back of the trailer George Johnston, Unknown, May McQuillan,
Unknown, Doris McQuillan, Jim McQuillan and Elsie McQuillan. In front the lady with her arms round her husband are both unknown, then Elizabeth McQuillan, Lilian McQuillan, Annie Johnston, Tommy McQuillan, Ann McQuillan and Norman McQuillan.

JANE McILWAIN 2951
Sitting in a photographer's studio and giving the photograper a great smile is Jane McIlwain in 1887.
Jane was one year old and her proud parents were Samuel McIlwain and his wife Jane Boyd McIlwain who were both 32 at this time.
Now if you look closely at Jane's left boot you will see it nedds repaired for Jane's big toe is starting to stick out!

McILWAIN FAMILY 2953
This is the McIlwain Family having their photograph taken in a studio back in 1895.
Samuel McIlwain married Jane Boyd McIlwain nee Cunningham on the 21st November 1884 and now 11 years later they have these two lovely children.
Jane McIlwain was born on the 27th January 1886 and was 9 in the photograph, Jane went home on the 11th April 1960 aged 74.
Now John McIlwain was born on the 8th April 1888 and was 7 in his sailor suit and buckled shoes, John went home on the 24th May 1965 age 77.

BOB McINTYRE 2974
Racing past here on the coast road between Portrush and Portstewart in the 1956 North West 200 is Bob McIntyre on his 500cc Norton.
My thanks to Ed Cunningham now of Ontario, Canada for this photograph.

BOB McINTYRE 2961
Sitting astride his 500cc Gilera 4 on the grid of the 1957 Ulster Grand Prix is Bob McIntyre.
Standing next to him is the renowned Gilera mechanic Giovanni Fumagalli.