Ballymena, Co Antrim, Ulster Genealogy

24/11/2025

David Vance from FamilyTreeDNA has unveiled the latest Y-DNA Haplotree in a striking circular format. The oldest branches begin at the 10 o’clock position (A, B, and D), while colour-coded descendant branches spiral clockwise around the tree. At present, the haplotree comprises 95,244 branches, derived from nearly 200,000 Big-Y testers. The R1b branches dominate the layout because a higher proportion of men of Indo-European ancestry have undergone testing compared to other groups (Scots, Scots Irish and Irish dominate the database). I've illustrated where the 11 Haplogroup trees that dominate Scotland are positioned! Explore the Scottish Origenes Haplogroup trees for free at www.origenesmaps.com just select a tree and place the cursor/mouse over the area you want to magnify! What will your DNA reveal? Contact Scottish Origenes for a FREE consultation Email: tyronebowes@gmail.com

07/11/2025

Bygone days

The history of Ballymena discount day dates back around 50yrs It was started by a man called James Loughridge in McFerridge’s Ballymena so long before online or Black Friday or even the internet and mobile phones A Old fashioned discount day long before it was popularised

03/11/2025

Special Constable James Reid (Springwell Street, Ballymena).

Not all "A" Specials were drafted into platoons, many, such as S/Con James Reid were posted as barrack supply. There task was to aid and supplement regular police barracks, both RIC and later RUC.

James served throughout the "A" Specials lifetime and was at one time stationed at Arney Police Barracks in Fermanagh. As he was married, he was permitted to live with his family at Chanter Hill, Enniskillen. Not after some dispute between the Head-Constable and James' wife though.... His wife won!

He then went on to join the Royal Artillery, served on heavy anti aircraft guns in Magilligan and the Isle of Wight. He contracted a severe flu due to wet bedding and was eventually invalided out of the army about 1943. He died in the old UVF Hospital at Galwally Belfast in 1960. He was a casualty of WWII but it took 15 yrs for him to die.

Another man who's life was dedicated to the defense of his country.

Thanks to Jim Craig for sending in his grandfather's story and photos.

03/11/2025

Douglas road near Slemish 1947

29/10/2025

Amazing history

📜 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 – 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟 & 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗠 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 🏥
Before it became a hospital, the Massereene site in Antrim was originally constructed in 1842 as a workhouse, part of the Poor Law system across Ireland. Built to house the destitute during a time of great hardship, including the famine years, it was a place of last resort for many.
By 1921, the site was converted into Massereene Hospital, caring for the local community for much of the 20th century before its closure in 1995. Many locals today still remember visiting loved ones there, or even being born in its maternity wing.
While the building may be gone, its history remains deeply woven into the story of Antrim, from hardship to healing.
📍 Just another reminder that our town is steeped in stories, from ancient towers to community hospitals.

20/10/2025

I love old maps

🗺️ It’s time!

This detailed map is titled “The Province of Vlster”, created by Dutch cartographer Jan Janssonius (c.1620).

Both English and Latin are used, with intricate drawings of mountains, forts, and ships. As this map is a black-and-white copy, it adds a wonderfully spooky effect! 👻🖤

📚 PRONI Ref - T594/1

15/10/2025

Main Street. Larne, Co Antrim. early 1900s. (NLI)
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Am98taLhx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

29/09/2025

The Pentagon in years gone by 1960’s

Ballymena. Co Antrim. c1960s. (AP)
https://www.facebook.com/share/164pTHVU88/?mibextid=wwXIfr

13/09/2025

📺 Abandoned Ulster
Sunday 14 September | 10pm | BBC Two Northern Ireland

Discover the haunting beauty of Ulster’s forgotten buildings in a new arts documentary following acclaimed photographer Rebecca Brownlie.

With Ulster-Scots writers Darren Gibson & Anne McMaster, the film explores memory, heritage, and the stories hidden within abandoned spaces.

Produced by NPE Media for BBC Northern Ireland with support from the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund.

BBC Northern Ireland

05/09/2025

Main Street. Broughshane. Co Antrim. c1925.
https://www.facebook.com/share/12JeLcotfvu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/09/2025

24/08/2025

Post your Y-DNA revealed SNP IN THE COMMENTS BELOW and I'll guide you to your position on the Y-DNA Haplogroup map of Ireland! The male population of Ireland can be divided into 11 trees which are FREE to explore online at www.origenesmaps.com Each node has a pinpointed origin which can be dated while the Haplogroup tree you find yourself on reveals when your paternal line arrived in Ireland! Not Y-DNA tested yet? drop me an email to find out where to test: tyronebowes@gmail.com