TALK: The Early History of Saintfield

Over 150 people attended a talk on the Early History of Saintfield given by local historian and author, Alister McReynolds in 2nd Presbyterian Church hall on Tuesday 15th January. Alister shared his research on the origin of the name, Saintfield and what the area was like before and during the early years of the Plantation of Ulster. He explained how the eruption of a volcano in Iceland in 1693 caused famine in Scotland for seven years and drove migration to Ulster. He also talked about some precious historical finds from the area that are now held in the Ulster Museum.

The Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Mark Murnin attended.

Afterwards, Irene Craig and her team provided refreshments, allowing those who attended to chat and share memories of Saintfield.

The talk was the first event in a series of five, called Discover Saintfield Community, funded by the NI Housing Executive Community Cohesion Fund and Saintfield Heritage Society and organised by members of Saintfield Development Association and Saintfield Heritage Society. To see the details of, and to book a place in the next events, click HERE.

Alister McReynolds (speaker), Mark Murnin (Chair Newry, Mourne & Down Council), Janice McHenry (Vice Chair Saintfield Development Association), Martyn Todd (Chair Saintfield Development Association)

Thank you to the hospitality team for providing the refreshments after the talk.