![]() ![]() I went to the local primary school and then to Larne Grammar where my favourite subjects were history and maths. "We lived in a lovely four-bedroomed farmhouse about the size of the centre section of this place. "I grew up just a few miles down the road," she reveals. Irene describers herself as a typical 'farmer's daughter' and the youngest of three. Nowadays they use satellite communications." I suppose technically I still am a radio officer, but I doubt I'd be any use at sea. "I went on to study marine radio but instead of joining the Navy as a qualified radio officer, I joined the BBC. "It was fine, it really didn't faze me," he says. ![]() How did he cope with being away from home at such a young age? I was sent to boarding school in Kent when I was eight." Looking back, it was a great childhood and I have lovely memories. ![]() "I didn't really think about it," he shrugs. What was it like growing up in such an historic home? "My dad, also called John, was a farmer and as a young lad I'd often help him around the place," John says. Receive today's headlines directly to your inbox every morning and evening, with our free daily newsletter.Įnter email address This field is required Sign Up The secluded three-storey and three-bay manor, its central section flanked by north and south wings, is one of Northern Ireland's top wedding venues.įriendly and instantly likeable, John, who grew up at Redhall, and Irene tell me how they met - and how their love of adventure has got them into serious trouble.ĭaily Headlines & Evening Telegraph Newsletter Lined with mature trees, the driveway takes a long, circuitous route past ancient woodlands before eventually plateauing out at the front porch of Redhall House. Situated on the main Larne Road, Redhall is just a 30-minute drive from Belfast but, once through the gates, it may as well be in another world. It has been suggested that Dalway built the impressive Redhall House near Carrick and so, in pursuit of what would be a fascinating story, I paid a visit to meet current owners John and Irene McClintock. Records refer to Dalway's rank in Essex's army as both 'cornet' (the modern equivalent is second lieutenant) and captain but, regardless of title, marrying into such an elite clan certainly improved his fortunes.ĭalway went on to become an important landowner, heading up the vast cattle empire that once spanned all the way to Scotland along what was known as the Cassie cattle trail. While his plan wasn't the triumph he'd hoped, his arrival in Ulster did change the history of Carrickfergus and indeed much of east Antrim when one of his men, John Dalway, married Jane McBryan O'Neill who was the reputed granddaughter of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. In 1530, Walter Devereux, the Earl of Essex, arrived in the town, determined to claim the province for Queen Elizabeth I. In fact, up until the 17th century Belfast Lough was known as Carrickfergus Bay. ![]()
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