Ballynahinch uncovered in stunning book

Ballynahinch uncovered in stunning book

21 March 2012 - by Ciara Colhoun

THE history of Ballynahinch and its surrounding townlands has been told in pictures through a recently published book entitled Old Ballynahinch.

The 49-page book has been compiled with photographs and postcards collected by keen local amateur historian Gerard Sloan.

Mr. Sloan, who is from Ballynahinch, began to collect old postcards relating to his hometown over 30 years ago when he came across a postcard from Ballynahinch while in Belfast.

He recalls purchasing this card for 50 pence, unwittingly beginning a lifetime collection.

His collection now includes over 700 postcards and pictures, many of which are worth hundreds of pounds.

Mr. Sloan, who is a retired schoolteacher, was happy for his collection to be used to create Old Ballynahinch. Over 50 of his photographs are included in the book, which is available in some local shops or directly from the publishers, which covers the rich past of the market town.

Photographs include market scenes, streetscapes including old vehicles and historic fashions, sports teams and music bands.

“I started the collection in the 1970s and originally I was very interested in sports teams from the area,” said Mr. Sloan.

“Depending on the subject of the post cards, they often sell for hundreds of pounds and are highly sought after collectors’ items.

“Ballynahinch is a small town but I already have something in the region of 700 postcards and photos from the past.”

Mr. Sloan gives talks to local groups in which he shows the history of the area through images.

This history is also retold in the book, beginning with the McCartan clan’s control of the town in the 17th century.

The introduction gives a comprehensive summary of the town and its growing prosperity until the United Irishmen damaged its growing wealth when it became one of the main battlefields in 1798.

It also includes detail about the thriving Spa, which was popular from the 17th century for the reputed medicinal properties of its sulphurous chalybeate waters, which were used to treat skin complaints and other diseases.

Old Ballynahinch can be purchased from Stenlake Publishing on 01290 551122 or from the website www.stenlake.co.uk