30 QUESTIONS ON MAGHERA

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR TOWN?

Googling and reference books allowed. It will still be tricky. Hint: some of the answers can be found in back issues of Maghera Times.

All correct entries submitted by June 22nd will be entered into a draw for a £50 prize

The draw will take place in the Hub at 3 pm on the 24^th June and the winner notified

                                     Return to  MHS Heritage & Culture Ltd. The Hub, 7 Main Street Maghera BT46 5AA   

 Or email to:  info@maghera-heritage.org.uk

PEOPLE (10 questions)

1. Name the prizewinning author, born in Maghera in 1928, who went on to write over 250 books for children and young adults?
2. This Maghera woman, born in Walsh’s Hotel, went on to serve in the Irish Dail and Senate. What was her name?
3. Born in Knocknakielt in 1887, who was awarded the Military Cross, the Distinguished Order of Merit (twice) and nominated for the Victoria Cross during World War 1?
4. Born in Gorteade, he left Maghera as a child and his name appeared on the first published version of the American Declaration of Independence. Who is he?
5. Who led the Oak Leaf minor side to Ulster glory before heading south to play for the Hawthorn football Club in the Australian Football League?
6. Who gave his name to the Glenshane Pass?
7. Name the designer of the farm house constructed from shipping containers who featured on the Chanel 4 series ‘Grand Designs’?
8. What is Wendy Houvenaghel from Upperlands known for?
9. Born in Grillagh, who is commemorated by a statue in front of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution?
10. Which former research director of CERN (1933-2016) was born in Maghera, the son of the manager of the Embroidery Factory?

 THE TOWN (8 Questions)

1. What was the original name for Hall Street?
2. What year did Maghera Station close to passengers? For an extra point what year did the final line closure take place?
3. Which local hostelry was once known as ‘The Inn of Maghera’?
4. What local hostelry is known as ‘Ireland’s highest bar and restaurant’?
5. Identify the following shops (now sadly gone) from Maghera in the ‘50s.

a) This general drapery shop which advertised itself as a ladies’ and gents’ outfitters stood where Allie Mae’s is today.

b)  This shop was previously on the site of the catalogue shop and Rankin’s shoe shop. It was the largest drapery shop in Maghera in the ‘50s and had a ‘Cash Carrier’ which sent money to the cashier by a system of wires and pulleys.

c) A general merchants store, this shop stocked everything from timber and hardware to groceries, china and household goods. They even had a petrol pump outside. Now McKeefrey’s furniture outlet has taken over the site.

6. Can you identify these shops with a long history, still open in Maghera?

a) Around since 1961, opened by the father of the present owner, this shop has helped many people over the years. It is opposite where the old Picture House stood.

b)Known for its gifts and previously for its hardware, and founded in 1936, this shop has seen many changes. It is no longer owned by the original family but continues to keep the name. It recently had a facelift.

c)The origins of this shop go back to 1898. It remains in the same family and has expanded its products over the years –                       famous for its pies!

7. In what year was the Ulster Bank in Maghera, designed by Jackson Thomas, built?
8. Where in the town can you find the Scales of Justice?

TOWNLANDS (6 Questions)

1.  In which Barony is Maghera located?                                                                                                                                                 
2. Which of these townlands is NOT in the Civil Parish of Maghera? a) Gulladuff, b) Kirley, c) Dergenagh, d) Culnady e) Fallagloon?
3. Where in Maghera do the townlands of Craigadick, Moneymore and Tamneymullan meet?
4. True or false: Guy Pearce the famous actor once visited a disco in Slaughtneil
5. Does Drumard mean: a) High Ridge, b) The place of the Drum, c) Drummers’ Fort?
6. In which townland was a Classical School founded in the early 1800s by John Mac Closkey?

THE COUNTRYSIDE (4 Questions)

1. Name Ulster Wildlife’s largest Nature Reserve located 1.8 miles south of Maghera?
2. How high is Carntogher? 1,521 feet, 1,956 feet or 2130 feet
3. What river was Seamus Heaney referring to when he wrote:

            ‘she flowed black-lick and quick under the sallies’

      4. Where near Maghera would you find McCartney’s Oak?

HISTORIC MONUMENTS (2 questions)

         Name the local historic buildings from the descriptions:

       1. Built into the side of a hill, this stone structure was used to treat fever and pain.   

      2. It stands on the summit of a small hill….all that remains of it are the foundations and part of the east gable………….the oldest               tombstone in the small graveyard is dated 1748.