Lough Neagh’s Stories

I savour being “a Loughshore girl”. I have come to learn over the years that Lough Neagh is an inescapable part of my DNA. For quite a few years, I definitely tried to resist it!  But, as does with many people, it has won me over by this stage. All my parents and grandparents were Loughshore people, and all of my maternal grandfather’s family were fishing people. My mother was a lifelong Lough Neagh Ambassador, from long before the label existed.... And then, I went on to marry a Lough Neagh fisherman myself! So, I really couldn’t help myself eventually falling for the Lough’s charms! I work with Gary, my hubby, as a licensed boat-helper on our fishing boat, I am an official Lough Neagh Ambassador and qualified tour guide. By trade, I am an English and History teacher, and Lough Neagh is often my muse for writing my own poetry.

As we have got older, we have become very conscious that there are not many Lough Neagh fisher people left. We may even be the last generation as we have known them. So, I and we, feel a duty to share with others our knowledge of Lough Neagh which historically sustained countless families along its shores. It would be entirely wrong for these stories to disappear into the mists of time. We point out to our visitors early on that Lough Neagh’s inspirational non-fiction is far more impressive than its awesome legends!  

I’ll welcome you on friendly, reflective guided tours which shall introduce you to the people, places and culture of our local area on the north-western shores of Lough Neagh. You’ll savour the views, and at times feel humbled to be present in such ancient, quiet places which offer opportunity for ‘time out’ and (spiritual) reflection, for people of all faiths and none. I’ll share with you what is known of sites’ history and legends; and insights into the area provided by our local literary giant, Seamus Heaney. You’ll hear of how the area and its shoreline communities were much impacted in various historical eras. And occasionally you’ll get opportunity to get better personally acquainted with the people through the medium of my own poetry!  

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