“LIGHT OF OTHER DAYS AROUND COALISLAND
Stories of coal, cotton, clay, canals, steam and iron.”
Compiled by Sammy McKay
Sammy McKay was born in December 1931. At the age of 19, like generations of his family before him, he started working at the Coalisland Weaving Company Limited. When the factory closed, he had successfully reached the position of Production Manager. He later developed an interest in local history and it is this passion which resulted in Light of Other Days Around Coalisland, a unique collection of essays and interviews exploring pastimes in his hometown. Sammy and his wife, Stella Rosalee, still live in Coalisland and he remains a central figure in the preservation and recording of its industrial heritage.
Please note this amendment to page 46:
A photograph of the miners from the Ballynakelly fireclay pit taken in 1931. Included are the two victims of the pit disaster of May 1943, James Templeton and John Williamson.
Standing (from left): John Williamson, J. Kelly, R. Buller, J. Skelton, R.J. Simpson, Richard Templeton.
Seated: Mickey McNally, R. McLernon, D. Cullen, F. O’Neill, James Templeton.