Joe Mahon with Portrush journalist and author Hugh McGrattan.
Joe Mahon is once again spending time on the North Antrim coast for the next episode of Mahon's Way - meeting the people and hearing the stories from Portrush.
Joe explores other aspects of its unique heritage. It is, of course, home to the famous Royal Portrush Golf Club, and retired journalist and accomplished landscape painter, Maurice McAleese, recounts how in 1951 when he “sneaked” on to the course to watch some of the golfing greats of the day.
Joe meets surfing coach Andy Hill on East Strand, whose father Ian was probably the first man to introduce surfing to the waters of the north coast back in the early 1960s.
Joe almost feels like taking up the sport himself after listening to Andy describing the thrill of riding giant waves. Almost!
Joe Mahon With surfer Andy Hill at Portrush East Strand.
Joe’s next port of call is Ballywillan Presbyterian Church where historian and parliamentary researcher, Aaron Callan, tells Joe the story behind the church’s stained-glass windows.
To round off his time in Portrush Joe spends time reminiscing with retired journalist and writer Hugh McGrattan, whose family belong to the town’s proud maritime tradition. Hugh’s book, “The Port on the Promontory”, is regarded as the most complete history of the town ever written.
‘MAHON’S WAY is produced by Westway Film Productions for UTV, supported by Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund. The series is sponsored by Firmus Energy.
You can watch the next episode from Portrush on Thursday 19th October at 8.30pm on UTV. The programme can be viewed after this on catch up on www.itv.com/utvprogrammes