Archaeology
Richard Hayward, one of Larne‘s most popular boys, has actually been commemorated in a mural on the town’s main street. Hayward, although originally born in Southport, England, invested many of his childhood and young adult life in Larne before transferring to Belfast for work.
Hayward was a star, filmmaker, artist, and author, turning into one of Ireland‘s most popular innovative talents in the 20 th century. He was the main star in much of the very first black and white “talkies” made in Ireland throughout his film career between 1920 and 1958, and was a popular singer who sang in halls and bars throughout Ireland.
His most popular works include acting in John Wayne’s The Quiet Guy, in which his song “The Humour’s On Me” was included. His tune “A Night to bear in mind” was played in the Titanic film. He also recorded The Luck of the Irish, The Early Riser, and Devil’s Reach in the nearby locations of Glynn Village, Glenarm, and Carnlough.
Hayward also composed poems, novels, and even 11 travel books about Ireland’s history, folklore, archaeology, and legends, consisting of the book In Praise of Ulster. As such, he assisted promote Ireland as a tourism destination.
Unfortunately, Hayward died in 1964 as an outcome of an automobile crash. In May 2013, the Ulster History Circle set up a blue plaque to mark the 40 th anniversary of his death at his old home on the Antrim Roadway in Belfast. A mural in his honor was developed by Portadown artist Eoin McGinn and painted by Belfast artist Dee Craig.
