A PLAQUE commemorating nine people convicted of witchcraft more than 300 years ago has been unveiled in Co Antrim.
The Islandmagee witch trial, which took place in 1711, is believed to have been the last witch trial to take place anywhere in Ireland.
Eight women - Janet Carson, Janet Latimer, Janet Main, Janet Millar, Janet Liston, Margaret Mitchell, Catherine McCalmond, and Elizabeth Sellor - were put on trial and subsequently found guilty of exercising witchcraft on the body of another local, Mary Dunbar.
The women were tried under the Irish 1586 Witchcraft Act and found guilty by a jury at Co Antrim’s Criminal Assize Court held in Carrickfergus on March 31, 1711.
They were sentenced to a year’s imprisonment and to be pilloried four times on market day for six hours.
A Dublin Newspaper reported on April 24, 1711 that Mary died of unknown causes shortly after the trial.
The last suspect, William Sellor, father to Elizabeth Sellor and husband to Janet Liston, was found guilty of Mary’s bewitchment at the same court on September 11 1711.
In 2015, the then Larne Borough Council approved the installation and wording for a small plaque to be displayed in the vicinity of the Gobbins Visitor Centre along with some planting, to commemorate the trial and conviction of those involved.
Following approval at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Borough Growth Committee in November 22, and subsequent ratification in December, the council designed a commemorative plaque relating to the so-called Witches of Islandmagee.
The plaque was officially unveiled at the Gobbins Visitor Centre, Islandmagee on Tuesday by Noel Williams, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim council.
Mr Williams said: "One can only imagine the impact this trial would have had on not only the accused, but the entire community. Relatives of those convicted still live in the area today and the story of the Witches of Islandmagee is still very much in the minds of local people. The installation of the plaque at the Gobbins Visitor Centre commemorates the events of three centuries ago, remembers all those involved and also highlights the story to those visiting the area who may not be aware of this unique piece of history."
