Fundraising mission for former Larne man Danny

Former Larne man Danny McFaul has penned a number of books relating to his family’s history, delving deep into his own past to shed light on previous generations of McFaul’s who called Larne their home.

For his latest work, entitled Livin in Larne, the 79-year-old – who now lives in England – has recounted his early life growing up in the town and how his world was turned upside down by the outbreak of the Second World War.

Danny has printed 50 copies of the book at his own expense, and plans to sell them at the Age NI shop on Dunluce Street in Larne.

The books will retail at £9.99 and all takings will go to the charity.

Danny was born at 19 Ronald Street in 1934, but he and his five siblings were sent to live with his aunt at 22 Mill Street after his father was killed in North Africa during the war in 1943.

“My mother had died less than a year before that, and my aunt Sarah’s husband was also killed during the war. She had four children of her own, so there were 11 of us crammed into this small house,” he added.

Despite his tragic childhood, Danny still has fond memories of growing up in Mill Street, which is now the Riverdale complex.

He was educated at McKenna Memorial public elementary school at Chapel Lane in Larne, and later at the Christian Brothers College at Harding Street in Belfast.

He married Margaret Thompson in 1954 and joined the Army four years later, leaving Larne behind.

Danny went on to father three children and now lives in Northampton, but he has never forgotten his Larne heritage.

When his wife passed away in 1996, Danny found solace in his love of family history.

“It all started when I discovered that my mother was born in the workhouse at Larne in 1901,” he told the Time.

“Genealogy had been a hobby of mine for some time, but it soon developed into an obsession.

“Even when I was in the Army, I was still gathering information about my family history.

“I am passionate about the subject and am not doing this for financial gain,” Danny added.

“The reason I decided to donate all the proceeds to Age NI is because my late wife used to be manageress of a branch in Northampton (back when it was called Help the Aged) and I used to volunteer there myself as well.

“I have a lot of respect for the work they do at Age NI and am just really pleased that I can help them out in some small way.

“The previous books I have written about Larne have been well received in the town.

“I hope people enjoy reading this new book as much as I enjoyed writing it,” Danny concluded.