Apprentice Boys of Derry Club 

The first Club was formed by Benjamin J. Darcus and was known as The Apprentice Boys, in 1814

A few years later two new Clubs were formed, but no official name was given to them

Apprentice Boys of Derry Club

In 1935 The Apprentice Boys of Derry Club is described as the oldest of the present organisation. The earliest record of initiaion is shown as 1883, unfortunately however all records prior to this were inadvertently destroyed by a former secretary. The oldest branch is Lurgan and the youngest Desertmartin branch.

Some of the events recorded in the minutes are as follows: –

In 1865 Rev. Canon Dougherty of Buncrana presented the following gifts to the Club.

  • Framed picture of William and Mary with her declaration to Parliament.

  • A snuff box belonging to the Rev. George Walker; Governor.

  • Two brass canons and a model of Governor Walker’s monument in the original style when built.

Here are a few extracts from the Minutes of the Club: –

  • An account from Kerr and Company, London Street for 500 envelopes – cost three shillings.

  • In 1926 a letter received from the Glasgow Branch of the No Surrendar Club asking for a return of transfer fee.

  • Letter received from J. Barrington Baker (descendant of Colonel Baker) asking the Club to accept the photo of Colonel Henry Baker, one of the defenders of Derry.

Branch Clubs

Lurgan

Banbridge

Ballymena & Harryville

Newtownards

Portadown

Carrickfergus

Markethill

Tamnamore

Newtownhamilton

Dungannon

Mourne

Newry

Dromore

Claudy

Cloughmills

Carnlough

Broughshane

Northallerton

Comber

Cullybackey

Birches

Bessbrook

Scarva

Bellevue

Brackagh

Kircubbin

Newmills V.C.

Clifton Faith Defenders

Templepatrick

Grangemouth

Desertmartin

Drumreagh

Ahoghill

Armadale

Linwood

Darent & Medway