MY BALLYMENA

YOUR RESPONSES

Gary Gribben - February '08

Hi Gary. My name is Gary Gribben and live in South Africa. This is the first time I heard of any other Gribbens. Nice to know I am not the ony one. Cheers Gary.

Duane Johnston - Apr '07
Lived in Ballykeel 1 and Ballykeel 2. Now in Sydney , Australia.

Emmeline - Sep '06
Hamer - Are you the Gareth Hamer who also went to St Louis primary?
I'm curious to know if you are and also how you are doing ? If it is you then I would have been in some of your classes , I'm Emmeline O'Kane otherwise known as hightower for being exceptionally tall (obviously) I do recall Mrs Callan , I didn't like her much either. Thankfully I didn't have to be in her class.

Hamer - Aug '06
Hello Gary, how are you? How I found you - don't ask but good chance I did. I was born and raised in Ballykeel too, and lived all over Ballymena we always seemed to end up back there, My Mother was a Balmer which is the biggest family in Ballykeel she just couldn't keep away. We'll things have changed now. I'm living in Dover, working at the train station but always go home twice a year, more if i could for the drink.

I went to St Paddy's myself, I hated Mrs Callen I started skiving lessons and meeting up with most off my cousins, lol. Hey I was a kid! Still hope to speak soon mate, take care.

Gary Gribben - Aug '06
You will love Australia. Have you Have u been here before?

I have been here for nearly ten years and have had no problems..... best country in the world I reckon.
The best area to look for is the south eastern suburbs (Mount waverly, Glen Waverly.... established neighbourhoods, good schools etc. median house price range 350,000 dollars... maybe 400,000

You could look at places like Kew and Carlton.... close to the city...very nice... but very expensive.... median price closer to 500,000

The other option is Narre Warren, Cranbourne... which are newly established neighbourhoods...which are still nice with some good schools but with a bit more travel time....price about 300,000

Hope this is of some use to you... if u want anymore specific info let me know.

Tracy Dormer - Aug '06
Hi Gary
I used to live in Ballymena. I went to Dunclug Primary and then Ballymena Academy. I was actually searching for information on Melbourne when I came across your article.
I live in Scotland now but am in the process of emigrating to Australia. I am trying to suss out some good Melbourne suburbs - I have 3 primary school children - so a lot will depend on good schools nearby. I am just curious to know how you found the resettlement process and how long you have been in Melbourne.
It would be nice to hear from you
All the best, Tracy.

Graham O'Brien - July '06
Is there a snowball chance in hell that I could possibly find any relative of the GRAHAMS of Rathkenny, circa 1815? Or anyone to work with on it?

Gary Gibben - June '06
Hi Linda, Thanks for getting back.....
I think I started St. PADDY'S in 79/80 but I can't quite place ure family - which is starting to annoy me. Can you name some of the other students in your year to jog my memory.

As far as I can remember Dalriada Walk was in Ballykeel too, close to Stafffa drive? What primary school did u go to? I went to St. Mary's in Haryville, I feel I should know you, do you know me?

Please feel free to send me an e mail to discuss this further. I look forward to hearing from you.

Linda Millar - May '06
Hello again Gary I started Saint Paddys in 1979 and I lived in Dalriada Walk where my dad still lives he is called Roy Millar hope too hear from u soon Linda Millar.

Sean McAuley - May '06
Hey Gary, I replied to your personal email address. Give me a shout when you get a chance.
Sean.

Gary Gribben - April '06
Hi Linda, (see below )

Just saw ure message..... what year did u start St. Paddy's ?

Where did u live in Ballykeel, I lived in Shetland Gdns.

I must know u or ure Brothers.

Would love to hear from u.

Cheers,
Gary.

Gary Gribben - April '06
Gday Sean, (see below )

Just found your message tonight, had stopped looking for responses for a while but was excited to hear from you. Sorry to hear about your Dad... I remember him well.

Also remember well watching the game at my house and also a game at your house .... I think it was Man u. and Man C......

I have been married to a girl from Bangor (Siobhann) since 1994 and have one Daughter Erin.

Yes a lot has happened since the Ballykeel days... hope you find this wire... I have included my e mail hopefully u will get in contact.

All the best,
Gary.

Bob Brehm - April '06
I have ancestors in Dunaghy, Antrim, Ireland, named MCKIBBEN. In my genealogical research, others have implied that GRIBBEN and MCKIBBEN might be the same. Do you, Gary Gribben, have any comment on that?

My earalist MCKIBBEN is James, b. 1801 in Upper Tullaketagh, Dunaghy, Antrim.

Linda Millar - March '06
Hi Gary, my name is Linda Millar I ALSO lived in Ballykeel and went to Saint Marys and Saint Patricks. I live in Nottingham, England now. I was on a web site for Ballymena and saw your page, you may also know my brothers and sister, Martin, Thomas and Ivy Millar. I hope you reply back soon.

Sean McAuley - January '06
Hi Gary,
My wife found your name yesterday on the web and asked me if I knew you as she thought the name was familiar. Sure enough, we used to hang around as we lived in Ballykeel II as well. I also went to St. Mary's and then St. Louis. We now live in Ottawa, Ontario since January 2000. Please drop me a line soon Gary so we can catch up. Funny, I'm just watching a live football match between Manchester United and Liverpool (0-0 at the minute) but I remember watching the cup final once in your house between Manchester United and Arsenal when Alan Sunderland scored that last gasp winner.
So much has happened since then Gary. I'm married and have 4 kids now and maybe you already heard, but my Dad died about 7 or so years ago. Our Tony just got married in December so we were all home for that. Linda isn't married yet but may as well be.
Anyway, drop me a line Gary.
Sean.

Gary Gribben, I live in Savannah Georgia, USA.
I recently found a John Gribben's headstone in the colonial cemetary. He was from Antrim, Ireland. I believe he died in 1848 but I could be mistaken. I have never met or seen another Gribben other than my own family, so I found it rather exciting. I know it has nothing to do with your post, but I couldn't resist.

Sincerely Virginia Gribben