200th anniversary of the death of Thomas McCabe

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Thomas McCabe (5th march 1820). Thomas McCabe was a watch-maker and part-owner of a cotton mill in 18th century Belfast. On 1st April 1791 a clandestine committee was set up in Belfast ‘to form an association to invite all Irishmen for the restoration and preservation of our liberty.’ One of the signatories to the proposal was Thomas McCabe, and the conspirators were frequently to meet at his house, The Vicinage, off the Antrim Road; now the location of St. Malachy's College. The Ulster History Circle blue plaque can be seen on the grounds of St. Malachy's College near the visitors reception.