County Down connections

Bear Grylls

BEAR Grylls is a highly respected adventurer, writer and television presenter. Nicknamed ‘Bear’ by his sister, his full name is Edward Michael Gryllis and he hails from Donaghadee, Co Down. The Gryllis family left Northern Ireland when Bear was a young boy. Since then he has gone on to present many wilderness survival shows on television and write several books including one about climbing Mount Everest. In 2009 The Scout Association appointed him their youngest ever Chief Scout at the age of 35.

Harry Ferguson

HENRY George Ferguson, right, was born in Dromore, Co Down, in 1884. Known as ‘Harry’ he would go on to transform farming by developing the modern agricultural tractor. In that field Harry’s name lives on in the Massey Ferguson company. Harry was one of the great innovators and inventors of his time. He was the first person in Ireland to build and fly his own aeroplane and developed the first four wheel drive Formula One car. He passed away in 1960, aged 75.

Daniel Radcliffe

DANIEL Radcliffe is an actor loved all over the world by young and old for his wonderful portrayal of Harry Potter in the film series of the same name. He is one of the most famous people on the planet, but there will be many who do not know that Daniel has a very special connection to Co Down. His dad Alan is from Banbridge and went to school there. Throughout his childhood and adult life Daniel has enjoyed many visits to the town to spend time with his family. Cast as Harry Potter, left, at the age of 10, he shone in all eight movies of the series and has starred in many other films since.