To celebrate the centenary of flight in Ireland, presenter Eddie Irvine tells the dramatic but little-known story of the young aviator Harry Ferguson, the first man in Ireland to fly a plane, at Hillsborough, County Down in 1909.

Programme synopsis

He is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous sons. A hugely successful industrialist, an innovative engineer and a visionary inventor. He is Harry Ferguson – a man so iconic that his face even adorns our bank notes. Harry Ferguson was a man whose creative spirit, engineering genius and gritty determination saw him transform the design of ploughs and tractors – and change forever the lives of millions of ordinary people across the world. That is the Harry Ferguson we all know. But there’s another story – a less well-known story – to tell about this remarkable Ulsterman. It’s the story of the young and dashing Harry Ferguson, the maverick who was addicted to speed and danger. And it’s the story of how one hundred years ago – long before he turned his attention to ploughs and tractors – this restless young risk-taker became the first man in Ireland to build and fly his own aeroplane.

Former Formula One Driver Eddie Irvine goes in search of the young aviator Harry Ferguson, Featuring contributions from Harry Ferguson’s three grandchildren Jamie Sheldon, Caroline Sheldon and Sally Fleming.

Produced by Diarmuid Lavery

Directed by Brian Henry Martin

A DoubleBand production for the BBC.