Profile Text
Birth Names: James Martin Pacelli McGuinness
Date of Birth: 23 May, 1950
Place of Birth: Derry, Northern Ireland
Date of Death: 21 March, 2017
Place of Death: Derry, Northern Ireland
Ethnicity: Irish
Martin McGuinness was an Irish politician and statesman. He led Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland. He was Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, from 8 May, 2007 to 9 January, 2017, and Minister of Education, from 2 December, 1999 to 14 October, 2002; as well as, a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Mid Ulster, from 1 May, 1997 to 2 January, 2013, for Mid Ulster, from 25 June, 1998 to 6 May, 2016, and for Foyle, from 6 May, 2016 to 26 January, 2017.
Martin’s father, William “Willie” McGuinness, was a foundry worker, also from Derry. Martin’s mother, Margaret Mary “Peggy,” was a shirt factory worker, from Donegal, Ireland. Martin was married to Bernadette Canning, until her death, with whom he had four children.
Martin’s paternal grandfather was Thomas McGuinness (the son of William McGuinness and Annie Doherty). Thomas was born in Derry.
Martin’s paternal grandmother was Mary Rooney (the daughter of Hugh Rooney and Alicia Campbell). Mary was born in Derry.
Martin’s maternal grandfather was James Doherty (the son of Owen Doherty and Ann Houton). Owen was the son of Owen Doherty. Ann was the daughter of Owen Houton.
Martin’s maternal grandmother was Catherine Doherty (the daughter of Edward Doherty and Margaret McLaughlin). Catherine was born in Donegal. Edward was the son of Michael Doherty and Catherine Grant. Margaret was the daughter of Henry McLaughlin.
Sources: Genealogy of Martin McGuinness (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com
Marriage record of Martin’s maternal grandparents, James Doherty and Catherine Doherty – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie
Birth record of Martin’s maternal grandfather, James Doherty – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie
Marriage record of Martin’s maternal great-grandparents, Owen Doherty and Ann Houton – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie
Birth record of Martin’s maternal grandmother, Catherine Doherty – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie
Martin’s maternal grandmother, Catherine Doherty, on the 1911 Irish census – http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie
Marriage record of Martin’s maternal great-grandparents, Edward Doherty and Margaret McLaughlin – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie