Mairead McCann, nee Martin (1952 – 2016) 

Mairead PortaitOn Thursday 7 April, a friend of mine, Mairead, died after a short illness. Born in Belfast she was the second eldest child of Hugh and Margaret Theresa Martin. She married her husband John McCann in 1976. They subsequently had four children, Jenny, Chris, Laura and Kate, and five grandchildren, Ciara, Eimear, Conor, Charlie, Aoife and Matthew.  

Mairead was devoted to John, her family and her extended family. She was fun loving and a pleasure to be with. We began researching her family tree two years ago. Mairead and I, along with her grandson Charlie, would often meet for coffee in Belfast’s Linenhall Library and discuss our latest findings. Her enthusiasm and family stories were a joy. I only knew Mairead for a short time but I will miss her. Her family history research leaves a significant legacy.  

My thoughts go out to John, their family and the wider family circle.