Micheál Martin

Martin in 2010, photo by rihardzz/Bigstock.com

Place of Birth: Cork, County Cork, Ireland

Date of Birth: 1 August, 1960

Ethnicity: Irish

Micheál Martin is an Irish politician. He has served as the 15th Taoiseach, since 27 June, 2020. He also has been Teachta Dála, since June 1989, and leader of Fianna Fáil, since 26 January, 2011.

He is the son of Eileen “Lana” (Corbett) and Paddy Martin, who was a soldier in the Defence Forces, CIÉ employee, and Irish international boxer. He is married to Mary O’Shea, with whom he has five children, including Gaelic footballer Micheál Aodh Martin.

Micheál was also Lord Mayor of Cork, from 20 June, 1992 to 21 June, 1993; Minister for Education and Science, from 26 June, 1997 to 27 January, 2000; Minister for Health and Children, from 27 January, 2000 to 29 September, 2004; Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, from 29 September, 2004 to 7 May, 2008; Minister for Foreign Affairs, from 7 May, 2008 to 18 January, 2011; Leader of the Opposition, from 9 March, 2011 to 27 June, 2020; and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, from 14 to 15 July, 2020, and again, from 21 August, 2020 to 2 September, 2020.

Micheál’s paternal grandfather was named John Martin (the son of Philip Martin).

Micheál’s paternal grandmother was named Mary Kate O’Leary (the daughter of John O’Leary).

Micheál’s maternal grandfather was Michael “Mick” Corbett (the son of Michael Corbett and Johanna Roche). Mick was born in Ballylanders, County Limerick. Micheál’s great-grandfather Michael was the son of Patrick Corbett and Eileen Hennessy. Johanna was the daughter of Laurence Roche. The surname Roche may be of French origin, but is common in Ireland.

Micheál’s maternal grandmother was Mary Rea (the daughter of Patrick Rea and Margaret Hennessy). Mary was born in Kilgullane, County Cork. Patrick was the son of Patrick Rea. Margaret was the daughter of John Hennessy.

Sources: News articles about Micheál’s family history – https://www.irishtimes.com
https://www.irishexaminer.com

Marriage record of Micheál’s paternal grandparents, John Martin and Mary Kate O’Leary – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie

Marriage record of Micheál’s maternal grandparents, Michael “Mick” Corbett and Mary Rea – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie

Birth record of Micheál’s maternal grandfather, Michael “Mick” Corbett – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie

Baptismal record of Micheál’s maternal grandfather, Michael “Mick” Corbett – https://www.ancestry.com

Marriage record of Micheál’s maternal great-grandparents, Michael Corbett and Johanna Roche – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie

Marriage record of Micheál’s maternal great-grandparents, Patrick Rea and Margaret Hennessy – https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie