John Martin's grave

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Situated on the N side of St Bartholomew’s Churchyard.

Martin family plot is enclosed by a chamfered granite dwarf wall (which once carried railings). The plot is cemented over and two early-mid 19thC family gravestones are laid flat at the bottom end. There is one upstanding stone of polished Newry granite; it reads
“JOHN MARTIN/ BORN 8 SEPTEMBER 1812/ DIED 20 MARCH 1875/ HE LIVED FOR HIS COUNTRY SUFFERED/ IN HER CAUSES, BLED FOR HER WOUNDS, / AND DIED BELOVED AND LAMENTED BY EVERY TRUE HEARTED IRISHMAN.”

Historical information

The Martin family is said to have come to Loughorne townland in 1736 as tenants of William Needham’s estate. Martin’s parents, John and Jane, married in first years of 19thC and set up home at Loughorne Cottage (now ruinous) off the Manse Hill Road. John Martin, their second son, was born in 8th September 1818. The family were well-off farmers and John trained to be a doctor. He gave this training up on inheriting Loughorne House (demolished) from his uncle in 1835.

A Presbyterian, he had great interest in politics. Using his wealth to support himself, he launched himself on a political career. He rose to fame as a ‘Young Irelander’, and as Secretary of the Home Rule Party. He was exiled to Tasmania because his political aspirations were deemed seditious. He was elected M.P for Meath, and was a life long friend of political colleague John Mitchell. In 1868 he married John Mitchell’s sister Henrietta.

He collapsed on 11th March 1875 in the old First Presbyterian Burial Ground, High Street Newry (HB16/28/088) during the funeral of his close friend John Mitchell. He died at John Mitchell’s home, Dromalane House (HB16/29/007A), nine days later.

This mausoleum is in the general vicinity of the Celtic Cross, a Scheduled Monument, ref SMR DOW 40/37

Secondary Sources:
1. Information from Mr Adrian Murdock of Loughorne.
2. Rev. J. Davison Cowan, “An Ancient Parish, that of Donaghmore.” London, 1914.
3. Art Byrne, “Great Northerners” Poolbeg Press, Dublin 1991.
4. E.D. Atkinson LL.B, “Dromore, An Ulster Diocese”, Dundalk 1925.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

An 1875 gravestone dedicated to John Martin, a prominent figure in 19thC Irish politics. This structure is of historical importance.