Martin with parents
Being brought up in Wales, I have always considered myself to be Welsh. However, my father was Irish and my grandfather on my mother’s side was Scottish. I guess you can call me a true Celt!
On the 7th of October 2022, I watched news reports coming through about an explosion which took place at the Applegreen petrol station in the village of Creeslough in County Donegal, Ireland.
Martin Left of image
I messaged an aunt living in the village, to see if they were safe. Not really expecting to hear back a call came through later that day to say a member of my family had sadly lost his life. His name was Martin McGill, my cousin.
Martin had a good heart and showed great kindness and compassion to others. He moved to Ireland from where he was living in Scotland to care for his parents. He ran daily errands for his mother and others within the community, where he would always make time to stop and talk to people. His faith was important to him, and he would regularly help his church as and when needed.
Martin with Sisters Marie Louise and Caroline
On the day of the tragedy, my aunty Mary was preparing the table ready to eat, whilst her son Martin popped to the shop to get a few things, only never to return.
Although this tragedy didn’t happen in Wales, Martin was part of my family. This is a tribute to his life, written by his dear sister Marie- Louise MacLeod.
Martin with Sisters Caroline and Marie Louise
“Our brother Martin was 49. He was born in Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow on the 1st July 1973. He attended Flannan’s primary and St Ninians’s comprehensive School. He was a quiet lad with a cheeky sense of humour and would have people laughing without even trying. He left school to become a joiner’s apprentice with Yuill Joiners and worked at McGavigan’s. Martin also worked as a delivery driver in Kirkintilloch. He enjoyed playing snooker when he was younger and was a huge fan of Celtic Football Club which didn’t go down to well with his brothers-in-law who supported Rangers. Martin loved saving money from his delivery job and would shop in Glasgow for the best of clothes. He wouldn’t pass you by in the street without stopping to have chat.
In 2001 he moved to Ireland with his parents. He was a great uncle to his niece Emily and nephews Aaron, Jacob and James. A caring man who looked out for people in the community, taking elderly people for haircuts and shopping.
He has left a huge void in our lives, but we’ll strive to remember his positive, caring and funny personality.”
