Mr Martin McMahon

Who was Martin McMahon?

Martin McMahon was a 19 (nineteen) year-old Irish farm labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Cragbrien, County Clare, Ireland, McMahon was one of the many third-class passengers seeking a new life in America aboard the ill-fated ship.

Early Life and Background

Martin McMahon was born on February 17, 1893, in Cragbrien, Co Clare, Ireland. He came from a large Roman Catholic family, fluent in both Irish and English. His parents were:

• Anthony McMahon (born 1837), a labourer
• Honor Meaney (born circa 1842)

Martin was one of fourteen children, though only seven survived infancy. His known siblings included:

• John (born December 25, 1871)
• Maria (born May 15, 1873)
• Bridget (born February 5, 1875)
• Patrick (born April 26, 1879)
• Michael (born 1886)
• Edmond (born 1890)
• Margaret (born October 27, 1894)

Where did Martin McMahon live before boarding the Titanic?

According to the 1901 census, Martin lived with his family at 10 Cragbrien, Lisheen, Co Clare. However, by the time of the 1911 census, he had moved out of the family home. He was listed as an unmarried farm servant living at 1 Cloonmore, Lisheen, in the household of Bridget Hurley and her adult son Thomas.

The Titanic Journey

How did Martin McMahon come to be on the Titanic?

Martin McMahon boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) on April 11, 1912. He was traveling as a third-class passenger, having purchased ticket number 370372 for £7 15s.

What was Martin McMahon’s destination?

McMahon’s intended destination was 415 West 53rd Street, Manhattan, New York. Like many Irish immigrants of his time, he was likely seeking better economic opportunities in America.

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Martin McMahon did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This makes him one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster.

How was Martin McMahon’s death confirmed?

A telegram received in Ennis confirmed the worst fears about Martin’s fate. The Clare Journal reported on April 29, 1912:

A telegram received in Ennis during the week confirmed the worst fears that had been entertained as to the safety of a young man named Martin McMahon, from the Craigbrien district, about five miles from Ennis. It was known that he was a passenger on the ill fated boat, and though his name did not appear in the list of survivors, it was hoped he might have been rescued, but it is now definitely stated he has been lost. He was a fine athletic young man and very popular in his native district.

Legacy and Remembrance

How was Martin McMahon remembered in his community?

Martin McMahon was fondly remembered in his local community. He was described as a well-known and well-liked young man who exhibited promising athletic abilities. His loss was deeply felt in the Cragbrien district.

What happened to Martin McMahon’s family after his death?

Following the tragedy, Martin’s parents remained in Cragbrien. Sadly, both of his parents faced health challenges in their later years:

• His father, Anthony McMahon, battled with senility before passing away on January 31, 1917, at the age of 80.
• His mother, Honor McMahon (née Meaney), also became afflicted with senility before her death on September 9, 1923.

Martin McMahon’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives cut short by the Titanic disaster, and the dreams of a better future that were tragically unfulfilled.