Private Hugh McKinty

 

Hugh McKinty was born on 13 November 1889 at Lisnalinchy, Ballylinney, County Antrim, the third of eleven children of farmer (later bricklayer) Hugh McKinty and his wife Rose (née Wharry). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living as a boarder with his sister Margaret at 7 Avoca Street, Belfast, and working as a joiner.

McKinty enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron between 7 June and 29 July 1915 (No. UD/271). At the end of July, however, he was transferred to the Royal Engineers (No.33908). In early September 1917 he was transferred to the Northumberland Fusiliers (No.57592), only later that month to be transferred to the Labour Corps (No.421600).

At some point from January 1916 he embarked for service overseas, presumably to France.

McKinty married Sarah Ann Craig in Belfast on 19 April 1922. He continued in the building trade, eventually becoming a builder's foreman. He died at Lisnalinchy on 31 August 1949 and was buried in the Rashee Cemetery, Ballyclare.

 

His name is included on the Presbyterian Church in Ireland's Roll of Honour: 1914-1919, and on the Freemasons of Ireland Roll of Honour (under Lodge 645, Carnmoney). 

 

Larne Times, 8 September 1949

 

My thanks to Robert Mitchell, who identified this man as a member of the Inniskilling squadron.

 

This page last updated 23 July 2026.