Two separate branches of the McDermotts flourished for centuries in Ireland, and both contributed significantly to the rich tapestry of the island’s history.
While some of the name enjoyed glorious fortune, other suffered tragic misfortune in the cause of the nation’s freedom and independence.
In more peaceful times, Gilbert Hastings McDermott, born in London in 1845, and known as ‘the Great McDermott’ was the music hall manager who found fame as the singer of ‘The Jingo War Song’, through which the British patriotic term ‘Jingoism’ first entered the language.
Also in the world of music, John McDermott is the famed Scots-Canadian tenor best known for his haunting rendition of the famous Irish ballad Danny Boy that he first recorded in 1992, while he also performed at ceremonies in France two years later to mark the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Presented here is the colourful and dramatic tale of the McDermotts.
