Contributed by Anne McCann
The McCann family history is deeply rooted in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It illustrates their journey from rural Tyrone to Birmingham, England, against the backdrop of Ireland’s recent history. Anne McCann’s father, Kevin McCann, was born and raised in the rural landscapes of Gortin, outside Omagh. His family had deep ties to the land, with his father working as a farmer. Kevin’s early life was marked by hardship, particularly the loss of his mother when he was still a boy. This loss profoundly affected Kevin, prompting him to leave home at a young age, possibly around 15 or 16, to seek work in England. The early 1950s were a time of significant emigration for young Irishmen like Kevin, driven by the economic hardships at home and the lure of opportunities abroad.
In England, Kevin worked wherever he could find employment. Although he was a stonemason by trade, he also honed his skills as a landscaper—a talent that would earn him a gold medal at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in 1952. His work, characterised by an innate understanding of design and craftsmanship, reflected a natural talent that, had circumstances been different, might have led him into architecture or engineering.
On one of his visits back to Tyrone, Kevin met Rose McCullagh, a woman from the Glenelly Valley. Rose’s family were dairy farmers, and like many women of her generation, she found work wherever it was available, including in bars and as a postwoman. Their meeting, likely at a local dance, led to marriage, and Rose joined Kevin in Birmingham, where they settled in Kings Heath. Their home on Avenue Road became a hub for other Irish immigrants, offering a place to stay for those newly arrived from Tyrone as they found their footing in England.
The McCann family’s life in Birmingham was deeply influenced by their Irish heritage. Despite the challenges of being Irish Catholics in England, particularly during the Troubles, they maintained strong connections to their roots. Every summer, as soon as school ended, Anne and her siblings would travel back to Tyrone, where they relished the freedom of farm life on the homestead built by the McCullagh family. These trips were a stark contrast to their life in the city, offering a taste of the life they might have had if circumstances had been different.
However, life in England was not without its difficulties. The Birmingham bombings brought a wave of anti-Irish sentiment, and the McCann family, like many others, faced prejudice. Anne recalls her mother being refused service in a shop—a painful reminder of the suspicion and hostility that many Irish immigrants faced during that time.
Despite these challenges, the McCann family remained connected to their Irish heritage. Anne and her sister were deeply involved in the Irish community in Birmingham, particularly through Irish dancing. Both girls trained at the Clara School of Irish Dancing at King’s Heath, Birmingham, and competed at the world level. Their participation in events like the St. Patrick’s Day parade further reinforced their sense of identity and community; they are proud of their Irish passport and visit the motherland ‘home’ regularly.
As Anne reflects on her life, she feels an even stronger connection to Ireland now that her parents have passed away. The physical ties to Tyrone may be gone—the McCullagh family homestead is now sold—but the memories and the sense of belonging remain. For Anne, her Irish heritage is an integral part of who she is, a connection that has grown stronger with time.
The McCann family’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and enduring connection to their roots. Despite the challenges of emigration, they maintained a strong sense of identity, passing down their love for Ireland and pride in their heritage to the next generation.