JOHN TAYLOR

Markethill has fostered two well-known politicians who were neighbours and are still friends, but who represent often opposing political positions: John Taylor and Seamus Mallon.

The Taylor family were among those Scots Covenanters who settled in Ireland in the seventeenth century. For generations his family worshipped at Cladymore Presbyterian Church and many of John Taylor's ancestors are buried in the nearby cemetery.

For many years, the political career of John Taylor took him far beyond the borders of his ancestral home. For his work, he was granted the title Lord Kilclooney, reflecting his roots in the district. Sponsored by Lord Molyneux and Lord Ponsonby, he was introduced into the House of Lords on 17th October 2001.

John Taylor.