According to Michael's daughters, Ethina and Anna, Michael was born in Moneydarragh, Gleneely, Co. Donegal. Michael was educated in Ballinacrea Primary School, Donegal. He probably left at the age of 14. Michael went on to serve his time in a Spirit - Grocers, as it was then known in the village of Malin, Co. Donegal. Michael moved to Dungiven, Co. Derry and became a barman in a public house, owned by a Mr. Maguire. The latter died suddenly soon after, and Michael was granted the license, although under the prescribed age of 21. 

Michael first met and married Margaret O'Kane on the 27th July 1899. Margaret was the  daughter of John and Margaret O'Kane, born in Dungiven. They had three children together, Harry (my Grandfather), Kathleen and Margaret Rose. It wasn't long before Margaret died of Cancer to the Throat 17/07/1917. 

Michael was introduced to his second wife, Margaret Deeny, by the Parish Priest, She worked as his house keeper. Margaret was born 15/02/1888 on the Main Street, Dungiven, the daughter of James and Susan Deeny. Together they had seven children, Susan, Sheila, Anna, Noreen, Ethina, Michael and Mary. 

Michael died of Pernicious Anemia on 07/01/1948. He had kept good health up until the last four or five year of his life. His wife Margaret died in 06/08/1971 of a Heart Attack. They are both buried together in the family plot in Dungiven.

Some noteworthy characteristics of Michael McDermott were told to me by his daughters Ethina and Anna, (my Great Aunts) :

"Michael was medium to tall, very handsome with a mustache. He wore glasses, of the pince nez type which was rather unusual. He smoked a pipe, kept a red setter and a black and white pointer. He liked to play cards with the Clergy, Shooting, Fishing and cycling. Michael was a member of a cycling club in the earlier days and even received medals for cycling. Later on Michael had a motorcycle, before acquiring a car. Michael would spend a lot of time repairing and maintaining his guns and fishing rods. He would recite poems from the children's schoolbooks and play the piano, his favourite song was "the snowy breasted pearl" which he would play on the piano. To outsiders he would seem stern but with the family he was kind and gentle. he was a strict bar-man always kept strict hours in the Bar, hard working and he expected the same of his employees in the bar. Michael had a good sense of humor but disliked roughness and untidiness. He was a serious minded intelligent man, always working with something, he was good with his hands."

Below is a copy of his Will:

Last Will and Testament of Michael McDermott I Michael McDermott of Dungiven, in the County of Londonderry, Merchant, do hereby make this as and for my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills and Testamentary dispositions here fore made by me. I leave and bequeath a sum of Twenty Pounds (£20) each to each of the three Priests for the time being officiating in Dungiven Parish for masses to be offered by them for the happy repose of my soul and I allow the sum of Ten Schillings (10/-) as the Honorarium for each of these masses. I leave and devise and bequeath all the remainder of my property of every nature and kind whatsoever and whatsoever situate including my interest in the motor business of “M&J McDermott”, Dungiven, to my wife, Margaret McDermott, subject to the payment of my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses and the expenses attending the administration of my estate. I appoint my brother John McDermott of Dungiven to be the sole executor of this my Will. In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name on this 27th day of June 1947. Michael McDermott I Michael McDermott make this as and for a codicil to my foregoing Will. In the event of the garage being sold after my death, I leave devise and bequeath a sum of one thousand pounds (£1000) to my son Harry, out of the proceeds of such a sale as may be due to my estate. I ratify and confirm my foregoing Will in all other respects. Dated this 27th day of June 1947 Michael McDermott Mary A Tracey, 27 Shipquay St Londonderry. Typist Kathleen B Campbell Typist