Who Is Martin McGartland? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Martin McGartland was born on January 30, 1970, making him 55 years old in 2025. He is a known figure for his role as an informer for the British in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the tumultuous period of the Northern Ireland conflict. McGartland's life story is documented in his autobiography, which gained significant attention and led to adaptations in film, showcasing his experiences and the dangerous environment in which he operated.
| Occupation | Writers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Ireland |
Popularity
Martin McGartland's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Martin McGartland stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m). His weight fluctuates around 160 pounds (72.5 kg). His athletic build has remained consistent throughout the years, a testament to his resilience and endurance.
In 1999, he was shot six times at his Whitley Bay home by two men, receiving serious wounds in the chest, stomach, side, upper leg and hand. He had attempted to wrestle the gun away from his assailant, but was shot in the left hand, the blast almost destroying his thumb.
He received assistance from his neighbours and was rushed to intensive care in hospital where he recovered from his injuries. The IRA was blamed. It was reported that he was relocated immediately, protected by 12 armed officers and given a specially armored car.
Total costs associated with the incident, including the investigation, amounted to £1.5 million (£ million today).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
McGartland tends to keep his personal life private; thus, information about his family is limited. He has been known to have relationships but has not publicly confirmed any long-term partner. As of 2025, specific details regarding his dating status remain unclear, with speculation suggesting that he prefers to focus on his career rather than public romantic engagements.
Born into a staunchly Irish republican, Roman Catholic family in Belfast, McGartland grew up in a council house in Moyard, Ballymurphy at the foot of the Black Mountain. His parents were separated and he had one brother, Joe, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Catherine.
As the Troubles escalated, republican areas such as Ballymurphy increasingly came under the control of the local Provisional IRA (IRA) who, in the absence of normal policing, took on some policing functions. Their methods were not met with approval by all residents.
One of the effects of the continuous rioting and the campaign of bombings and shootings in Belfast and all over Northern Ireland was to make McGartland grow up quickly.
Net Worth and Salary
Martin McGartland's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million in 2025. His income is derived from several sources, including his writing, public speaking engagements, and various business ventures. Given the controversial nature of his past, he has also capitalized on opportunities arising from media portrayals, which has contributed to his financial status.
McGartland moved to the northeast coast of England, receiving nearly £100,000 (£ today) to buy a house and establish a new life in Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, going by the name Martin Ashe. He failed in his attempt to receive compensation for his injuries.
Career, Business, and Investments
After his initial exposure as an informer, McGartland transitioned to writing, crafting both autobiographical pieces and work reflecting on political themes. He is also involved in public speaking, where he shares his experiences regarding conflict, identity, and the human psyche. Recently, in 2025, he has ventured into investments in real estate and various media projects that align with his personal narrative and social commentary.
McGartland described his childhood in West Belfast as one in which he would join with older boys in stone-throwing to goad the British Army. He also would join in with other Catholic youths to battle against Ulster Protestant boys from nearby loyalist estates; this mostly involved throwing stones at each other.
His sister Catherine was one of many children who joined the youth movement of the IRA. She was later killed after accidentally falling through a skylight at her school. He attended Vere Foster Primary School, a controlled school located in Moyard, Ballymurphy. The school closed in 2011. McGartland later attended St Thomas' Secondary School.
He befriended a homeless man who sheltered in the disused Old Broadway cinema on the Falls Road, and provided the man with food and money. McGartland's first job was working a paper round, and later delivering milk.
Social Network
While Martin McGartland is not highly active on traditional social media platforms, he has maintained a presence, allowing him to connect with his audience and share insights into his life and experiences. His Twitter and Instagram accounts are avenues for engaging with discussions about politics, history, and his personal reflections.
When he was exposed as an informer in 1991 he was abducted by the IRA, but escaped and was resettled in England. His identity became publicly known after a minor court case. He was later shot six times by a gunman, but recovered from the injuries. He has written two books about his life, Fifty Dead Men Walking: The Terrifying True Story of a Secret Agent Inside the IRA and Dead Man Running.
Education
McGartland's formal education background is not extensively documented, focusing instead on his experiential learning through the challenges faced in his life as an informer. His on-the-ground experiences have contributed to his advocacy for peace and understanding in conflict resolution, making him a unique voice in discussions surrounding historical and social issues.
