John Neill/Shankill Road/Brown Bear

[Richard Mark]

This is a long shot but here goes....I am searching for possible half siblings born to John (Mick)Neill in the forties/early fifties. I was born illegitimately to him in 1950 while he was serving in the British Navy and was based at Devonport, Plymouth, Devon. All I know is that he may have been married twice, once to an American woman, and that one of these wives was named Margot. He had two daughters at the time, possibly named Anne and Jean. He left the navy around 1952 and returned to Belfast. He was a keen football player and one of his watering holes was the Brown Bear on the Shankill Road which he used as a contact address. He would be in his nineties if he were still alive and my half siblings in their sixties or seventies. If anyone thinks they may have some information I would appreciate hearing from you. Many thanks, Richard

[Nick Keene]

There is a John Neill ex Shankill man living in Bangor Co Down now, he would be in his late 60's maybe early 70's. He has a brother who's name evades me who is still with most of the family on the Shankill. I cannot tell you very much more but I will PM you details of who or where might be able to give you more info on him, I hope it may help you're search.

[Richard Mark]

Thanks for taking the trouble to contact me Nick. I am 65 so the John Neill you suggested would be too young to be my father. My father would have to be in his nineties so the chances of finding him alive would be very slim indeed. However   I have half siblings who may well be still living and residing in the Belfast area. Many thanks again and Happy New Year to you. Richard