John McNamara, of Barberton, Ohio, returns to County Clare in 1892

[Sduddy]

Hi Jimbo

Yes, Peter McCormack of the Crimean War must belong to a previous generation of McCormacks. Thank you for the research you have done.

Thank you for providing the historical background to the murder, in 1847, of Michael Walsh, steward and caretaker for Charles George O’Callaghan, Ballinahinch. After that event, some other very brave, or foolhardy person must have taken up the position of Steward. Maybe the Michael McNamara, who was informant at the death of Charles George O’Callaghan in 1895, was his steward, but he can hardly have been Steward for the intervening 48 years.
At the time that we were posting on the subject of James Halpin and Johanna Walsh Harrison, I was inclined to think that it was Michael McNamara, who was living in Clogher (Ballinahinch DED) in 1901 and 1911, who was “Uncle” to James Halpin junior, but would a mere neighbour be informant at the death of Charles George Halpin?
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... r/1087296/

I should say that I haven’t found any reason for Michael McNamara to be called “Uncle”, other than that he might have been a neighbour of Johanna’s when she lived in Clogher (in a part of that townland called Curamera), as wife of John Harrison. I say “might” as it may be that the McNamaras were not living there at that time – there are no McNamara tenants in Clogher at the time of Griffth’s Valuation*. And I don’t see the baptisms of Michael, Denis and Catherine in the Kilnoe baptisms. Catherine gives her age as 36 in 1901 and as 50 in 1911. It is possible, I suppose, that she is the Kate McNamara baptised 13 Sep 1857, daughter of Michael McNamara and Bridget McNamara, Derrymore; sponsors Mary Harrison, William Walsh: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 7/mode/1up.

But would Michael McNamara of Clogher have travelled to Tulla to be sponsor at the baptism of James Halpin on 27 Dec 1861?

* The McNamaras in Clogher were not there at the time of Griffith’s Valuation – at least there was no McNamara who was head tenant. But there is a marriage on 1 Mar 1840, recorded in Kilnoe parish, between John McNamara, Ballinahinch, and Kate Walker, Cloher; witnesses: Denis McNamara, Thomas Walker, Ballinahinch, & (?):https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 2/mode/1up.

Sheila

Edited to amend 1995 to 1895 (date of death of Charles George O'Callaghan)

[Sduddy]

Hi Jimbo, again

I see now that I’d already mentioned (in the “Seeking Thomas McNamara” topic – page 27) my hunch that Michael McNamara of Clogher was the “uncle” of James Halpin Jun.
That was just a hunch, of course, and may not be worth pursuing, but I’ve looked at Denis Byrnes who was visiting those Clogher McNamaras in 1901 and described in the census of that year as a nephew. He is the son of Michael McNamara's sister, Anne, who had married 31 Jan 1874: Marriage of Pat Burns, Farmer, Ploughlands, son of Thady Burns (dead), Farmer, to Anne McNamara, Derrymore, daughter of Michael McNamara, (alive)*, Farmer, in Bodyke chapel; witnesses: George Byrns, Eliza Harrison (“Derrymore” is often used as a name for the townland of Clogher – the Derrymore estate of the Gore family lies in Clogher) : https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 117825.pdf. However, I think “Pat” Byrns should be Dennis Byrns - the marriage was recorded in the Kilnoe marriage register as Dennis Byrns (Tulla) to Anna Mack, Derrymore; witnesses: George Byrns, Lizzie Harrison: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 8/mode/1up. The Tulla baptism register (1862-1880) shows the baptisms of 4 children of Denis Byrnes and Anne McNamara, Knockmeal. Knockmeal is a sub-division of the townland of Ballyblood in Tulla parish. The sponsors at the baptism of Michael Burns of Denis Burns and Anne McNamara. Knockmeal, on 11 Feb 1880, are Michael Mack and Catherine Mack. The sponsors at the baptism of Thady Byrnes of Denis Byrnes and Anne McNamara, on 16 Apr 1876, are John McNamara, Margaret McNamara. The civil registrations of the births of those children give the address as Ballyblood. It is my hunch that all of these McNamara sponsors (plus Anne herself) are cousins of William Walsh, whose mother was Catherine McNamara.
Looking at Tom McDowell’s list of emigrants from Tulla parish, I see three emigrants, Mary Anne Byrnes, Michael Byrnes and Timothy Byrnes going to sister, Margaret Byrne, 29 Barkley Place, Brooklyn, New York; I think these are three of the children of Denis Byrnes and Anne McNamara, but that information, I think, will lead to the Byrnes side of the family – not the McNamara side: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... grants.htm
John Byrnes, the subject of this posting to Ireland Reaching Out: https://www.irelandxo.com/resources/exh ... ohn-byrnes, is definitely one of the children of Denis Byrnes and Anne McNamara.
1901 census for Byrnes living in Ballyblood (Ballyblood DED): http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... d/1086138/. Although Denis describes himself as a Widower, he is not a widower in 1911: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... od/368635/.

* Michael McNamara, who was alive in 1874 when his daughter, Anne, married "Pat" [Denis] Byrnes, died on 18 Nov 1876 in Derrymore, married, aged 66; occupation: Herd; informant: Margaret McNamara, Derrymore: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 228758.pdf. The fact that Michael McNamara was a Herd explains the McNamara arrival in Clogher. Was he Herd for the Gores or for the O'Callaghans? If it was the O'Callaghans, there may have been a feeling of trust between the O'Callaghans and the McNamaras. That might explain Michael McNamara (son of the Herd) taking on the duty of reporting the death of Charles George O'Callaghan - that is, of course, if the informant is Michael McNamara of Clogher.

Sheila

[smcarberry]

Sheila, some comments on this:

I’ve looked at Denis Byrnes who was visiting those Clogher McNamaras in 1901 and described in the census of that year as a nephew. He is the son of Michael McNamara's sister, Anne, who had married 31 Jan 1874: Marriage of Pat Burns, Farmer, Ploughlands, son of Thady Burns (dead), Farmer, to Anne McNamara, Derrymore, daughter of Michael McNamara, (alive)*, Farmer, in Bodyke chapel; witnesses: George Byrns, Eliza Harrison (“Derrymore” is often used as a name for the townland of Clogher – the Derrymore estate of the Gore family lies in Clogher) : https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 117825.pdf. However, I think “Pat” Byrns should be Dennis Byrns - the marriage was recorded in the Kilnoe marriage register as Dennis Byrns (Tulla) to Anna Mack, Derrymore; witnesses: George Byrns, Lizzie Harrison: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 8/mode/1up. The Tulla baptism register (1862-1880) shows the baptisms of 4 children of Denis Byrnes and Anne McNamara, Knockmeal. Knockmeal is a sub-division of the townland of Ballyblood in Tulla parish.

First, I am very glad you provided the insight that Clogher might also be called Derrymore, due to the Gore estate there at one time. I have been dealing for decades with the "official" Derrymore, which is a pair of townlands, East and West, split between the civil parishes of Tulla and Clonlea (Kilkishen). It is helpful to know now there is an alternative locality that its residents might name as Derrymore.

Second, while I have no doubt that there is great potential for familial and economic ties between families of Clogher and the general Ballyblood area (in which Derrymore West lies, as well as Knockmeal), it is worth noting that the expanse of ground between those two locations, especially in view of mid-1800s conditions/transportation, is fairly considerable, not at all within walking distance. For there to be an evident tie between families at those two points, there must have been a reason, not a random association or casual acquaintance. In fact, I had a bit of a startle upon first reading the 31 Jan 1874 wedding occurring in Bodyke chapel for a Derrymore bride. In context, though, that fits. Overall though, it bears remembering that the official Derrymore townlands were way off to the south of Tulla civil parish, while the unofficial Derrymore was up in the once-great estate territorie of Kilgorey, Kiltannon, and Maryfort. Again, all this has to be taken in context, since individual alliances between estate families could have involved sharing "intell" on who to hire and move from property to property.

Just FYI, since I have out my Gore notes, here are some on the more prominent members of the family:

In 1719, the Registry of Deeds (DUB) accessed via Nick Reddan's transcription website, shows Arthur Gore "of Derrymore" was a party (apparently as lessee, for a 31-year term) of Glandree property, from (apparently) Limerick City resident Richard Harrold. This full document may be accessible now; I have a screenshot of only the abstract produced for Reddan's project. However, this indicates that the Gore family was once active in stretching its holdings around upper East Clare; same observation arises from the next item:

17 Oct 1845 Limerick Chronicle: "October 23, at St. Stephen's-green [Dublin], Francis Gore, of Derrymore, county Clare, Esq., aged eighty-four." [Followed by the 1855 death of his widow, at the same place]. Likewise I have marriage announcements for various Gore daughters, to men outside Co. Clare, which fits in nicely with John O'Donovan's pre-1850 observation that Gore's "seat" Tyredagh Castle (Newgrove townland/Tyredagh) was caved in and obviously not habitable. So, the Gore family came to Clare in an era when non-local gentry could easily pick up property in fee or by leasehold but, though having a good overall reputation locally even with their tenantry (another news item on hand), they moved to other points around the country. In their time along the west coast, their properties were scattered around central to upper regions of East Clare. What is handy for further research is the tendency that their surname is recorded and reported as exactly Gore, not some alternative spelling or adopted surname relating to their territory.

Carry on, please, as this is prompting me to review bits and pieces saved a long time ago.

[Sduddy]

Hi Sharon

Yes, the Gores seem to have spread all over the West of Ireland and there are a lot of Derrymores as well. There are five “official” Derrymores in Clare (1 in Clooney Corcomroe, 1 in Inchicronan, and 2 in Tulla and a Derry More in Killeely, and at least three more unofficial Derrymores: Derrymore in Tuamgraney parish, Derrymore in St Patrick’s North and Derrymore in Kilnoe: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... parish.htm.
To add to the confusion, there is another Derrymore House in the townland of Derrymore East (Tulla parish): https://mapcarta.com/18966422. (In the list of Land Owners in Co. Clare, 1876, the address for Major Edward A. Gore is Derrymore, O’Callaghan’s Mills: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... /landg.htm).
And, as if there weren’t enough confusion, this site on architectural heritage puts Derrymore, Clogher, in the barony of Corcomroe, although the map shows Clogher (correctly) in East Clare: https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/build ... mroe-clare. The building shown in the photo is not the house built by the Gores, which was demolished, according to the Landed Estates site, but the out-buildings may be the original buildings: https://landedestates.ie/property?keyword=Derrymore.

Some information on the Gores: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jlPJHS6bjE
Death of Edward Arthur Gore registered in Scarriff Union in 1912: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 492722.pdf. James Black, who reported the death of Edward A. Gore, is shown in the 1911 census, living in Ballynahinch; occupation: Land Steward: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... ch/370406/. I see now that Edward Arthur Gore has been mistranscribed as Gerard Arthur in the 1911 census: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... er/370414/.

Sheila

[Sduddy]

Although there are so many Derrymores, I am sure that Michael McNamara, who died in Nov. 1875, belongs to Derrymore in Clogher townland. If he died in Derrymore, Inchicronan (Crusheen) parish, his death would have been registered in the Quin registration district of Tulla Union. If he died in Derrymore East, or Derrymore West, Tulla parish, his death would have been registered in the Kilkishen registration district of Tulla Union. But Derrymore in Clogher, Kilnoe (Bodyke) parish, lies in theTulla registration district of Tulla Union.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 228758.pdf

Sheila

Edited to amend "belonged to" to "died in"

[Jimbo]

Charles George O'Callaghan, Esq. of Ballinahinch, on coming of age and getting into possession of his estates, has, amongst other acts of liberality, directed his agent, Pierse [Pierce] Carrick, Esq. to distribute to the poorer classes of his cottier tenantry a large quantity of blankets and clothing. He has also we understand made a large reduction to his tenants upon each of their holdings. Similar reductions have been made by J. Westropp, Esq. of Fortane. We would recommend the different landlords of this county to take example by those gentlemen. They had better be in the front ranks than follow in the rere, for to this complexion it must come at last.

Clare Journal, and Ennis Advertiser, Thursday, 1 December 1842

My read of "the poorer classes of his cottier tenantry" were the poorest of the poor on Charles George O'Callaghan's estate. Not the farming class. Very likely this cottier class would have been devastated by the upcoming Great Famine and many would have immigrated to America, quite possibly with the blankets provided by Charles George O'Callaghan. His tenant farmers appear to have received a large reduction in rent, except for the twenty-one tenant farmers mentioned by the Rev. Patrick Quade. These tenants were promised reductions but unfortunately had no "separate leases" under the court, as they were under the name of a sub-agent named John Neylon.

BALLINAHINCH,
CONTAINING 150 Acres Plantation Measure or thereabouts, Arable, Pasture, and Meadow, with right of Turbury, situate in the Barony of Tulla. The House and Offices are in tentable repair, and the Demesne is highly ornamented by Wood and Water, and in a sporting country. About 9 acres of rich Soil have been in the present Spring carefully laid down with a Crop of Oats, and the Kitchen Garden prepared for crops.

Also, the House, Offices, and Demesne of GARRURAGH, containing 90 acres Plantation Measure or thereabouts, all prime tillage and fattening land, with right of Turbury, situate in the same Barony, and within a mile of the post-town of Tulla.

About 6 Acres have been laid down in a similar manner with a Crop of Oats, and the Kitchen Garden also prepared for Crops.

Also that part called GARRURAGH COTTAGE, containing 17 Acres or thereabouts, now in the possession of WILLIAM MOLONY, Esq.

Also that part of the said lands of BALLINAHINCH last in the possession of JOHN SCANLAN, and that part of the lands at CARHUGAR, in the Barony of Bunratty, late in the possession of DENIS LYNCH.

Application to be made to CHARLES GEORGE O'CALLAGHAN, Esq., 29 Landsdowne-place, Cheltenham, or to P. CARRICK, Esq., Ennis.

Michael Walsh, Carekeeper at Ballinahinch, or John Neylon, of Toonagh, will show the several Premises.
1st March, 1843

Clare Journal, and Ennis Advertiser, Monday, 20 March 1843

In January 1844, the Garruragh lands of Charles George O'Callaghan continued to be advertised for lease, but not the Ballinahinch estate. While Ballinahinch could have been let quickly, I reckon it more likely that it was withdrawn as Charles George O'Callaghan would live there in later years.

Of the three contacts listed in the above 1843 advertisement, Pierce Carrick, Michael Walsh, and John Neylon, two would be murdered within five years. Pierce Carrick in March 1846 and Michael Walsh in October 1847.

"John Neylan, of Toonagh", however, appears to have reached the grand old age of 103 years and died in 1880:

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 865715.pdf

Sheila, you had previously mentioned that the "townland of Toonagh in the parish of Clooney (Bunratty) is not to be confused with the townland of Toonagh in the parish of Dysert" when discussing that several of those accused of murdering Arthur Gloster were from Toonagh townland in Clooney (Bunratty). Since the murders of "Gloster and Carrick" were often mentioned together as a threat by moonlighters, I incorrectly assumed that John Neylan of Toonagh, linked to the murder of Pierce Carrick, was also from Clooney (Bunratty). However, he apears to be from the Toonagh in Dysert Parish where the Neylon / Neylan surname was very common in the Ruan-Dysart baptism register of 1845-1881. It would be too easy to confuse the two townlands of Toonagh.

Sheila, thank you also for your explanations to differentiate the various townlands named Derrymore in County Clare. Including the Derrymore in Inchincronan Parish. This brings back our discussion on James McNamara, of Rathclooney, who was famous for writing "An Old Song". His brother, John McNamara, of Lean (Rathclooney) married Anne O'Neill in 1874, and they settled in Derrymore. Their one son named Michael McNamara was born in "Derremore" according to the Crusheen baptism register of 1860-1880 and the family is living in Derrymore, Rathclooney in the 1901 and 1911 census.

The civil death record of Michael McNamara of Derrymore who died in November 1875 was a good find and must have taken some effort given how common of a name Michael McNamara is in this part of Clare.

On the same page of the civil record for Michael McNamara of Derrymore, was a 4-year-old Fanny Rochford, daughter of pensioner Patrick Rochford, of Derrymore. This allowed me to test your theory that the Michael McNamara of Derrymore who died in 1875 was indeed from Clogher townland within the Tulla registration district of Tulla union. Plus, Patrick Rochford of Derrymore had an interesting British Empire connection which I always find interesting.

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 228758.pdf

In the 1882 Tralee Pensioner Listing, there was reported a Patrick Rochford, who had fought with the 51st Foot, and received his pension at Broadford, Clare.

I researched Patrick Rochford using the Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioner Admission and Discharges, 1715-1925, (source, fold3 website), as well as the regimental history of the 51st (Second Yorkshire West Riding) Regiment of Foot:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/51st_(2nd ... nt_of_Foot

Patrick Rochford, reg# 1666, was 42 years old upon his 4 October 1864 examination (discharge) date. He had fought a total of 21 years and 6 months (2 years as a sergeant, 1 year 6 months as corporal, and 18 years a private. Overseas, 3 years in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) and 14 years in India. Patrick Rochford was born in "Feacle, Scarriff, Clare", and I estimate that he signed-up with the 51st Foot about March 1843, when he was about 20 years old. The 51st Foot broke into detachments and escorted British and Irish convicts to Van Diemen's Land, where the 51st Foot remained for three years, prior to arriving in India in 1846. He spent 8 years in India until 1854 when the 51st Foot returned to England. Only to return to India in 1857 to suppress the Indian Rebellion. On the pension register, Patrick Rochford was noted for his Very Good character and he was the recipient of four badges.

Patrick Rochford was 5 foot 9 inches, black hair, hazel eyes, and a sallow complexion. With his handsome looks (and healthy army pension), it did not take long for Patrick to find a wife when after his discharge from the 51st Foot he returned to Feakle in the autumn of 1864. Patrick Rochford, pensioner, widower, of Feakle, son of farmer James Rochford, married Mary Purcell, daughter of farmer James Purcell, of Killanena (blurry writing), on 1 February 1865 at the Catholic chapel at Feakle, by the Rev. Andrew Connellan; witnesses Patrick Mack and Catherine Hayes.

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 255102.pdf

Patrick Rochford, married, 66 years old, pensioner, died on 16 April 1889 at Maryfort; informant his wife, Mary Rochford, at Maryfort (Tulla registration reported in Galway):

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 753591.pdf

Patrick Rochford (≈1823 - 1889) and Mary Purcell (died after the 1893 army enlistment of son) were the parents of seven children, born in two different parishes:

1) Michael Rochford (1865 - unknown), was born on 26 December 1865, residence Feakle, father's occupation "pensioner" per Scariff civil records. Baptized on 27 December 1865, sponsors Michl & Catherine Hayes per Feakle baptism register.

2) Thomas Rochford (1867 - 1868), was born on 8 July 1867, residence Bauroe, in parish of Feakle, father's occupation "pensioner" per Scariff civil records. Baptized on 9 July 1867, sponsors Wm Molony & Biddy Conway per Feakle baptism register. A Thomas Rochford died in the first quarter of 1868 at the age of zero; on-line civil death record not yet available.

3) Patrick Rochford (1869 - unknown), was born on 17 January 1869, residence Feakle, in parish of Feakle, father's occupation "soldier" per Scariff civil records. Baptized on 18 January 1869, sponsors Michl & Bridget Morrissy per Feakle baptism register.

In 1869 or 1870 the Rochford family moved from Feakle Parish to Derrymore (Clogher townland) in Kilnoe (Bodyke) Parish.

4) Fanny Rochford (1871 - 1875), unable to locate civil birth record. Fanny Rochford was baptized on 12 September 1871, residence Derrymore, mother reported as "Mary Molony" in error by priest; sponsor Mary Murphy per Kilnoe-Tuamgraney baptism register.

5) Daniel "James" Rochford (1874 - after 1911), Daniel was born on 10 February 1874, residence Derrymore, father's occupation "pensioner" per Tulla registration district in Tulla Union (reported as "Tuam" in error). "James" was baptized on 14 February 1874, residence Derrymore, sponsors Pat Sullivan, Bridget Murphy per Kilnoe-Tuamgraney baptism register.

Daniel Rochford enlisted with the Royal Munster Fusiliers in 1893. Birthplace reported as "Killuran, O'Callaghan Mills". Previously with the Clare Artillery. Mother, Mary Rochford, residing at O'Callaghan Mills. Discharged due to epilepsy after only a few weeks. In 1901 census, Daniel (age 26) was a servant for the Thomas Cooney household in Tulla Town. In 1911, Daniel "Roshford" (age 39) was a servant in the household of widow Mary Keane in Kilkishen Town. <Tulla, Tulla, House 7; Kilkishen Town, House 4.1>

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... a/1087959/
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... wn/368817/

6) Margaret Rochford (1876 - unknown) was born on 18 July 1876, residence Derrymore, father's occupation "pensioner" per Tulla registration district. Baptized on 23 July 1876, residence Derrymore, sponsor Bridget O'Brien per Kilnoe-Tuamgraney baptism register.

7) Martin Rochford (1879 - after 1915) was born on 20 June 1879, residence Derrymore, father's occupation "pensioner" per Tulla registration district. Baptized on 3 July 1879, no location reported, sponsor Maria Noonan per Kilnoe-Tuamgraney baptism register

Martin Rochford, reg # 1656, at the age of 31, attested in Manchester, England, to join the 4th Battalion Manchester Regiment on 22 May 1911 for a period of four years. He was born in "Dollimore, Tulla, Clare". Next of kin was "Brother, Daniel, Tulla, Clare". Martin had previously fought with the 1st Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, discharged after a full time of service. His engagement report includes a stamp "Mobilized at Ashton-u-Lyne, 8 August 1914". Martin Rochford was discharged as a private on 12 July 1915 due to "being no longer physical fit for further military service. Paragraph 392, xvi KR". Four years plus 52 days of total service. His address on discharge was in Manchester. Source: ancestry website.

**********************************************

Patrick Rochford upon returning to Clare would first live in Feakle, his birthplace, then move to Derrymore (home of the Gore estate) and was living in Maryfort (home of the John O'Callaghan estate) when he died in 1889. I reckon with his 21 plus years of army service, especially in suppressing the Indian Rebellion, that many of the large estates in County Clare would want to hire Patrick Rochford as a gate-keeper or other such duties. As a pensioner of the British army, his loyalty would be somewhat assured. As Sharon mentioned in her last posting, "individual alliances between estate families could have involved sharing 'intell' on who to hire and move from property to property" and I reckon that Patrick Rochford is a good example of this.

[Sduddy]

Hi Jimbo

The mention of Toonagh brought me back seven years to the time when I was trying to figure out the Neylons in Toonagh and came to grief there: “Kilcross Connections”: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6802. It wasn’t just that there were so many Williams – there were also too many Jameses. There was a James Neylan who was married to Anne Reidy (they lived in Ballyteernan*) and who died sometime before 1881**, and there was also a James Neylan who died in 1888 (https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 759399.pdf). One of those two was probably a son of John Neylan, the Land Agent for Charles George O’Callaghan.

* The townland of Ballyteernan is adjacent to Toonagh. Toonagh, in the parish of Dysert, is the name of an estate there, and “Toonagh” is often used for an area broader than the townland itself. The Toonagh Estate went from Cornelius O’Brien to the McGrath family: https://landedestates.ie/estate/2144

** Anne Neylon, whose maiden name was Anne Reidy, I believe, died in Lisdoonvarna in September 1881, according to an entry in Calendar of Wills: http://www.willcalendars.nationalarchiv ... _00323.pdf, but I failed to find a civil record of her death.
-----------------

I have edited my last posting to amend “belonged to” to “died in”, since, as we know, if a person died in a registration district, other than the one s/he normally lived in, that other district was where the death was registered. So it’s possible that Michael McNamara was just visiting in Clogher when he died, but the death was not a sudden one, so I think that possibily is a remote one. That (faint) possibility, however, put together with Sharon’s suggestion that there might have been a connection between the McNamaras and the Byrneses, previous to the marriage of Anne McNamara to Denis Byrnes in 1874, is leading me to wonder if the McNamaras in Clogher could have originated in the Ballyblood area. I’ve looked at the Tulla baptisms for children of a Michael McNamara living in the Ballyblood area, but failed to find any that fit*** , but I probably should look at the O’Callaghan’s Mills baptisms too. The only McNamaras in Ballyblood townland in 1901 are Lott McNamara and his wife Anne****.

*** Denis McNamara, Clogher, gives his age as 54 in 1901, but gives it as 70 in 1911. He died on 3 Nov 1919, aged 80 (https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 411769.pdf) so born about 1840.

**** Lott McNamara:
1901 census: Lott McNamara aged 50 and wife Mary aged 76. Ballyblood townland: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/r ... 000487601/.

31 Jul 1874: Marriage of Lot McNamara, Cregg, son of Peter McNamara, deceased, to Mary Cooney alias Roughan, widow, Clonlohan, daughter of Martin Roughan, Farmer, in Tulla chapel; witnesses: Thomas Moloney, Margaret Quinlivan.
Note: Clonlohan is a subdivision of Ballyblood townland (see Tithes): https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 124938.pdf.

Tulla marriages 1846-1861: 24 Feb 1857: Marriage of Mary Roughan to Laurence Coony, Tyrera; witnesses : Pat Kelly, Margaret Quinlivan. (2nd -3rd consanguinity = 1st cousins once removed).
Laurence Cooney died on 7 Jan 1874, aged 54: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 251852.pdf
Note: Tyrera is a subdivision of Ballyblood townland (see Tithes).

1906: Death of Mary McNamara, Ballyblood, aged 85, married, wife of a farmer; informant: Lott McNamara, husband, Ballyblood: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 557771.pdf
-----------------------

Jimbo, thank you for the account of Patrick Rochford’s life and his 21 years in the army. I agree that army pensioners would have seemed reliable to most employers. And I think that some of the landlords may have felt an affinity plus a duty towards retired soldiers. But there were some retired soldiers who ended in the workhouse, e.g. Terence McNamara, bachelor, aged 67, Army Pensioner, who died in Tulla Workhouse on 13 Jan 1900: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 629977.pdf

Sheila

[Sduddy]

I think I’ve found the baptism of Denis McNamara in the O’Callaghan’s Mills parish baptisms 1835-1881:
March 1839: Baptism of Denis of Michael McNamara and Catherine McNamara, Cealdarra [Keelderry]; sponsors: Patrick McMahon, Bridget McNamara: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 1/mode/1up
The townland of Keelderry is in the parish of Killuran. Keelderry/Kilderry lies in Ballinahinch D.E.D, and in Tulla registration district. Keelderry is quite close to the townland of Ballinahinch. I found no other baptisms of children of Michael McNamara and Catherine McNamara (apart from Kate who was baptised in Kilnoe parish in 1857). If Michael and Catherine lived at one time in Keelderry, they must have lived elsewhere before settling in Clogher, in Kilnoe (Bodyke).

Griffith’s Valuation for the townland of Keelderry shows John McNamara leasing Lot 4, Michl. McNamara sen. leasing Lot 5, Denis McNamara sen. leasing Lot 6 and Denis McNamara jun. leasing Lot 7. There is a Michael Mac Namara living in Kilderry in 1901, aged 62: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... y/1087229/, whose father was also Michael McNamara (according to the record of Michael’s marriage to Bridget Kearney on 1 Mar 1870: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 177859.pdf). But this (father) may be the Michael McNamara who, according to the O’Callaghan’s Mills baptisms, lived in Cealderra, but was married to Catherine Tuohey (not Catherine McNamara). Both Michaels had sons baptised within a month of each other:
March 1839: Baptism of Denis of Michael McNamara and Catherine McNamara, Cealdarra [Keelderry]; sponsors: Patrick McMahon, Bridget McNamara.
14 April 1839: Baptism of Daniel of Michael McNamara and Catherine Tuohey, Co[?]; sponsors: Michael Walsh, Catherine McNamara.
23 September 1841: Baptism of Anne of Michael McNamara and Catherine Tuohey, Ceal[derra]; sponsors: Patt Sallinger, Mary Perry: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 0/mode/1up.
-----------------------------

I think Lott McNamara came from the townland of Crag in Kilseily parish rather than the townland of Cragg in Tulla Parish. The record of Lott’s marriage, on 31 July 1874, to Mary Cooney née Roughan includes “O’C. Mills” - see Tulla parish marriages: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 2/mode/1up. The O’Callaghan’s Mills parish baptisms shows a Peter McNamara, Cragg, as father, and shows a Lot McNamara as sponsor (on a few occasions), but there’s no baptism of a Lot McNamara. The 1901 census for Crag (Castlecrine DED) shows a Peter McNamara, living in Crag, aged 76: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... 115_14.htm. Peter is probably a close relative of Lot. Peter’s wife, Bridget is still alive in 1911, aged 80: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... ag/367061/ The O’Callaghan’s Mills baptisms show that she was Bridget Duggan.

Sheila

[Jimbo]

Hi Sheila,

Good job discovering the 1839 baptism of Denis McNamara, with parents Michael McNamara and Catherine McNamara in O'Callaghan Mills baptism register. You also mention the 1857 baptism of Kate in Kilnoe Parish, but weren't her parents Michael McNamara and Bridget McNamara? When Michael McNamara of Derrymore died in 1876, he was a married man. I was unsuccessful in finding a civil death record for his widow when searching Tulla Parish for both a Bridget or Catherine McNamara.

I agree that Charles George O'Callaghan and other landlords who were British army officers would have had an affinity to military pensioners such as Patrick Rochford. However, the experience of the officer class in the British military would have little in common with the rank and file soldiers. Patrick Rochford of the 51st Foot would have earned his promotions to corporal and then sergeant based upon his own talents. Captain Charles George O'Callaghan purchased his "military promotions":

MILITARY PROMOTIONS.
WAR-OFFICE, MAY 6.

7th Regiment of Dragoon Guards—Charles George O'Callaghan, gent., to be cornet, by purchase, vice John, who retires.

Statesman and Dublin Christian Record, Tuesday, 10 May 1842

In 1837, the purchase of the "cornet" rank would have cost £450, and most likely a similar amount for Charles George O'Callaghan in 1842. The below wikipedia article provides the justification for this practice (which was abolished in 1871):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchase_ ... itish_Army

Upon further research of the 1847 murder of Michael Walsh, the land steward of Charles George O'Callaghan of Ballinahinch, the gun used in the killing may have been his own gun that was stolen in 1845:

£50 REWARD

WHEREAS on SATURDAY, the 14th day of JUNE instant, two men, one of whom had his face partially blackened, entered the house of Michael Walsh, Steward, on the lands of Ballynahinch, and forcibly took away two Guns and a Pistol, I hereby offer a Reward of Fifty Pounds, for the apprehension and prosecution to conviction, within Six Months from the date hereof, of one or both of the men concerned in the above outrage.
CHARLES GEORGE O'CALLAGHAN,
Ballynahinch, June 23, 1845.

Clare Journal and Ennis Advertiser, Monday, 23 June 1845

A specific motive for the murder was provided in the below 1847 newspaper article:

. . . Michael Walsh was acting as steward and driver on the estate at the time the late Mr. Carrig [Pierce Carrick] was shot, and shortly after gave up the collection of the rent, but retained his situation as steward, and in charge of the domain. He occupied some lands from which some tenants were dispossessed by ejectment about three years since; his arms were taken from his house, as reported on the 15th of June, 1845, and for some months after Mr. Carrig's [Pierce Carrick's] murder we gave him police protection by patrol, &c., as I then considered his life in danger."

The Morning Chronicle, London, 30 November 1847

Charles George O'Callaghan, gentleman, residence St. Pancras, son of Cornelius O'Callaghan (deceased) married Marion Josephine Kelly, minor, residence St. Pancras, daughter of Patrick Kelly (gentleman), on 19 September 1856, at St. Pancras Church in the County of Middlesex [London]. (source: London, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1938, ancestry website).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Pancras_Old_Church

After his marriage in September 1856, Charles George O'Callaghan appears to have become more generous in his charity:

The Rev. James Bowles, P.P., Tulla, has received £40 from Captain O'Callaghan of Ballynahinch, towards the repairs of his chapel.

Limerick Chronicle, Saturday, 2 May 1857

CHRISTMAS GIFTS.—Captain Charles George O'Callaghan and his lady, have, with their usual kindness sent from London a quantity of clothing to their labourers in Ballynahinch.—They have also send orders to their steward to present all the men and women in their employment with money for Christmas.

Clare Freeman and Ennis Gazzette, Saturday, 2 January 1858

Captain Charles George O'Callaghan and his amiable lady, have also, according to their usual custom, sent their Christmas presents of money and clothing from their residence, Hyde Park, London, to the work people in their employment at Ballinahinch.

Clare Freeman and Ennis Gazzette, Saturday, 2 January 1860

Who was the land steward of Charles George O'Callaghan of Ballynahinch noted in above 1858 article?

And who was the widow of Michael Walsh, the land steward murdered in 1847? I had previously come to the conclusion that this was Catherine McNamara, of Kilnoe (townland neighboring Ballinahinch). See Walsh family tree on page 27 of the search for the missing Thomas McNamara of Glandree. But now upon further research, this theory was incorrect:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6965&start=390

The murdered Michael Walsh in 1847 had only been in Ballynahinch for a period of three years, according to the newspaper accounts which provided a motive for the murder. Where was the caretaker / steward plot located in Ballynahinch townland in Griffith Valuation of 1855?

Charles George O'Callaghan was located in Plot 1. To get to the Ballynahinch estate house you must pass through a long road passing through Plot 2. At 1855 Griffith Valuation Plot 2a was held by Margaret Walsh, lessor Charles George O'Callaghan; house, offices, & land; over 21 acres; total valuation £11, 10 shillings: land valuation £9; house valuation £2 10 shillings (a much nicer house than typical). In Plot 2b, was James Quin will a small house valued at only 10 shillings. Margaret Walsh also had 15 acres, land only, in Plot 3 valuated at £9. In Plot 3a was John Broughan with a house and garden valued at only 15 shillings.

Based upon her subsequent marriage in 1857, it appears that Margaret Walsh of 1855 Griffith Valuation was Margaret McNamara Walsh, the widow of Michael Walsh murdered in 1847:

James Whelan, no location reported, married Margaret McNamara, of Ballinahinch, on 12 July 1857, in Kilnoe Parish; witnesses Michael Byrns of Ballinahinch, and Mr. Liddy of Dromod per the Kilnoe (Bodyke) marriage register (1832-1883).

Theory on bride and groom: James Whelan of Newgrove was previously married to a Margaret Walsh and three of their children are recorded in the Tulla baptism register (which has many missing years). By the time that James Whelan married a second time to the widow, Margaret McNamara Walsh, of Ballinahinch in 1857, his two eldest sons, John and Thomas Whelan, had already immigrated to Victoria, Australia, as noted below:

The eldest son was John Whelan, who was married to Eliza McNamara, of Formerla, daughter of Michael Sheedy McNamara and Mary Molony, born in 1836.

WHELAN: - On the 13th August, at his father's residence, Bank Street, Richmond, James, the eldest and beloved son of John and Eliza Whelan, and grandson of the late Mr. James Whelan of New Grove, and the late Mr. Michael Sheedy M'Namara of Tomerla [Fomerla], County Clare, Ireland, in the twenty-fourth year of his age. R.I.P.

Illustrated Australian News, Melbourne, Victoria, 30 August 1878, per trove newspaper archive

WHELAN.—On the 6th July, at his late residence, Waterloo-street, St. Kilda, after a long and painful illness, Thomas, the dearly beloved husband of Catherine Whelan, second eldest son of the late James Whelan, Newgrove, county Clare, Ireland, age 42 years, late of the Victorian railways. R.I.P.

Leader, Melbourne, Victoria, Saturday, 13 July 1889

Prior to his second marriage to Margaret McNamara in 1857, James Whelan, Sr., lived in Newgrove, in Tulla Parish. In Griffith Valuation for Newgrove (Ballyslattery) townland, he leased Plot 5a; house, offices, & land; over 14 acres; land value, £14, 15 shillings; buildings value, 15 shillings.

His youngest son, James Whelan, Jr., married to Sarah Callaghan of Ballinahinch, would become land steward to Charles George O'Callaghan. When James Whelan married Sarah Callaghan, both of Ballinahinch, on 16 November 1871 only the Catholic record is available, not the civil record which would state the groom's occupation. However, at the birth of their first child in 1872, the occupation of James Whelan was "land steward".

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 175702.pdf

James Whelan and Margaret McNamara, married in 1857, had no children baptized in the Kilnoe baptism register. The likely explanation is that they were both over 50 years old. The James Whelan, who married Margaret McNamara in 1857, appears to have settled in Ballinahinch. He was not a young man, but had adult children living in Victoria, as evidenced by the below 1862 newspaper article. The son mentioned in this article must either be his eldest son, John Whelan, or second eldest son, Thomas Whelan, who had both immigrated to Australia:

THE LAND LAW OF VICTORIA

Mr. James Whelan, of Ballynahinch, has kindly supplied us [the editors, presumably] with a copy of the Hon. Gavan Duffy's "Guide to the Land Law of Victoria," forwarded to him by his son, who is a resident in that important part of Australia. We have gone over the book very carefully, and we find that it contains some useful and entertaining information; and, as the tide of emigration to Australia still flows on with unabated rapidity, we shall give an extract from this work, and continue to do so from time to time, believing that they will prove serviceable to intending emigrants. The annexed extract will be read with interest . . .

Clare Journal, and Ennis Advertiser, Monday, 29 September 1862

According to the Australian obituary of his grandson and namesake, James Whelan of Newgrove (at least orginally) had died prior to 1878. A James Whelan died in the second quarter of 1869, at the age of 63 (Tulla on-line record not yet available).

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... t%3DSearch

Margaret Whelan, age 87 years, widow of a land steward, died at Ballinahinch on 29 September 1887; informant James Whelan of Ballinahinch (not stated but her step-son).

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 771261.pdf

Based upon her civil death record, Margaret McNamara Whelan was born about 1800. Had she been married previously? The newspaper account of her 1857 marriage was not reliable: "In Tulla [?], Mr. James Whelan, of Ballinahinch [?}, to Miss [?] Eliza McNamee [?]. (Clare Journal and Ennis Advertiser, Monday, 20 July 1857, page 3). The location of the marriage was Kilnoe (Bodyke) and not Tulla parish. James Whelan had no residence reported on the Catholic marriage record; the bride was from Ballinahinch. Finally, since "Eliza McNamee" is incorrect, and should have stated "Margaret McNamara", as per the Catholic marriage record, there is no confidence that she was a "Miss".

Michael Walsh, who was murdered in 1847, had arrived in Ballinahinch only three years earlier, or about 1844. There is no indication where this Walsh family was living previously. His wife, Margaret McNamara Walsh, born about 1800, could have been the mother of many children, but none can be found in Kilnoe or neighboring parish baptism registers. One indication that Michael Walsh and Margaret McNamara had no children, is that when Margaret McNamara Walsh Whelan died in 1887, it was her step-son, James Whelan, Jr., who was the informant on the civil death record.

Why did James Whelan, Sr., marry Margaret McNamara (widow of Michael Walsh) in 1857? James Whelan, Jr., would become the Land Steward for Charles George O'Callaghan, soon after the death of James Whelan, Sr., in 1869 (need to confirm with civil record). James Whelan, Jr., was the son of James Whelan and Margaret Walsh baptized in 1846 at Tulla Parish. The 1857 marriage explains how James Whelan, Jr., obtained his position as land steward at Ballinahinch. Was the purpose of the 1857 marriage to keep the land stewardship in Walsh hands? Was Michael Walsh, murdered in 1847, related to the Margaret Walsh, the mother of James Whelan, Jr.?

Sheila, you had recently posted an interesting youtube video on the Gore family of Derrymore by Merriman Research and the presenter focuses on land transfers of the landlord classes. About the 11 minute mark she mentioned keeping the land in the same surname and pride in lineage etc when land is transferred. The story about the Edward Arthur Gore of Derrymore who was buried in 1912 with his horse (that had saved him during the Boer War) was unusual. The Walsh family of Ballinahinch (or Kilnoe?) gets a brief mention at the 11 minute mark for hunting game illegally on the Gore estate:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jlPJHS6bjE

**************************

My prior research of the Walsh family, in relation to James Halpin, Jr., had confused the Michael Walsh, of Ballinahinch, murdered in 1847, and married to Margaret McNamara (≈1800 - 1887), with the family of Michael Walsh, married to Catherine McNamara (≈1792 - 1881), who lived in neighboring Kilnoe townland, but who typically stated that they were from Ballinahinch. Both Margaret McNamara Walsh of Ballinahinch and Catherine McNamara Walsh of Kilnoe were widows at the time of Griffith Valuation. It was easy to confuse the two families.

Newly discovered information: Catherine McNamara Walsh died on 24 May 1881 in Ballinahinch, at the age of 89 years old, widow of a farmer (not a land steward), informant Pat Walsh of Ballinahinch (Tulla registration). She was the mother of Edmond Walsh (her Kilnoe lands transfer to him), Patrick Walsh (brother of Edward, per cousin relation of children who went to Atlantic City), William Walsh (recorded in Kilnoe baptism record), and probably, but not 100%, Johanna Walsh (married first to John Harrison, then James Halpin, Sr.).

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 849345.pdf

Will update and correct the Walsh family tree (page 27 of Search for missing Thomas McNamara) and also let Christie Whelan know that it was her great-great-great-grandfather, James Whelan, Sr., who married Margaret McNamara in 1857 along with 1862 article as supporting evidence:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7334

Sheila, I wonder if the Michael McNamara (≈1810 - 1876) of Derrymore could be related to either Margaret McNamara Walsh (≈1800 - 1887) of Ballinahinch or Catherine McNamara Walsh (≈1792 - 1881) of Kilnoe/Ballinahinch?

To be continued,

Edit 1 on April 30th: Michael McNamara correction as noted by Sharon. Also, corrected above to consistently report the mother of James Whelan, Jr., as "Margaret Walsh" and not "Mary Walsh". The 1846 Tulla baptism entry has James Whelan's mother transcribed as "Mary Walsh", but as noted by Sheila in other postings, she was a "Marg" for "Margaret" (consistent with baptisms of Whelan siblings). James Whelan, Sr., first married "Margaret Walsh" and then "Margaret McNamara Walsh", which can be confusing. Edit 2 on May 1st: Catherine McNamara Walsh died on 24 May 1881 (not 1887),

[smcarberry]

Jimbo, one small detail for changing during your editing window to do so, so that your remarks are complete and as you would have them. In your 1st paragraph:

When McNamara McNamara of Derrymore died in 1876, he was a married man.

Your eyes were not allowing you to see that "McNamara McNamara" was meant to be "Michael McNamara." It's a neurological quirk which I have often done, and it must be related to your focus being so oriented to content rather than form, though obviously you were putting in your usual fine effort on form. The content you were conveying is the shining star of that message. I know you would want to take care of this detail, though.

SMC

[smcarberry]

Having a Melbourne VIC death notice already on hand, I should add it to round out what Jimbo just posted:

...the eldest son was John Whelan, who was married to Eliza McNamara, of Formerla, daughter of Michael Sheedy McNamara and Mary Molony, born in 1836.

While John of this Whelan-McNamara couple was apparently born in 1836, the wife Eliza's 1834 baptism is displayed in the Tulla RC register,in a set of siblings born to Michael McNamara of Fomerla and his wife Mary Molony. My thanks once again to Sheila for providing the ultra-handy dataset grouping the Tulla baptisms by each father, especially since the home locality is misspelled in one or two baptisms and missing from two or three others of the sibs 1834 - 1843 (Eliza, Bridget, Michael, James, and maybe Thady if mother Mary's surname was incorrectly written Nelson by the cleric).

The 28 May 1881 Australian death notice in The Leader:

Whelan - On the 19th May, at her last residence, Bank-street, Richmond, Eliza, the beloved wife of John Whelan, of her Majesty's Customs, Melbourne, and daughter of the late Mr. Michael McNamara, of Fomerla, County Clre, Ireland, in her 47th year. R.I.P

[Sduddy]

Hi Sharon
I’m pleased that you like my transcription of the Tulla baptisms. As I said at the time, it nearly killed me. While I was doing it, an alder tree rooted itself in what was meant to be a flowerbed, and is now a monument to the Tulla baptisms. I am conscious, however, of the huge number of question marks, and I am always wishing that someone with better eyesight would take a look at those.

Hi Jimbo
Small blame to you for confusing those two families of Walshes, the Walshes in the townland of Ballinahinch, and the Walshes in the townland of Kilnoe, and well done for sorting them out. It’s very hard to go back and tackle a piece of work, which had seemed quite okay at the time.

I’m still thinking about the McNamaras in Clogher, and I have found a possible connection with the Byrnes family (previous to the marriage of Anne McNamara from Clogher to Denis Byrnes in 1874). A Catherine Byrne married Mathew McNamara on 3 Feb 1856; witnesses: John McNamara, Jane Nixon: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 2/mode/1up. Mathew and Catherine lived in the townland of Lisofin – see Tulla Baptisms 1846-1862 and Tulla Baptisms 1862-1880:
4 Apr 1859: Denis of Matthew McNamara and Catherine Byrnes; sponsors: Denis Burns, Margaret McNamara.
22 Apr 1860: John of Matthew McNamara and Catherine Byrnes, Lisofin; sponsors: John McNamara, Mary Cusack.
Tulla Baptisms 1862-1880:
15 Jun 1863: Mary of Matthew McNamara and Catherine Byrne, Lisofin; sponsors: Thomas Cusack, Catherine Lynch.
8 Oct 1864: James of Mathew McNamara and Catherine Byrne, Lisofin; sponsors: Thomas Sheehan, Catherine Donohue
22 Mar 1867: James of Mathew McNamara and Kate Burns, Lisofin; sponsors: John McNamara, Catherine Lynch.
28 May 1869: Mathew of Mathew McNamara and Catherine Byrne, Lisofin; sponsors: John McNamara, Catherine Lynch.
15 Apr 1872: Daniel of Mathew McNamara and Catherine Byrnes, Lisofin; Michael Floyd, Catherine Lynch.

Jimbo, I’ve abandoned the notion that Denis McNamara, Cealdarra, baptised in O’Callaghan’s Mills parish, is the Denis who is living in Clogher townland in 1901, since you pointed out that Cealdarra Denis was the son of Michael McNamara and Catherine McNamara, while Catherine McNamara (living in Clogher in 1901) was a daughter of Michael McNamara and Bridget McNamara. Maybe Denis is a grandson of the Dennis McNamara who was in Lisofin at the time of Tithes (1827): The Tithe Applotment Books for Tulla show a Dennis McNamara and a Matt McNamara living in Lissofin: https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... la_tab.htm.

I should say this theory that the Clogher McNamaras might have originated in Lisofin is just pure speculation.

Sheila

[Sduddy]

Hi Jimbo, again

You wondered if Michael McNamara (1810-1876), Derrymore, was related to either Catherine McNamara Walsh in Kilnoe townland, or Margaret McNamara Walsh in Ballinahinch townland, and I think it is going to be impossible to decide.

There is some evidence in the Kilnoe Parish Register of Marriages 1832-1883 of McNamaras living in Ballinahinch during that period:

Feb. 1839: Marriage of B McNamara to John Rochford (Ballinahinch & Clonmoher); witnesses: Thomas Crowe, Michael McNamara, Ballinahinch(?). The baptisms for this couple give Ballinahinch as the address, so it may be that it was John Rochford who was from Ballinahinch and it may be that B McNamara was from Clonmoher: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 1/mode/1up.

1 Mar 1840: Marriage of Kate Walker to John McNamara, Ballinahinch and Cloher; witnesses: Denis McNamara, Thomas Walker, Ballinahinch & (?) :https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 2/mode/1up.

Feb. 1844: Marriage of Bridget Mack to John Vaughan (both from Ballinahinch, but not at all sure of this): witnesses: Pat McGee, Pat Hickie, Anaghniel & Ballina(?): https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 4/mode/1up.

Nov. 1844: Marriage of Anne Madden to Thomas Meany (both from Ballinahinch): witnesses: Denis MacNamara, Honoria MacNamara, Ballinahinch: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 4/mode/1up - see bottom of page.

12 Jul 1857: Marriage of Margaret McNamara to James Whelan, Ballinahinch; witnesses: Michael Byrns, Mr. Liddy, B Mack, Derram(?): https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 0/mode/1up.

31 Jan 1874: Marriage of Anna Mack, Derrymore, to Dennis Byrns, Tulla; witnesses: George Byrns, Lizzie Harrison: https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 8/mode/1up.

Sheila

[Jimbo]

Hi Sharon, thank you very much for the 1881 obituary in Australia for the wife of John Whelan as it states his occupation as "her Majesty's Customs, Melbourne". This solves the mystery of which of the two sons living in Victoria sent their father, James Whelan, then living in Ballynahinch, the book "Guide to the Land Law in Victoria".

Regarding the McNamara's of Fomerla, we had previously discussed this family, very early in the search for the missing Thomas McNamara of Glandree, page 9, back in October 2018. The objective was to show that the use of the name "Sheedy McNamara" was not specific to Glandree families.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6965&start=120

The grandson James [Whelan] died in 1878 at age 24, so born around 1854. He was the eldest son, so his mother Eliza McNamara would have been born in County Clare most likely around 1834. From the Tulla baptism register: Michael McNamara and Mary Molony of Fomerla (very near Tyredagh) had the following children:
1) Eliza, 11 March 1834, sponsors Patt Molony and Bridget Halloran
2) Bridget, 1 April 1836, sponsor Margaret Molony
3) Michael, August 1842, sponsors Patt Molony and Bety Mac
4) James, August 1843, sponsor M. M?

Sheila, I don't think you should completely abandon your theory that the Denis McNamara, son of Michael McNamara, baptized in Keelderry in 1846, might have been the Denis McNamara living in Clogher in the 1901 census (whose father was a Michael McNamara). The priests make frequent mistakes, in particular with mother's names. I reckon the parish priests would have known the married women of the parish as, for example, "Mrs. McNamara" or the "wife of Michael McNamara", not by "Bridget" or "Catherine". The Denis McNamara baptized in 1846 had a "Bridget McNamara" as a sponsor, perhaps the priest confused the names of the mother and sponsor? Another possibility is that the father, Patrick McNamara (≈1809 - 1875) of Derrymore was married twice? Most of the McNamara families we have researched have been of the farmer class. The only other McNamara herdsman I recall was a Stephen McNamara, who had been married three times. When Patrick McNamara died in 1875, a married man, who was the informant Margaret McNamara? Her relationship was not reported. His wife? Another daughter? I could not locate her civil death record. Did she marry or remarry?

Supporting evidence for your Keelderry theory, that I don't think has been mentioned, is that the landlord of Keelderry of O'Callaghan Mills, according to Griffith Valuation, was Charles George O'Callaghan of Ballinahinch estate in Kilnoe Parish.

Sheila, your mention of Lisofin townland reminded me of our earlier foray into Lisofin back in 2019. At the 1853 marriage of Michael McNamara of Uggoon and Margaret Halpin of Ballyoughtra in Tulla Parish were two witnesses from Lisofin, James McGrath and Margaret McInerney (page 19 of the Thomas McNamara search):
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6965&start=270

In considering the accuracy of the parish baptism and marriage records, it would be good to know who was the parish priest at the time. Was the parish priest elderly or brand new to the parish at the time of the sacrament? I researched the Kilnoe parish priests using the British Newspaper Archives, mostly by searching with the term "P P Kilnoe" or "P P Bodyke". There are still a few open issues with the timeline. A visit to Bodyke church might reveal a plaque or individual memorials to fill in the blanks and confirm the below information.

LATE DISCOVERY: a far more simple approach to newspaper archives would be to consult the headstone transcriptions of the parish cemetery being researched, located at the Clare Library.

The Kilnoe parish baptism and marriage records start in 1832. I am curious if in the transition between parish priests, especially in an untimely death, that many a baptism or marriage register went missing.

The Kilnoe baptism records at the NLI don't appear to be the original records, based upon the same clear handwriting throughout. And on the first page it has the comment "In all the following entries, S stands for sponsor", followed by "M Guerin", then below "scribe for Rev'd J Vaughan". It does beg the question if the original register has survived.

https://registers.nli.ie/registers/vtls ... 6/mode/1up

Kilnoe-Tomgraney (Bodyke) Parish Priest Timeline (draft):

1) Rev. Daniel O'Brien ( - until his death in 1825)
2) TBD?
2) Rev. Patrick Tracy (TBD: possibly 1825? at least from 1837 - until his death in 1848)
3) Rev. John Gleeson (1848 - 1878, his death at age 76)
4) Rev. Peter Murphy (1878 - 1893, his transfer to Quin Parish)
5) Rev. John Canon McNamara (1893 - 1923, his death at age 76)
6) Rev. John P. O'Gorman (1923 - 1930, his death at age 68 per civil death record)
7) Very Rev. Michael Canon Dinan (1930 - 1949, his death at age ?)
8 ) Rev. Denis Flannery (1949 - 1972, his death at age ≈71)

Source (1) through (7): The British Newspaper Archive.
Alternative Source (5) through (8): Bodyke cemetery headstone transcriptions.

DEATHS:
Mr. Daniel O'Brien, of Kilnoe, nephew of the Rev. Daniel O'Brien, Parish Priest of said place.
Saunders's News-Letter, Thursday, 15 February 1821

DIED,
In the 70th year of his age, the Rev. Daniel O'Brien, Parish Priest of Kilnoe and Tomgraney.
Waterford Mail, Wednesday, 8 June 1825

To James Fitzgerald O'Connor, Esq, Chief Constable of Police, Kingstown
. . . [a letter forward by Francis Gore, thanking constable O'Connor for his service the past three years; signed by list of names, including:}
Patrick Tracy, P.P., Kilnoe
Dublin Evening Post, Saturday, 6 May 1837

We have to record this day the death of Rev. Mr. Tracey, P.P., Tomgraney and Kilnoe, of fever caught in visiting the sick in one of those receptacles of woe for which that portion of the poor-law union of Scariff is become notorious.—Limerick and Clare Examiner
Dublin Weekly Nation, Saturday, 29 April 1848

The Address of the Undersigned Inhabitants of the Union of Scariff
. . . [to thank William O'Brien, Esq., the late master of the Scariff workhouse, a position which he had filled the prior seven years, during which time he lost his wife and four of his children during the "trying scenes of death and infection produced by the crowds of wretched paupers who have filled the workhouse far beyond its due means of accommodation for the last two years".
. . .[long list of names, including];
John Gleeson, P.P., Kilnoe
Limerick Chronicle, 8 July 1848

Catholic University [donations]
Parish of Tomgraney and Kilnoe, including £1, his own subscription, per Rev. John Gleeson, P.P.: £5.
Tipperary Vindicator, Tuesday 29 May 1860

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Rev. F. McMahon, P.P., Doonas, thankfully acknowledges the sums of one pound from Rev. John Gleeson, P.P., Bodyke; . . .
Tipperary Vindicator, Tuesday, 3 May 1870

John Gleeson, bachelor, 76 years, parish priest, died on 29 March 1878 at Coolready, of jaundice (1 year) and congestion of lungs (10 days); informant Martin Gleason present at death Coolreagh (Scariff registration).

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 196666.pdf

ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWS.—The transfer on promotion is being availed of to promote a farewell testimonial for the Rev. Peter Murphy, who has been one of the R.C. curates in Nenagh for a number of years past and just translated [transferred?] by the bishop—his own former parish priest—to the parish of Bodyke in the county of Clare . . .
Midland Counties Advertiser, Thursday, 16 May 1878

LANDLORDS AND TENANTS IN CLARE
At a public meeting of the parishioners of the united parishes of Kilnoe and Tomgraney, in the county of Clare, held at the Kilnoe Catholic Church on Sunday, Rev. Peter Murphy in the chair, the following resolutions . . .
The Irishman, Saturday, 21 June 1879

CLERICAL CHANGES IN THE DIOCESE OF KILLALOE
Rev P Murphy, P P, Bodyke, to be P P, Quin.
Rev John McNamara, P P, Ogonnelloe, to be P P, Bodyke.
Freeman's Journal, Tuesday, 9 May 1893

In the 1901 census, John McNamara, age 53, born in County Clare, parish priest, was living in Coolready townland, Boherglass DED, along with two servants, Anne Hickey (age 50) and John McNamara (age 27).

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... y/1084885/

In the 1911 census, John MacNamara, age 63, born in County Clare, parish priest, was living in Coolready townland, Boherglass DED, along with two visitors and two servants:

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... dy/368084/

** See Note Below.

A BELOVED PASTOR
Fr. John Canon MacNamara, P.P., Bodyke, Co. Clare, has died, to the sorrow of his parishioners and of a wide circle of clerical and lay friends in the diocese of Killaloe. Office and Solemn Requiem Mass was offered in Bodyke Parish Church, to the care of which he was so devoted since appointment to the pastorate.
Nottingham and Midland Catholic News, Saturday, 13 October 1923

Dr. Fogarty, Bishop of Killaloe, has made the following changes and appointments: [about 10 or so] . . . Fr. J. O'Gorman, P.P., O'Gonnelloe, to P.P. Bodyke
Nottingham and Midland Catholic News, Saturday, 17 November 1923

FR. J.P. O'GORMAN,P.P.
Fr. J.P. O'Gorman, P.P., Bodyke, died at Raheen Hospital. He motored to Raheen to celebrate Mass and on arrival at the hospital was stricken with a heart attack, which rendered his removal to his home at Bodyke dangerous. From the start there was little hope of his recovery. He ministered for many years as curate of Killaloe.—R.I.P.
Nottingham and Midland Catholic News, Saturday, 19 May 1930

Funeral Obsequies of the Late Rev. T. O'Donoghue, P P, Youghalara
. . . [long list of priests] . . .
Rev. J. Dinan, P P , Bodyke
Midland Counties Advertiser, Thursday, 25 February 1932

CO. CLARE CANON'S DEATH
Very Rev. M. Canon Dinan, P.P., Bodyke, East Clare, whose death is announced, was a native of Scariff. He was educated at St. Flannan's College and ordained at Maynooth. He ministered as curate in Kilkee and other parishes until his appointment as Parish Priest of Feakle, whence he was transferred to Bodyke, where he officiated for the last 18 years. About seven years ago he was appointed a member of the Cathedral Chapter. . .
Evening Herald (Dublin), Saturday, 20 August 1949

Most of the Bodyke parish priests are buried at Bodyke cemetery and their respective headstones have been transcribed by Tom McDowell. Including Canon Dinan's successor:, Rev. Denis Flannery (#58)

https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... veyard.htm

Pray for the soul of Very Rev. Denis Flannery. Born Sheane Nenagh 1900. Ordained in Rome 1925. Parish Priest Bodyke 1949-1972. Died 9th March 1972. R.I.P.

The transcription note for the Rev. Martin O'Brien (#57) that he was "Parish Priest Bodyke 1937 - 1949" was incorrect based upon above search. Also born in 1911 Martin O'Brien would be very young to be a parish priest in 1937, perhaps he was the curate.


Note ** Canon John Mcnamara of Bodyke was the brother of Vicar General P.J. McNamara of New York, which I see now was the topic of a thread by Paddy Waldon — see below link. I had researched this McNamara family awhile back as previously had commented how few McNamara priests there were in Clare despite how common of a surname. Will update Paddy's thread as my research revealed an interesting mystery as well as a slight connection to Woody Allen.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5407

[Jimbo]

Kilnoe-Tomgraney (Bodyke) Parish Priest Timeline (updated draft):

Today's google search of "John Gleeson" and "Bodyke" led to the School's Collection at duchas.ie. A submission from Bodyke school included a useful lists of teachers, Bodyke parish priests from 1821- 1938, as well as curates . The submitter appears to be the Bodyke teacher reported as "Bríd, Bean Uí Chadhla", (see page 340 of 435):

https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5177626/5 ... ID=5177626

The listing of parish priests from 1821 to 1938 on the Duchas website confirmed by suspicion that there was a parish priest in between Father O'Brien and Father Tracy; it also provided the burial locations for each priest through 1938 (below updated based upon latest headstone transcriptions):

1) Rev. Daniel O'Brien (1821 - until his death in 1825). Buried Tuamgraney Churchyard.
2) Rev. Fahey (1825 - 1832). Buried in Newmarket on Fergus in 1839.
3) Rev. Patrick Tracy (1832 - until his death in 1848). Buried inside Bodyke Church.
4) Rev. John Gleeson (1848 - 1878, his death at age 76). Buried inside Bodyke Church.
5) Rev. Peter Murphy (1878 - 1893, his transfer to Quin Parish). Buried Quinn Church.
6) Rev. John Canon McNamara (1893 - 1923, his death at age 76). Bodyke Church Yard.
7) Rev. John P. O'Gorman (1923 - 1930, his death at age 68). Bodyke Church Yard.
8 ) Very Rev. Michael Canon Dinan (1930 - 1949, his death at age ?). Bodyke Church Yard.
9) Rev. Denis Flannery (1949 - 1972, his death at age ≈71). Bodyke Church Yard.

I searched the newspapers archives for more information on Father Fahy, who was reported to be Bodyke parish priest between 1825 and 1832:

The parishioners of Quin, County Clare, have presented an address to the Rev. Mr. Fahy, upon his leaving that Parish, having been appointed to the Parishes of Tomgreany and Kilnoe.

Dublin Morning Register, Tuesday, 26 April 1825.

DEATHS
In Newmarket, the Rev. Mr. Fahy, P.P.
Clare Journal and Ennis Advertiser, Thursday, 24 January 1839

Dr. Kennedy, R.C. Bishop of Killaloe, has taken to himself the parish of Newmarket-on-Fergus, vacant by Rev. Mr. Fahey's death
Freeman's Journal, Monday, 25 March 1839

Besides Father Fahy's initial appointment and death at Newmarket-on-Fergus, I could find little other information. Not even his first name. There was also a parish priest at Tulla Parish named Charles Fahey ("Very Rev. Dr. Fahy") about the same time period.

Unfortunately, in 1832, Father Fahy appears to have not handed over the Kilnoe parish records to his successor, Father Tracy, since the Kilnoe parish records start in late 1832. The records between 1821 and late 1832 are missing.

Another google search result of "John Gleeson" and "Bodyke" was the Witness Statement from the Bureau of Military History, 1913-1912, of Michael Gleeson of Bodyke who was an Irish Volunteer with the East Clare Brigade. A very interesting account. His father, Martin Gleeson, was the informant on the 1878 civil death record for the Rev. John Gleeson. According to the opening sentences of the witness statement, the Rev. John Gleeson was originally from County Tipperary:

I was born on 16th April 1891, in the house which is now the Presbytery for the parish of Bodyke. My people originally came from Birdhill in the Co. Tipperary. A grand-uncle of mine, Father John Gleason, became Parish Priest of Bodyke and, in accordance with the terms of the will, my father inherited the Parish Priest's house and a farm.

https://www.militaryarchives.ie/collect ... WS1288.pdf

The Rev. John Gleeson along with Mrs. Captain C.G. O'Callaghan were the sponsors as the baptism of Marianne Callaghan, daughter of John Callaghan and Mary Callaghan of Ballinahinch on 11 August 1862. The Rev. John Gleeson was also the baptism sponsor for many of the children of his nephew, Martin Gleeson, in the Kilnoe baptism records. However, this was the only time that Mrs. Captain C.G. O'Callaghan was a baptism sponsor in the Kilnoe register, and Marianne was likely named after her. Marion Josephine Kelly had married Charles George O'Callaghan in 1856 at St. Pancras Church in London, in a Church of England ceremony. But as a sponsor at a Catholic baptism in 1862, I'm fairly certain that she must have been a Catholic.