John Donnelly : Short Biography

John Donnelly 1770 to 1865 was probably the eldest of three brothers that arrived in the townland of Greaghnadarragh, Bailieborough, County Cavan in the early 1800's to take up the tenancies of three farm lots there owned by Youngs (minors). He was the only named member written in the Tithe Applotment Book where a total of 106 acres from 4 lots were recorded against the name John Donnelly and brothers. It is believed by his descendants that the brothers came from County Armagh and that it was John's connections with William Young that led to them acquiring the lease.

All three, John, Peter and Brian remained farming on the same farms until their deaths and each having married left behind between them five family branches nicknamed the Philips, the Woods, the Porras, the Blues and the Shinnies. John's families were the Philip's through his first wife and the Woods through his second wife Catherine Clarke. His second wife Catherine and his descendants through his first wife are listed as shown on his headstone that stands in old Moybologue, the image is attached. There is one mistake that was made on John's headstone which was discovered on his grandson Philip's death certificate that shows he was 88 years old on his death in December 1920 making his birth year 1832 and not 1835 as written.

By the time that the Griffiths Valuation had been completed for the area in 1855 two of the the four farms had been joined into one but the total acreage was still intact. John at the age of 85 had handed the lease over to his much younger wife on farm 12 and the lease of farm 11 to his son Michael from his first marriage. The remaining amalgamated farm 10 was leased by Brian Donnelly's wife Rose.

Much is known about John's descendants but nothing at all in terms of records or factual family knowledge about his and his brothers parents. It is possible that their mother came from Cloven Eden in the parish of Loughgall, Armagh and their father was a Road maker from County Tyrone both just handed down stories but believed by each generation. Hopefully someone somewhere might have some knowledge of them.