MIchael's father - also Michael - as well as a James Harkin is shown on the List of Freeholders as having been registered in 1813 and as an Occupier on the Tithes Records as early as 1827 at Ballygastle.as well as at 17 May 1831,
In the 1855 Griffiths Valuations, Honoria Harkins is shown as the occupier at Ballyteige which I believe is the same property as the Ballygastle property, or at least nearby, in view of changes in boundaries of townlands and parishes around that time.. She may have been a sister of Patrick Harkins who took over the land around 1860 (see below)
While there was a Honora Harkin born in 1834 in Clare, whose father awas Patrick Harkins, and she died on 12 July 1920 in Strathfiledsaye, near Bendigo Victoria . Whether taht was the same person I am not certain..
After Michael's family left from LIverpool on the Boomerang on 5 November 1853, their land was taken over by Bryan Dillon thought to be a brother of John Dillon (Michael's stepfather) who farmed it for a few years, then thought to have been taken over by Honoria until about 1860 when it it was transferred back to Patrick Harkin (born 1836) who is believed to be a cousin of Michael, although I don't have any direct evidence of this.
I am seeking information about the parents of this Patrick Harkin born 1836 died 17.6.1921 , who married Mary Rynne born 1842 died 6.3.1942 and had 10 children;
1. Thomas born 17.12.1875,
2. Elizabeth born 1888-89 died 5.12.1957 age 69,
3.John died 1945,
4. Austin,
5. Mary died 3.6.1960 age unknown,
6. Katie (Kathleen) born 1882 died 12.11.1973 ,
7. Ellen born 1886 died 16.3.1972,
8. Catherine.born 1882 died 22.1.1967
9. Margaret details unknown
10.Brigid, details unknown
Anybody knowing any information about this family of "Harkin" or "Harkins" is asked to contact Gavan Harkin by email gavharkin@bigpond.com