Hi there

My Co Mayo ancestors were Burke/Flynn/ Derrig (Derrick) and they left for Scotland at the time of the Famine, before my branch went onto New Zealand.

This is a complete long shot- but I have a big group of DNA matches (18 of them at 4th-6th cousin level) topped with an O'Halloran 4th -6th cousin. It looks like some of his ancestors went to Chicago. I can't work out a common ancestor with this group, and have been thinking they might have a Co Limerick origin. However, as I do have some Co Mayo ancestors, I thought it was worth asking if your O'Halloran might possibly be linked with my family.

Margaret

Hi Margaret

I have O'Halloran in my DNA matches from Ancestry as a distant cousin. My Grandmother was Burke and my second great uncle was married to Bridget Delia Flynn born 1841. I have my DNA match done with Ancestry and here is a link to my tree so you might be able to see if you have a match with me. https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/tree/158069288/family/familyview…

Regards

Helen

Hi Helen

Thank you for your reply. I have checked my DNA matches and don't see one with you- nor with my sister- but with the number of generations difference it doesn't rule out a link. My Burke/Flynn/Derrig ancestors were from Derrycraugh in Aghagower Parish. I know from trying to look up parish records there that both Burke and Flynn surnames were quite numerous at the time pre-Famine. My tree is: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/tree/163442266/family/familyvie…

I live in hope that someone in the big mystery group of matches I have with this O'Halloran will one day show a Common Ancestor, or that more of them will put trees up. In time, I hope there will be an answer!

Margaret