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My great grandfather John Gallagher died at home on June 16, 1902. I cannot find where he is buried. 
He married Ellen (nee McGinley of Alrinieran) at St Columba’s Church in Glenswilly on March 6, 1886. If he is buried there, would the church have the registers today? I am visiting the area the last week of September.

I also have no idea where Ellen Gallagher went after the 1911 census. There is an Ellen Gallagher who died in Derry on February 3, 1916. Her daughter Mary was present at death. No idea where she is buried.

Here’s hoping someone can help me with these genealogical roadblocks.

Brian Gallagher from Canada 

Brian Gallagher

Monday 22nd Aug 2022, 08:30PM

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  • Brian,

    According to the Derry City cemetery site, Ellen Gallagher who died on 3.2.1916 is buried in the city cemetery Section M, Class C no 552. Her parents were William & Mary Clarke. Plot owner is/was Richard Gallagher (he died in 1957). There are 6 Gallaghers in the grave.

    https://towermuseumcollections.com/cemetery-records/

    Ellen was the widow of a cattle dealer. I suspect this is her in the 1911 census:

    http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Londonderry/Londonderry_Urban__4_/Lone_Moor_Road/603577/

    Family all born in Derry city.

    Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Monday 22nd Aug 2022, 09:10PM
  • Thanks so much Elwyn. Sorry for this “goose chase”. It was recently brought to my attention that Ellen Gallagher (nee McGinley) died on September 9, 1930 at the Letterkenny Hospital. She lived in Meenatinny which is about 20 km west of Letterkenny. I originally thought she may have moved to Derry sometime after the 1911 census but I’m probably wrong. When I am over in Donegal at the end of September, I may have to look at church records in the area. My great grandparents were poor tenant farmers so they probably couldn’t  afford a headstone. 
    Take care,

    Brian

    Brian Gallagher

    Sunday 28th Aug 2022, 11:03PM
  • Brian,

    Though she died in the hospital, Ellen’s death certificate shows her usual address was still Meenatinny then:

    https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1930/04909/4331391.pdf

    I looked to see if she left a will but didn’t find one.

    Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Monday 29th Aug 2022, 09:01AM
  • Thanks again Elwyn. When I’m in Letterkenny at the end of September, I’m going to check burial records at the cathedral and at the main library. Both John and Ellen Gallagher were poor tenant farmers but hopefully I can at least find out which cemetery they are buried in.  Fingers crossed that my search is fruitful.

    Thanks again.    Brian 🇨🇦

    Brian Gallagher

    Tuesday 30th Aug 2022, 07:18PM

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