John Walsh family,

Hi-  I am a long time genealogist, and volunteer to help people find their families on this side of the ocean, I am hoping my theory on my Mom's family may be proven or disproven on this forum.

JOHN WALSH born about 1815, wife Mary McDonald or McDonnell. He held property, and reputedly had tenants. The family history, written by a great aunt who lived from 1892-1970, states that the family was well off, but the daughter Ann ran off with the coachman and eloped to New York State. The heartbroken mother recieved letters telling them how wonderful it was.  The family apparently packed up and left, arriving in Troy, NY in the late 1860s. I actually found the coachman and Ann in US censuses in Troy, his name was James Lawler (or Lalor). What happened to their land I can only guess.

It also states that they were fleeing a rebellion they wanted no part of. Since they were staunchly Catholic, I theorize the parents left because the boys were becoming of age to be recruited into the Fenians. This is pure conjecture, but some rebellion was mentioned. The most frustrating asprt is it lists Kilkenny, in County Queens, as the site of their estate. It does not exist, so I must assume it's an Americanization of an Irish name. It could be Killenny, or Cullenagh, or Clonenagh. I will try them all.

I have checked the Griffith's for Clonenagh and found these promising John Walshes:

KNOCKANINA- John Walsh, lessor is Earl and and Countess of Miltown. John owns land and a house, and also leases land, office and a house to Stephen Walsh. There are Lalor's in town, but no McDonalds. The only John found that had a tenant.

BALLYFIN UPPER - John Walsh, house office and land, lessor Earl of Mornington. Lalors here also, and no McDonalds.

If anyone knows the Church for Knockanina, or has access to their records, please lend me some help. I am coming to Ireland in about three weeks, My time is very short to find my great-great grandparents' home.

 Thanks to all, God Bless.  -Barry