O'Kennedy Edenderry

Hi Liam,

I will send you a photo of your grand uncle's headstone as soon as I can. Thomas his wife Pauline and his daughter Emer are in the same grave in St. Mary's Cemetery. No mention of Winnifred.

This information I retrived from the book Carved in Stone 2010, a survey of graveyards & buriel grounds Edenderry.

Rory O'Kennedy

Edenderry    

Rory, Delighted to hear from you and thanks for your information and for the offer to help w the photo.

The death notice for Winnie indicates that she was buried in Drumcooley Cemetery:

O'KENNEDY (Edenderry)—June 17, 1931. at her residence, Windsor Lodge. Edenderry, Winifred, wife oi Thomas J. O'Kennedy; dcuply regretted. Funeral to-day (Friday) from St. Mary's. Edenderry, to Drumcooley, 3 o'clock (new time). R.I.P.

Family lore has it that the Thomas, Winnie and Pauline are buried in the same grave and you have confirmed that, per the headstone, Emer is also in that plot. I wonder whether there is a record of burials in that graveyard - church or local council - and I might be able to check whether Jim who died in 1917 aged four is also there?

Many thanks

Liam

PS are you connected to the family?

Hi Liam,

I visited St. Mary's cemetery, opposite St. Mary's Church Edenderry, today, took some photo's.

Just to confirm headstone inscription in St. Mary's,  Thomas O'Kennedy died 29th. ? 1957, His wife Pauline O'Kennedy who died 18th. Dec. 1960.

There is no mention of his first wife Winifred or his daughter Emer on the headstone but Emer is buried in the grave. I know this because she is recorded in the book Carved in Stone, compilled by Therese Abbott who was a neighbour of Emer when she lived in Windsor Lodge. I also knew Emer when I was growing up, she was a lovely lady. 

The grave and headstone in St. Mary's is in good condition but needs cleaning.  

Winifred is probable buried in Drumcooley, about one mile outside Edenderry, having died in 1931 she is not buried with Thomas, Pauline, or Emer, because St. Mary's was not opened until 1955.  There is no headstone to Winifred  in Drumcooley, or any record of her buriel in Carved in Stone. Drumcooley is a very old Cemetery and some headstones have fallen, broken, buried, and have been lost including my own Great-Grand Parents. Winifred could be buried with her parents, I would need to know her maiden name to search further.

If you let me know your phone no I can send photo's on Whats App.  

My research shows no family connection but if you go back far enough there probable is.

Regards,

Rory  

Rory,

You are a superstar - thanks a million for your help on this request for assistance.

I dont have Whats App but my mobile is 086 8257703 and my email is liamkeilthy@gmail.com

Thomas died 29 Sep 1957.

Winnifred was a Brady from Dun Laoghaire. Her father was a ships captain. I dont know of any connection between the Brady family and Edenderry so I dont think there will be a Brady family grave.

Your info regarding the opening date for the new cemetery at St. Marys solves the mystery of whether they are all buried together.

I never knew Emer but have heard lots of very positive mentions of her. I believe she was closely involved in local community affaors and was a keen golfer? Did she work at a local factory, perhaps as accountant or book-keeper? I think she may have moved out of the old family home before she died? Any info would be appreciated.

Looking forward to seening the photos and once again thanks very much.

Liam

Rory, Did the pictures go astray? Nothing received here yet. Liam

Rory, On a whim today my wife and I visited Edenderry for the very first time to see if we could locate the Kennedy family grave and pay our respects. Unfortunately despite an hour of walking between the headstones on the left of the entrance I had no luck finding the headstone. Perhaps you would indicate where it is so I can visit again.

Many thanks

Liam

I am delighted to report that, with assistance from Simon and Catherine McGlynn I have now got a photo of my grand-uncles grave in St. Marys Edenderry. many thanks . Liam