Hello, My grandfather was Patrick Joseph Gillen - born 1884/1885 in Ballyconnell. His parents were James Gillen; born: 1835/1836 and Bridget Gillen (ne, Gilmartin) born: 1841(?). I have detailed information re all nine children born to James and Bridget - thank you Sligo Heritage and Geneology Society - between 1865 and 1884. I also have the 1901 and 1911 cencus locating them in Lissadill West. What I'm looking for is information regarding the births of James and Bridget; where, when, names of their parents, etc. I'm mindfull that his is challenging - given how long ago James and Bridget were born. I can't say enough good things about Sligo Heritage and Geneology Society - the wonderful people that work there and how helpful they've been over the years. But it seems - at least for the time being - I've exhausted their resources in re to James and Bridget - so I'm reaching out to the group for help. Thanks! PG
Paul Gillen
Thursday 22nd Oct 2020, 04:25PMMessage Board Replies
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Hi Paul I live in Sligo and will try and help you with your enquiry. First of all congratulations on the progress that you have made to date with your ancestral research. I am glad that the Sligo Heritage and Geneology Society have been of great assistance to you. As you have identified our records are somewhat sparse it the early 1800s. I have 2 options to suggest to you - first, join the Sligo Heritage and History Club on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/605357269662532. This is a very active group with very knowledgable people from North Sligo participating. I suggest that you post your story there and I expect you will get a response. Additionally can I suggest that you consider writing a letter (on line) to the editor of the local newspaper, the Sligo Champion, at https://www.facebook.com/TheSligoChampion or https://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/. The paper edition is widely read and it may result in a response from a member of the public who might know the Gillen family history. Hope that helped. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with Kind regards Tom
Tom Kelly, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Wednesday 28th Oct 2020, 08:03PM -
Hi Tom, Forgive my delay in replying to your thoughtful note. I appreciate your recomendation to post my story to the Sligo Heritage and Geneology Society. As I was already a member - I took your advice and did just that. Thanks also for the rcomendation re a letter to the Sligo Champion. On one of my first visits to SH&GS - I remember one of the staff saying to me - in re to my research - "The good news is - Gilen is a very common name here in Sligo. The bad news? - Gillen is a very common name!" And so my quest will continue! I hope you'll stay in touch. Once it's safe to allow Amerincans in the country - I hope to get back for a visit. PG
Paul Gillen
Tuesday 3rd Nov 2020, 07:56PM -
Hi Paul I see your post now I have prompted a cousin from the area to see if he knows anyone who might help Let me know if I can be of further help Kind regards Tom
Tom Kelly, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Wednesday 4th Nov 2020, 07:36PM -
Hi Paul
Have you taken a DNA test? I have tests with FTDNA and Ancestry. My granmother was Bridget Gilmartin from Carrownamadoo near Grange in Co Sligo. I have a match in the 2nd - 4th cousin with a Mark Francis Gillen who has a Bridget Gilmartin who married a Sean Ban Gillen in his family tree. Bridget was born in 1851. Would this be the same family?
Kind regards
Siobhan Mc Gloin
smg
Monday 16th Nov 2020, 11:44PM