Ireland XO News

County in Focus - Mayo

Picture: Cong Abbey in County Mayo

New book captures the essence of being 'Mayo'

The title, the book’s authors tell us, was chosen quite deliberately. "It reflects the common bond that exists between us, helps unite us and hopefully will never leave us," they declare.

Your MAYO parish just before the Famine

If you have traced your ancestors to a particular town, village or parish in County Mayo, this resource can provide local insights into the district in which they lived, and what amenities were available to them at that time. Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of Ireland is one of the most valuable

Remember Us - The People's War, Newport Area, Mayo 1914-1924 Book

Remember Us was launched in April 2019 by the Tiernaur Oral History Group in Newport County Mayo.  This book covers the years of 1914-1924 and the many local people who fought and supported the  Easter Rising, War of Independence and Civil War.  The book is available for sale at

Mayo Orphan Girls - An Earl Grey genealogy project

From 1848 to 1850, the Famine Orphan Emigration Scheme, administered by Colonial Secretary, Earl Grey, sent a total of 4,114 young women from 118 Irish workhouses to the Australian ports of Sydney, Port Phillip (Melbourne) and Adelaide.

The Breheny family of Kilbeagh Mayo

Sean Breheny will be adding further details about the family as well as family photos and documents. You can learn more at his website

Tóstal 'Heritage' 2016

Ballycastle says Goodbye to Ireland's Oldest Woman

Molly Madden (nee Keane) passed away at the Moy Ridge Nursing Home in Ballina earlier this month. Molly became Mayo’s oldest ever living person on August 25, 2015 as she overtook Helena Gibbons of Ballindine as Mayo's oldest recorded woman.  Ms Gibbons lived 108 years and 260 days.

Islandeady Graveyards are Mapped

The mapping of the graveyards in the parish is a great resource for those seeking to find out more about their ancestors. It means that those who can travel to the parish as well as those who are far away, can conduct research and locate a grave plot and headstone.

Islandeady Gathering

Anyone interested in or connected to the Parish of Islandeady is invited home for a weekend of celebration in May. Some of the events planned include a visit to the national schools as part of a trip down memory lane.