Charley O

Hi Mary!

Welcome back to Ireland Reaching Out!

I will add this message on the original thread so that Charley O will hopefully see your comment. Thanks!

Roger McDonnell

HI Mary,

We are researching Frank Duff, Thomas Freehill's nephew, who founded the Legion of Mary 100 years ago in Dublin (Sept. 7, 1921; they're about to have a huge, global Centennary). We are in San Francisco, CA. We wondered if this is the same Thomas Freehill. If so, all the relatives are buried near us in Colma, CA in the Catholic Cemetary called Holy Cross under the name Byington. 

My mom had Frank Duff and Alphie Lamb in her home in Mullingar, Ire. circa 1950. He is now Servant of God. Mom is looking forward to the Centennary. 

It sure would be fun if this is the same family. 

Peace and all good things,

Frances

Dear Frances  

I apologise for having missed your message which accounts for my late reply.   Yes Frank Duff's father Michael came from Ballyconnell.   Michael's Brother Tommy 1825-86 died in Nevada and his sister Catherine Freehill Byington 1835-1925 lived in Downeyville SF.

I hope your celebrations went well, I am trying to get a plaque erected on Franks' House where he lived latterly.  The City Council will be deligthed to do it and we just need the premission of the Legion.

Have you read "Frank Duff A LIFE STORY" by Finola Kennedy published by Burns & Oates she gives a very good account of his life.  I am keen to let people in Dublin know  more about Frank as i know there are many people who were reared in Regina Coeli who appreciate the way he protected them by letting them stay with their mothers.  Their treatment was so different to the Mothr and Baby Homes and this fact deserves to be known

If you need any further information let me know.    It might be easier to reach me at mary.freehill@gmail.com

Regards

Mary

Hi Mary

Paul Barrett here from Sydney. We have touched base previously. I am still trying to establish a link to my GG Grandmother, Mary Freehill. I noticed you referred to a Bridget Freehill who married a Mathew Cassidy and migrated to Australia. I wondered whether you knew when they migrated and to where in Australia.

I am amazed at the common names for children on the Freehill side and the offspring of our Mary and Patrick McCaffrey. The kids are all there Bridget, James, Thomas, Patrick etc.

Any help would be appreciated. We had hoped to catch up with you on a planned trip to Ireland this year but our travel plans were shot down by Covid. Still planning to visit (God willing) when travel settles down, possibly 2023/2024.

Paul Barrett

Dear Paul

Apologies for not replying before now.   I think you may be thinking of   Anne Freehill DOB 29 June 1866 who

married  Matthew Seery DOB 30 Nov 1868 and they emigrated to Woollahra NSW.   They are both buried in

Botany Cemetery RC:AA 

They had the following children

Edward 1900- 1972

Elizabeth 1902-1948

Mary Francis. 1904- 1992

I dont think any of the Cassidys emigrated.  If you need any more information my email addres is

Marycfreehill@gmail.com.   Its easier to communicate by email.

I hope you are keeping well and it would be great to meet you here in Ireland. 

Warmest regards and happy christmas to all

Regards

Mary