Reply to Joyce surname information

This is a  thank you for the message I received concerning surname Joyce in Donnybrook. I will provide some information concerning the Donnybrook connection.

The birth of my wife's grandfather Patrick Joyce was registered in Donnybrook district. He was born  16 Feb, 1870- we have a copy of his birth certificate. His father was William Joyce and mother Harriet (nee Lovelock). They gave their address as Fortlands Merrion. In a recent quick search of Dublin areas, I see no specific place called Fortlands but several references in real estate ads so I assume that is  a well known area of south Dublin. Merrion is a street in District 4. The father gave his occupation as Railway Messenger and I see there is a rail line through the area so that makes sense. Another notation on the birth certificate which may prove worhwhile for future research is that the informant is Bridget Joyce, address also Merrion, who was present at the birth.

I have a baptismal record for baby Patrick for 1870. It was a RC baptism and the Parish/Church/Congregation is listed as St Mary. I am presently trying to figure out St Mary- a preliminary look suggests this may be a bit complicated.

Baby Patrick eventually moved to St John's Newfoundland Canada (where we now live) and passed away in the late1930s or early 1940s. During his lifetime here, he didn't say much about his early life in Ireland and all who knew him are now gone.

With the help of someone else on Ireland Reaching Out, we think we have information about the father William. It seems he was in the army for about 21 years and that Patrick had younger siblings, three sisters tentatively identified so far. If true, this has come as a surprise to my wife (Patrick's granddaughter). I have enlistment papers and discharge papers for him and will be looking into getting detailed information about his postings, time and place, to try and link these to the other children. I think after much consultation on various gvt websites I know how to do this. My stumbling block right at this moment is that the Ministry of Defence, to which I think I have to apply, requires a service number. I have not seen this on any of the records that I possess. So before I send 30 pounds to get the records I will be asking some questions this week to find out my other information will suffice or if I can get a service number.

I have a burial record for a William Joyce, army pensioner, who died 1887 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. His last address was 30 Killarney Terrace, North Circular Road, Mater M Hospital. I also have a burial record for Harriet Joyce, died 1884, clerk's wife, same cemetery, last address given as 29 Killarney Terrace, North Circular Road, Dublin. Can anyone tell me if the address (es) are for the hospital or are they residentail addresses? North Circular Road runs close to the hospital but the official hospital address now is something else.

Sorry about the lengthy description and thanks for the past communications

Jim