Hi,
I am looking for any help and to find out about my ancestors who came from Loughrea, Galway and moved to and settled in Greenock, Scotland. Their names are Michael Gorman and his wife was Bridget O'Donnell. Michael Gorman is born about 1815 and Bridget is born in about 1811. The family are Catholic.
In terms of a time frame for where they left all I know is that by 1835 they are in Greenock and their first son has been born. Below is what I have about the family and their parents.
Michael Gorman (b. 1815) marries Bridget O'Donnell (b. 1811) about 1835, perhaps the year before. His parents are Michael Gorman and Rose McDonald.
Bridget O'Donnell's parents are Hugh O'Donnell and Mary McGarvie. All are from Ireland.
Michael Gorman once he is in Greenock lists his profession as primarily broker, though later he is listed as dealer in goods.
In 1871 in the Scottish census they have a family member staying at their house from Ireland. Elizabeth O'Donnell, who is 18 and is listed as Neice.
It would be wonderful if I could find out more about them and the family they left behind in Ireland. Thanks in advance for any information and help that anyone offers.
Best wishes,
Karen Bain
Friday 31st Jan 2014, 09:47AM
Message Board Replies
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Hi Karen,
Thanks for your message. I hope that someone with info contacts you and help you in your research.
In the meantime, have you tried looking at church records for more information? Most Catholic records are held locally so you may need to write to the local parish priest for possible assistance. One website that you may find useful is the Irish Times where they give an overview of what records are available in specific parishes. It also shows you where copies of the records are available. For Loughrea parish, follow this link:
You could also search online at:
www.familysearch.org has a huge database of genealogical records including some church records for Ireland.
www.rootsireland.ie have a large collection of Irish Church records, however you have to pay to use this site.
You could also check for record of the family in the land records pertaining to Ireland in the 19th century. There are two:
The Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1838) found at http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp
and Griffith?s Valuation (1848-1864) found at http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/
Some other websites that may be useful are:
The National Archives of Ireland http://www.nationalarchives.ie/genealogy1/genealogy-records/introduction/
The National Library of Ireland http://www.nli.ie/en/family-history-introduction.aspx
The National Archives UK ? genealogy search: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/
The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/family_history.htm
Genealogy Links: http://www.genealogylinks.net/uk/ireland/galway/index.html
Irish Genealogy Tool kit: http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/
Kind regards,
Genealogy Support