Nan Maher

I have recently started doing research on my father's ancestors - surname MAHER. I have learned that my Great-grandparents raised their family in Ballymacward. In the 1901 Census, John Maher 39 and his wife Ellen (Burke) 38 were living at the #1 dwelling at Garrymore, Ballymacward. They were living with their 10 children John 15, Patrick 13 (my grandfather), Ulick 11, Thomas 10, James 9, Michael 8, Denis 7, Sabina 5, Mary Anne 3, and Martin 2. John was not the Landholder.

Recorded in the Ballinsloe Civil Registration District, Galway or Roscommon is a death notice for Ellen Maher. Her birth date is noted as 1863 and death was Oct-Dec 1907.

In the 1911 Census John 49 and his 2nd wife Nora 35 were living at the same residence (this time John is the Landholder). They are living with 4 of their children Denis 16, Sabina 15, Mary Anne 13, and Martin 12. I also found a record of the birth of their daughter, Kathleen in 1911 (apparently after the census was conducted).

I have found passenger manifests for 6 of the children not living at home in 1911 - John, Patrick, Ulick, Thomas, Sabina, and MaryAnne. I also found a military record for a Michael Maher (same age and same birth place, Ballymacward) who was enlisted in the Royal Irish Rifles and who was killed in action in 1917.

Other than the 1911 census, I have not been able to find any other information about James, Denis, Martin and Kathleen. Perhaps they remained in Ireland or moved to England.

I would love to find out if any relatives of the family are still in the area and perhaps could help me with information about the family.

Thank you for any help at all...

Nancy Maher, California USA

Hello Nancy

Thank you for your interest in Ireland Reaching Out project. Just to let you know I have located a Maher family member originally from the Garrymore area of Ballymacward. You mentioned a daughter called Kathleen. She was known as`Katie`. Once I have established this is the same family, I will get in touch with you again. If you wish, you can contact me at pkennedy@irelandxo.com

Regards

Paula