THE RORKES OF MULLINGAR

Catherine Rorke was baptised in Taghmon Parish, Westmeath on 7 March 1834.  Her sister, Biddy, was baptised there on 21 April 1836.  Their parents were Patrick Rorke and Mary Keena.  The sponsers were Michael Tate and Catherine Kain and Con Gorman and Mary Cain respectively.  The officiating priest was Father McCarthy.  

Catherine emigrated to Australia in the late 1850's and is my maternal great-grandmother. Biddy emigrated to America, I believe at the same time, but nothing further is known.  On Catherine's marriage and death certificates her place of birth is shown as Mullingar, Westmeath.  

There is a marriage record for Patrick Rorke and Mary Keena on 14 October 1825 in Multyfarnham (not far from Mullingar) and the witnesses were William Leonard and Margaret Kain.  That Kain surname keeps cropping up.

Catherine's descendants would like to know more about her family in Ireland.  I have visited Mullingar but could not find out any information.  Perhaps through this forum the Australian descendants might find out more.  

Thanks in hope

MARIE PALMER