Mary Shannon/Shanahan

Hello all,

I’m trying to find out more about Mary Shanahan/Shannon, my g-g-grandmother but seem to have hit a brick wall.

Mary emigrated to Australia before 1854. I know a fair bit about her life in Australia and later New Zealand but very little before that.

Her marriage certificate in Australia in 1854 says she was 24 and born in Co.Limerick,  parents Mathew Shannon, a publican and grocer & Honora Simpson.

At the time of her birth, a couple named Mathew Shana(g)han and Honora nee Simms were producing children in Knockainey  & Patrickswell:  Alice (1832) Michael (1826) & Mary (1829).  Mary’s sponsors were Michael Meara and Mary Shanahan. The birth date of 1829 tallies more of less with that on the marriage certificate and later at the birth of my great grandmother  in December 1856 when Mary was said to be 25.

Her death certificate in New Zealand suggests she was born in 1835, but there are no other sources for this.

What I’d like to do is find out more about her parents (one source says Honora was born in Co Wicklow) and her siblings. What happened to them? Was Mary one of the Earl Grey girls, orphans shipped out to Australia? Was she one of many Knockainey girls who emigrated or were sent to Australia? And what was Knockainey like at the time?

Lots of questions. It would be great if someone could advise.

best wishes

Heather.