Searching for the family of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Logan, Born 1844 Derreenahinch Ardcarn, Co Roscommon

Best of luck on your trip Morag ...

Do let us know how you got on! 

Hi Rua,

We had an amazing trip.  When we got to the Derreenahinch area we spoke to some locals that did not recognize the Logan name. One small local pub owner knew exactly where the old farm you referenced was and even had a book re:Ardcarne which referred to the last owner called Mattie Gray/Grey. We spoke to an old farmer down the road and he said Mattie Grey was an only child and a bachelor. He died young from drinking and the property was sold to a local. There is a farmer there now close to the main road. We took a drive down to the waters edge to see the old homestead and found the ruins. Soooo exciting!

My Sister then emailed me that another ancestry member searching the same family found that Stephen Logan was last known to be in Drumshanbo area Co.Leitrim around 1856

So we went there and went to the post office and were so pleased to find that there is a local man who is very interested in helping people find their ancestors.

I told them the name Logan and he automatically said, oh yes that’s Martin Logan’s family. He called Martin who was working out of town, but gave me the phone to  chat with him. He said that Stephen Logan was his great great Grandfather and the land where he lived is still in the family. It was surreal.  The local gentleman, an 82 year old named Noel, said hop in my car and we’ll drive out to show you. We were blown away! We met this man 10 mins ago and he wants so badly for us to find what we came for that he took us himself.  We proceed to drive down “the old road” and stop to chat with some neighbour farmers, and come to the long lane way that leads to an old farmstead.  There are two gates. The first one locked and Noel says, come on we’re hopping over.  You didn’t come all this way for nothing!

We walk through a field with sheep and go into an abandoned old house.  I felt like i was in the twilight zone!  This man was exceptional. We couldn’t believe how fortunate we were to have stopped at the post office that day.  I have since emailed with Martin Logan and he sent me a picture of a headstone for Stephen Logan but I haven’t had a reply when I asked him where that is located.   Apparently he is retired but is the local handyman and is busier than ever.

I can’t thank you enough for sending us the information to put us on the track. I can’t wait to find out more and plan another trip back.  The rest of the Country was equally as inviting and beautiful.

I forgot to mention we stayed at Kilronan Castle. So beautiful!

On the way to the area we stopped at the famine museum in Strokestown and on one of the documents, a letter to the local politician in regard to the removal of the people/tenants from the landowners land and how they would suffer because of it and it listed a James Geraghty ( my fathers name) and a John Moran, on the same property and their families who were removed at Ballyfarnon, on lands of Tennison. My GGG Grandfather Luke Geraghty married a Catherine Moran.  So I am thinking there is a link there.  

I am still in awe of everything we experienced and saw. 

Morag

My goodness ... what a fascinating turn of events!!!  

I have to admit, I teared up reading your story... what a result!

I am so glad I was able to detect that old farm at Derreenahinch as your starting point (especially as townlands like it are not an easy dig). I am impressed that you took all my advice and managed to fit in Kilronan Castle and Strokestown Museum as well (and you only weeks away from your trip).

You were more than lucky though ... sounds like it was almost meant to be, at every corner you turned. (Even the page you just happened to come across at Strokestown). I'd like to think your ancestors were spiritually guiding you along the way ... and proud were they to see you stay at Kilronan Castle I'm sure!

This is defninitely what IrelandXO is all about ... finding that pot of gold. .. and then some!

Comhgairdeas!  (Congratulations!)

Dear Morag:

So delighted to hear about your successful trip and the connections that you were able to make as a result.

Many thanks for letting us know and please be sure to spread the word about Ireland Reaching Out!!

All the best,

Jane.