a chara,
My name is Lawrence O'Donnell and my g.g. grandparents, James O'Donnell, dob. December 1822; and Margaret Fitzgerald, dob. circa 1827, were married in St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church on February 18th 1844. The witnesses to their marriage were: Margaret's father, Thomas Fitzgerald, and Daniel Duane. Thomas farmed a property, which is located in the townland of Tankardstown. There is a 'family memorial' to Thomas Fitzgerald, in the Farahy Parish graveyard.
James was baptised in Mitchelstown, on December 18th 1822. His parents were John O'Donnell and Catherine Loney(surname spelling?). I have no further information, in regards to John and Catherine O'Donnell. Any further information, would be greatfully received.
My Great Aunt, Bridget O'Donnell, was born at Tankardstown, County Cork. Bridget was baptized at St. Bartholomew's, in Kildorrery, on February 16 1845. James and Margaret assisted Thomas, in farming the Tankardstown property. Along with Bridget, James and Margaret immigrated to Canada, in 1848, at the height of the "Great Hunger".
James and Margaret had eight additional children, who were all born in Claireville, Ontario; Canada. They were named, (in birth order):
Ellen, 1849; John, 1850; Thomas, 1852; Mary Ann, 1854; James, 1855 (Great-Grandfather); Michael, 1857; David, 1858; William, 1859.
James and Margaret managed to obtain a mortgage on four lots, located in Clairville, in December of 1878. (It is interesting to note that my grandfather, John Edward O'Donnell, was also born in 1878)
My g.g. grandfather, James, died in Clairville, Ontario, Canada; on July 8th 1887. I have been unable to find any record of Margaret's death. Bridget ODonnell died in Toronto, Ontario; Canada, on September 01, 1910.
I have been chasing my 'Irish roots', since 2000. This includes six visits to Ireland, and two visits to Kildorrery, specifically. I hope this information will prove helpful to others.
Slainte!