Dolan Family home c.1920-1953

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This is my Irish Ancestors family home, believed to be in Knocknagreana near Ballinasloe.

It was derelict when I took the photo on a brief visit to the area in 1993.

My grandfather, Martin Dolan, died in 1953 in Nutfield, Ballinasloe. I would be grateful if someone local recognises the building and could confirm the address.

I would also like to know some history of the building if possible. When was it built and Is it still there?

If it helps, my grandfather was demobbed from the army in 1919 with disability, but assigned to the army reserve.

I have a hunch this home was one provided for WW1 army pensioners.

Grateful for any help and/or comment. Thanks from

Graham Dolan

(GrahamD)

Type of Building:

House

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Hi Graham, My brother-in-law is from Kilconnell and does a lot of cycling in that area. I will show him the picture and see if he can place the building in the Nutfield area. Laura

IrelandXO Volunteer LC

Tuesday 7th April 2020 02:31PM

Thanks Laura, Very good of you. Regards from GrahamD

Graham Dolan

Tuesday 7th April 2020 06:36PM

Hi Graham - I've uploaded a few photos to the message board - there was no facility to upload them here: https://irelandxo.com/ireland-xo/message-board/martin-dolan-ballinasloe

Laura

IrelandXO Volunteer LC

Wednesday 8th April 2020 01:28PM

Thank you Laura. I'm surprised, but pleased to see it still there after all these years. Would you be able to tell me the actual postal address? I may write to the present owner and see if they can expand the history. It's ironic to hear about Mrs Casey as my grandfather's mothers maiden name was Mary Casey. We do have the death record for grandfather but we are very much indebted to you Laura for your very prompt help and assistance with this. Please let us know if anything else turns up. Stay safe. Best wishes from Graham & June Dolan, Lincolnshire, U.K.

Graham Dolan

Wednesday 8th April 2020 05:51PM

Hi Graham and June, I will see if I can get a name next time I am visiting the area. For now we are all in lockdown! The hedges seem to have been cut back recently - in the Google map the is much more overgrown. Perhaps the house next door are also the owners. I'll be in touch if I find out anything. best wishes - stay safe. Laura

IrelandXO Volunteer LC

Wednesday 8th April 2020 06:04PM

Hello again Laura. On my father's 1945 marriage certificate, it gives his address as "15 Caher Ballinasloe" I note that Caher is very close to Nutfield, so this must be the same as the present address. Perhaps the townland boundaries were amended after WWII? Please try and obtain the name of the present occupier for me, when this awful Coronavirus period is over. Safe wishes from Graham & June.

Graham Dolan

Saturday 18th April 2020 04:31PM

Hi Graham and June,

I know Cahir Cross - it is on the old Ballinasloe/Loughrea road and is connected to Nutfield by the road that your Grandfather's house was on, so it could be the same address. Next time I am down in Ballinasloe I will call in. Take care. Laura

Furbo2020

Wednesday 22nd April 2020 11:21AM

Hi Graham,
Martin Dolan was my grandfather too, his son Tim was my Dad. I believe we are cousins. My cousin Anita (on my Mum's side) has told me you were in contact with her recently and has forwarded me your email address. I'll pm you. Deirdre

Dee Dolan

Monday 7th September 2020 06:39PM

Thank you Deidre.

Thrilled to have found a cousin and be able to exchange family details by email.

Graham

Graham Dolan

Thursday 10th September 2020 05:27PM

Graham

The house is still there. I lived in Knocknagreena for many years. The house was then owned by Johnny Burke an ex British Army serviceman. The postal address is 15 Knocknagreena Ballinasloe. I can find out who now lives there if you wish. You can also see it quite easily on Google maps.

James

Tuesday 13th October 2020 08:59PM

Many thanks for your message. I am very pleased to get confirmation of the actual address and yes, I would like to know who lives there now. Do you know the approximate date range of Mr Burke's occupancy? Your message confirmed what I believed to be some local history, this being a 'soldiers cottage'. Thanks to an earlier comment from Laura, I can see the cottage on Google maps. Thanks again and best wishes. Graham.

Graham Dolan

Wednesday 14th October 2020 11:10AM

Can I still post to this thread?

tapdancer

Sunday 27th June 2021 11:46PM

Yes of course.

IrelandXO Volunteer LC

Monday 28th June 2021 09:31AM

Yes of course.

IrelandXO Volunteer LC

Monday 28th June 2021 09:31AM

My grandparents also lived in Nutfield. Michael and Annie (O'Brien) Coolahan were there until Annie died in the house in January, 1949. I don't have the exact address, and I have very little information to contribute about it, but I find it fascinating that considering it is a small area, such interest in it is generated here. My dad told me that the houses were occupied by soldiers from WWI and their families. Michael served at some point, but I have no information as to where or when and I'm guessing between 1916 and 1918. Dad also said he thought Nutfield was located on grounds owned by Garbally College, but I have no verification of that. Michael and Annie had nine children, five of whom were born on Dunlo Street in Ballinasloe. I don't know when they moved to Nutfield, but after my grandmother died, Michael returned to Ballinasloe at some point and died there in 1961. Thanks for shining a tiny ray of light. I'm delighted to find little bits where I can.

Valerie Colohan Gloin, London, Ontario

tapdancer

Monday 28th June 2021 03:15PM

Valerie

Many thanks for contributing. It often takes many messages to confirm what you think may be fact. The house is still there, address 15 Knocknagraena, and they were assigned to ex-British Army soldiers and pensioners from c.1919> Your grandfather might have served with mine. He was recruited in the Connaught Rangers at Athlone in Aprril 1916; trained in Kinsale and sent to France later that year. He was discharged (with disability) in 1919 and, having three children and a pension, was probably given this cottage shortly after. Best wishes.

Graham Dolan

Monday 28th June 2021 05:15PM

Thanks for responding, Graham. You're so right that it often takes a long time, and many circuitous routes before nailing some facts. Such are the joys of genealogy! Perhaps you've given me a tip about where my grandfather might have served. Thanks so much and good luck with your search.

Valerie