ISSN 1649-7937

Cumann Geinealais na hÉireann

Ireland’s Genealogical Gazette (incorporating “The Genie Gazette”) Vol. 2 No. 8 www.familyhistory.ie August : Lúnasa 2007 “The Flight of the Earls Crash Landed in Galway, didn’t they?”

In the January 2006 issue of this ries. Indeed, the film industry in ters in the dubious art of revision- newsletter, we looked at the most countries has provided a ism to a new level of absurdity. dearth of Irish period drama fea- wealth of period drama featuring But in Ireland, with the notable ture films and stressed the impor- major historical or legendary exception of the 1960s Disney tance of this medium as a source figures and important national film “The Fighting Prince of of the popular understanding of events. Many of the persons and Donegal” we have little or no GENEALOGY history, historical events and events covered were vitally im- period drama on film dealing with people. Recently when mention- portant in the creation of the sense the centuries prior to the 19th. The HERALDRY ing the anniversary of the “Flight of nationhood of the peoples and reasons for this dearth of Irish of the Earls” it met with the countries concerned. This is par- historical drama on film may have VEXILLOLOGY alarming response “Ah, yeah they ticularly evident in the United much to do with the economic and crash-landed in a field in Galway, States and, to no lesser extent, in political situation throughout SOCIAL HISTORY didn’t they?”. Mixing up the 1919 Great Britain and France. Films much of the twentieth century. Transatlantic Flight of Alcock and made for serialization on televi- But times have changed, Ireland is Heritage Matters Brown with the 1607 episode sion networks and feature length now a very prosperous country would be very amusing if it were films on various monarchs of with many talented scriptwriters, Book Reviews not a serious indication of a grow- England, for example, provided filmmakers and actors. Expertly ing ignorance of our own coun- the English public with a particu- researched and well written his- try’s history amongst large sec- lar understanding of their own torical novels do exist providing a Open Meetings tions of the population. But blam- history. But regrettably in most wealth of ideas and subjects for ing the education system for this British films dealing with their the filmmaker. As suggested News & Queries situation may be unfair because, previous monarchs, Ireland is but many times before in this newslet- unlike other countries, Ireland has a miserable sideshow warranting ter, Seán Ó Faoláin’s “The Great produced very little historical several references to war and O’Neill” and others dealing with drama on film. Whilst, those with those unruly, disloyal and un- the Tudor period provide excellent an interest in history, like genealo- grateful natives. Until the last material. This period is very im- gists, obtain their understanding decades of the 20th century, Scot- portant as it shaped the political and knowledge of our history in land too was treated in this fash- and cultural map of modern Ire- the conventional manner through ion. Then films such as “Rob land. A play based on this theme study and published works, much Roy” and “Braveheart” turned is currently touring the country as CONTENTS of the population relies on totally the tide and provided Scots with part of the events marking the different sources to provide their period drama on aspects of their 400th Anniversary of the Flight of information on our past. Mostly own history from their perspec- the Earls in September 1607. Seanad Éireann Seats 2 this takes the form of historical tive. But fashioning a statue of Hopefully, an enterprising film- novels and increasingly, feature William Wallace after the actor maker will see the wonderful Finally Filled films and historical documenta- Mel Gibson may have taken mat- opportunity in this play for a film.

Family Records Centre, 2 London

Two Current GSI 2 Gárda Logo Registered in 2005 Proposals

“Celtic Connections” 3 Following on last month’s main by the Trade Marks Act, 1996. for Arts, Sport & Tourism, Mr. article regarding the use of the But this still leaves the Arms of Séamus Brennan, TD to bring Gárda logo by a the Gárda College at Templemore, forward amending legislation to Précis of the July Lecture 3 merchandiser in Co. Tipperary in the same uncer- deal with the situation. Many , it appears tain copyright situation as all readers of the article commented that the Gárda other Grants of Arms from the on the spelling of the word Gárda Diary Dates & Queries 4 authorities had Chief Herald of Ireland from 1943 and whether the “fada” over the already registered to May 2005. So maybe the great first “a” is correct. The “fada” has the logo with the hullabaloo over the been dropped in recent years but Patents Office on March 11th use of the Gárda the spelling of the name of the Permanency of Web 4 2005 (reg. 231730). This means logo will encourage Irish police force “An Gárda Published Genealogy that the use of the logo is covered the new Minister Síochána” is as per the 1924 Act.

Monthly Newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland ISSN 1649-7937

PAGE 2 IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE (INCORPORATING “THE GENIE GAZETTE”) VOL. 2 NO. 8

Seanad Éireann Seats Finally Filled

With the nomination of eleven Senators by An of the Seanad and undoubtedly, their consis- Seanad sees the welcome return of longtime Taoiseach, Mr. , TD , the final tently well researched and cogently delivered supporters of many issues raised by this Soci- seats in our Upper House of Parliament have contributions to the Seanad debates will be ety, including Senators, Norris, O’Toole, been filled. Many see within the new crop of missed by their colleagues and others. The Quinn, McCarthy, Ó Murchú and Leyden . Senators much to excite as some very able, Society’s own nominee, Michael Merrigan, Several of the newly elected Senators have been learned and eloquent personalities with strongly received 10,000 first preference senatorial votes supporters of the Society itself for many years, held views have been elected through the Uni- in a very tightly run contest in the Cultural & including two former Cathaoirligh of Dún versities, in particular. Whilst, this may provide Educational Panel where pacts amongst politi- Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Senators some lively, entertaining and hopefully, very cal parties very effectively squeezed out the ( ) and Larry Butler important debates in the Seanad, these will non-party candidates. Though, eliminated on (Fianna Fáil ). The election of a considerable probably go unreported in the general media. the fifth count, an unofficial tally of other can- number of lawyers to the new Seanad will During the recent Seanad Éireann General didate’s ballot papers indicated that a sizeable certainly make for lively learned exchanges Election the public’s cynicism was well baited number of 2nd, 3rd, 4th and other preference across the chamber and indeed, this will facili- and whetted by the media which generally votes favoured the Society’s nominee. The tate a vigorous in-depth legal scrutiny of pro- portrayed the Seanad election system as exclu- election campaign promoted the Society and its posed legislation. This will make any future sive, undemocratic, out-dated and irrelevant to position on a number of issues, including legis- debates on the Defamation, Privacy and Civil the ordinary citizen. Clearly advocating the lation. Many other issues such as the protection Unions Bills, should they be reintroduced, very continuance of the current Seanad electoral of our heritage, including placenames, reso- interesting indeed. An Taoiseach nominated a system is untenable for any true democrat in our nated with a sizeable number of County and very experienced former , Republic. In the election, unfortunately two City Councillors who make up the majority of Senator , to this important posi- good friends of this Society and of Irish geneal- the Seanad electorate. The doubtful position of tion once again. However, it remains to be seen ogy and heraldry, (Fianna any copyright to the coats-of-arms of the whether any of our parliamentarians will seri- Fáil ) and Brendan Ryan (Labour ) lost their County Councils was also taken on board by ously seek to address the thorny issue of re- seats. As Senators these two men were amongst Councillors as public money was expended on forming Seanad Éireann by, at the very least, the most diligent, gifted and proactive members acquiring these Arms from the State. The new adopting the 2004 Seanad Report.

Family Records Centre, London

The following information was supplied by Mr. available on the 1st floor in the National Ar- through the index books at Myddelton Street Peter Walker, Chairman of the Guild of One- chives area. The ONS believes that this, to- and its predecessor sites at St Catherine's House Names Studies. As many Irish researchers gether with sets in various libraries and the and Somerset House and appreciated the im- make use of the Family Records Centre in online commercial indexes, meets its statutory mense value of these index books. Though, this London, this news is certainly disheartening. obligations. The FRC Users’ Group was also should be compensated by the on-line service. The Guild, along with other representatives of informed that the General Register Office’s The removal of this resource from the FRC will the family history community, was informed at Digitisation of Vital Events (DOVE) project is greatly inconvenience Irish researchers visiting the FRC Users Group meeting on 25th July that at least a year behind schedule and because of London and may, in fact, deter many from the Public Search Room facilities at the FRC, budgetary constraints, the GRO is unlikely to making the trip. Making a complaint about this Myddelton Street, London, will close at the find funding in the near future to create the situation is explained on the Society of Gene- beginning of November, some 5 months earlier improved online index search facility known as alogists’ website www.sog.org.uk However, than previously indicated. No certificate order- MAGPIE. This news is very disappointing as this may not be appropriate for non-UK citi- ing or collection service will be available and the closure of the FRC was supposed to be zens. But sending your complaint to the British the paper indexes will be withdrawn. A limited matched by improvements in the online records. Tourist Authority may be an effective way of set of microfiche copies of the indexes will be Many visitors to the FRC will have laboured registering your displeasure on this issue.

Two Current GSI Proposals

The Society is represented on a number of Councillors and Sectoral Representatives. The Society’s newsletter in May 2004. The matter bodies and organisations, amongst which are, Society has deeply values its membership of was not pursued at the time because of the the Holyhead & Dún Laoghaire Link Organi- these bodies as they represent opportunities for suspension of devolved government in Northern sation and the Strategic Policy Committee networking and for the Society to have an input Ireland, elections in Wales and the local elec- (SPC) on Culture, Community Development & in policy formulation. Recently, proposals were tions in Ireland. Whilst, the SPC has been pre- Amenities of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown presented by the Society to both bodies for their sented with a Draft County Placenames Policy County Council. The Link Organisation brings consideration and hopefully, adoption. The for its meeting next month in the County Hall, together community groups, sports clubs, busi- Link was presented with “The Ring of the Dún Laoghaire. This policy developed from nesses and others from the towns of Holyhead Isles” proposal to develop links with organisa- concerns expressed by many readers following (North Wales) and Dún Laoghaire. The SPC, as tions based around the Irish Sea basin and the the article on placenames in the June issue of its name suggests, is a policy formulation com- Isle of Man. This proposal was based on one this newsletter. Copies of the two proposals are mittee of the local authority made up of elected presented in early 2004 and published in the available on the Society’s own website.

Monthly Newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland ISSN 1649-7937

VOL. 2 NO. 8 IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE (INCORPORATING “THE GENIE GAZETTE”) PAGE 3

“Celtic Connections”

The launch of the second edition of the Link overwhelming based on those of Irish ancestry. MORE QUERIES RECEIVED Newsletter “Celtic Connections” at the Angle- Currently many prominent individuals of Irish sey County Show in North Wales, once again, ancestry proudly represent Wales in sports, Mandy Fahey , 15, Lochinver Crescent, Hamilton, highlights the many links that exist between politics, education and business. In contrast to Scotland, UK E-mail:- [email protected] Ireland and Wales. Not only the ancient links the waves of Irish emigration to Wales, the Wrote:- Seeking info on Fahy from Feagh (Feigh), Galway. John Fahy , farmer, married Mary Kiggins , of language and culture, but the many other Welsh element of the current Irish population is children- Joseph, John (1911), Patrick, James, Mi- links that have developed over the centuries, comparatively small. Though, it should be chael, Ann (1914), Eileen (1912), Marie (1904), Kath- especially our shared maritime heritage. This remembered that a very popular surname in leen or Catherine. Son John moved to Wales, wife maritime heritage involves communities along parts of Ireland, Walsh or Welch, indicates an May Bell . James, shop/ hotel in Galway. Others—Joe, the entire length of the east, southeast and south earlier 12th or 13th century Welsh settlement Bolton, England; Eileen, London, spouse Alex Orr ; coasts of Ireland from Carlingford in County here. But the Irish settlement in Wales had a Anne married Sidney Platt & Marie married Timothy Louth to Cork City. These links have seen the much earlier element primarily centred on the Lee and emigrated to Boston USA. Any help please. creation of strong Irish communities in the coastal regions giving us, for example, place- Tom Rahrig , 1250, Braddock Road, Cumberland, cities of Swansea and Cardiff and in the mining names like the Lleyn Peninsula indicating the Maryland 21502, USA. E-mail: [email protected] towns of south Wales through emigration in the presence of the Leinstermen during the 5th and Wrote:- Seeking info on my g-g-grandfather William 19th and early 20th centuries. Indeed, today 6th centuries. The southwest was settled by Graney from the City of Galway ca. 1799. many of the inhabitants of the port towns of people from the Waterford region from whom Holyhead, Fishguard and Pembroke have Irish one Welsh royal dynasty claims ancestry. The Danny Lee Sullivan , 698, Willington Dr, Spring ancestral links through the operation of the connections between our countries run deep Creek, Nevada 89815, USA E-mail: [email protected] Wrote:- Seeking ferry services between these towns and Dublin into our shared past and have been rekindled in info my on g-g-grandparents - Micheal O'Sullivan , City, Dún Laoghaire, Rosslare and Waterford. many different ways over one and a half millen- married to Ellen Cashin or Cachen . They emigrated Today the Irish element in the Welsh popula- nia. As a national heritage organisation, this to North America, possibly between 1875 and 1877 tion is fully integrated into the social and cul- Society strongly supports initiatives like “Celtic tural life of this ancient nation, indeed, the Connections”. For further information on this NOTA BENE:- Queries are published at the discretion of the Roman Catholic church’s presence in Wales is Link see www.celtic-connections.blogspot.com editor and only where a mailing address and e-mail address are provided. (see page 4 for more queries received)

Précis of the July Lecture

On Tuesday 10th July Emer Ní Cheallaigh of tion available in this resource, she explained, deliver a Sligo miscellany. On Tuesday October the Department of Folklore at University Col- would greatly assist the genealogist writing a 8th Mary Kelleher , Archivist, Royal Dublin lege Dublin gave a fascinating overview of the family history to include information on local Society will introduce the archives of the RDS wealth of information contained in the School occurrences in a particular area. All agreed that as a resource for the genealogist. On Tuesday Manuscript Collection of the Folklore Depart- the Folklore collections are well worth a visit. November 13 th Seán Connolly , Royal Dublin ment. Covering a range of topics collected by Fusiliers Association will speak on tracing a school children from older family members and GUEST SPEAKER PROGRAMME family member who fought in World War 1 and neighbours on local history, the Great Famine, finally, on Tuesday December 11 th Steve But- local customs and Gaelic lore. For the genealo- The coordinator of the Society’s Guest Speaker ler , Elder, Church of Latter Day Saints will gist finding an ancestor or a relative amongst Programme, Séamus Moriarty, MGSI has present an overview of the genealogical records the collectors or the interviewees would be a arranged the following programme. On Tuesday of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Séamus is priceless gem for most. Emer gave examples of August 14 th Malachy McVeagh , Ordinance always on the look out for possible speakers to the type of information collected and the form Survey of Ireland will speak on the OSI as an include in future programmes, should you have in which it is archived and she explained how to aid to the family history researcher. On Tuesday any suggestions in this regard please contact research the collections. The type of informa- September 11 th John Heueston, MGSI, will Séamus by e-mail at [email protected]

Membership of the Genealogical Society

The Board in November 2006 conducted the publications. This also includes an optional tirely on postage costs as the cost of mailing the normal annual review of the Membership Fee second Membership Card for a household Journal overseas was becoming greater than the and no changes to the existing packages were member, including voting rights, for an all unit cost of the publication. This situation was made for this year. New Members are always inclusive cost of just €30.00 per annum. Over- totally unsustainable. However, the Board will welcome. Membership rates are as follows:- seas:- Offering the same at €40.00 per annum. keep this important matter under review.

Ireland:- Offering ordinary membership of the The avoidance of any substantial increase in the The Board trusts that this measure aimed at Society, Membership Card, voting rights, use of Membership Fee was achieved by the adoption tackling spiralling postage costs will be fully the Society’s Archive, monthly newsletter by of Res: 05/11/455 with the production of a supported by our Members at home and overseas. mail, biannual Journal by mail, and the right to biannual Journal instead of a quarterly Journal Remember you can also renew your membership purchase the Society’s publications at Special with no reduction in content or overall size of on line on the Society’s website— Members’ prices of up to 50% off selected the annual volume. The savings here are en- www.familyhistory.ie/shop

Monthly Newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland ISSN 1649-7937

IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE is published by the Genealogical Society of Ireland QUERIES 11, Desmond Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland

E-mail: [email protected] Darth Miller , 2114, Mustang Trail, Frisco, TX, 75034 USA, E-mail:- [email protected] Wrote:- Seeking info on Thonas Lynch . Notes:- Westmoreland Co. Court, Virginia, Apr. 29, Charity Reg. CHY 10672 1713. Nicholas French set forth that Thomas Lynch, father of Francis Lynch (deceased), was father of Mary Cisely (sp) & Ellenor (sp) Lynch, sisters of Francis Lynch, all of Ireland. Also, Sept. 1718 - Jasper Joyes of Galway, merchant, and merchants Martin Lynch FitzAndrew & Thomas Lynch FitzAndrew, Richard Joyce FitzWilliam, goldsmith, and James Lynch FitzMar- cus, all deposed they knew Thomas Lynch, late of Galway, deceased, a.k.a. black Thomas Lynch. They attested that Thomas Lynch lived for many years near Dunmore in Co. Galway and JOIN ON-LINE had two sons Francis Lynch, late of Virginia, merchant, deceased, and Stephen Lynch, who were @ brothers of the whole blood. Thomas Lynch poss. lived in Westmoreland Co., Virginia in 1705. Tex & Linda Dix , 305, Avalee Dr., Brooks, Georgia 30205, USA E-mail:- [email protected] www.familyhistory.ie/shop Wrote:- Seeking to exchange info on the Dick (Dix) surname in Ireland. James Dick born c. 1787 emigrated to US before 1812. James Dick enlisted at Hunters Mill, Green County Georgia in the War of 1812. In 1850 census of Newton County Georgia James states he was born in Ireland. But where in Ireland? Any help is most appreciated.

Marcia Watson, 134, Osmaston Rd., Carine 6020, Western Australia, Australia E-mail: DIARY DATES [email protected] Wrote:- Seeking look-up of St Mark's Parish Register (Dublin), Tuesday Aug. 14th & Sep.11th 2007 between 1750 and 1800 for the name Seton (or Seaton ), Marley or Cox ? Any help appreciated. Evening Open Meeting Dún Laoghaire College of Further Peg Edgar, RR#1, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada T4N 5E1 E-mail: [email protected] Wrote:- Seeking info on my great great great grandfather John Edgar (wife Margaret Harvey ) - Education their son Samuel Edgar (wife Margaret McKee ) emigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1860. Any Cumberland Street, Dún Laoghaire information on John or Samuel would be appreciated. 20.00hrs—22.00hrs Theresa Green, 35 Churchill Way, Sheffield S35 2PY, England. E-mail: [email protected] Wrote: Seeking info on my great-great-grandfather, John Danehy Wednesday Aug. 22nd & Sep. 26th 2007 (spelling may vary), b Dublin c1836. His mother's maiden name Mary Jackson . John settled in Morning Open Meeting Penarth, South Wales where his children were born in the 1860s. Weir’s, Lower George’s St, Dún Laoghaire Gail Cooksley, 33, Loyola Way, Attadale, 6156, Western Australia, Australia. E-mail: 10.30hrs—12.30hrs [email protected] Wrote: Seeking to locate my great grandfather’s family & exact birthplace. John William Murphy , b. 22. June 1808. Poss. From Clonmore or Templemore. Amongst first Contribution €3.00 p.p. students entering Thurles College in 1837 & entered Maynooth 1839 & ordained 17. May 1845. (Coffee/Tea included at Morning RC curate to Drum to 1847. Became ill & entered Dundrum asylum. In 1856 good health, trav- elled to Australia and married in Hobart, Tasmania in 1860. Any info. much appreciated. Meetings) (see page 3 for more queries)

Permanency of Web Published Genealogy

Over the past decade or so many genealogists is no longer accessible and indeed, may never version of our website data in a genealogical have uploaded their research data and family be publicly accessible again. Whilst, some will archive or in another suitable repository. histories on to websites which they frequently argue that this is simply a matter for the website update with information supplied by persons owners, others see it as a great loss to geneal- ARTICLES FOR JOURNAL visiting their websites. This growing phenome- ogy generally. So what can and should be done non has provided a wonderfully diverse re- to prevent the loss of this information? Well, The Editor of the Society’s Journal, Margaret source for family history, albeit with a serious clearly nothing without the cooperation of the Conroy, MGSI , is seeking articles for publica- caveat as to accuracy attached. It has facilitated website owners or in the case of death, their tion in the biannual journal. Articles may cover the exchange of information around the world executors. Ideally the information stored elec- any genealogical, heraldic or biographical top- and the collation of information on branches of tronically should be copied and deposited in an ics, including lists and sources. Contact Marga- families throughout our wide Diaspora. The appropriate archive or library. Copying the ret on e-mail: [email protected] uploading of photographs, maps and scanned website on to CD Rom offers the opportunity of copies of original documents has been of im- placing copies with relatives or in a suitable measurable assistance to the study of genealogy repository. But is the question of the perma- AN DAONCHARTLANN as this public sharing of information encourages nency of accessibility to this information fully others to take up the genealogical quest. resolved by placing it in a currently available The Society’s Archive or “An Daonchartlann” Whilst, the issue of the accuracy or reliability of electronic format like CDs? Some will argue based at the restored Martello Tower at the information supplied on these websites must that unless we also create a paper copy of our Seapoint, County Dublin, is not currently ac- always be kept in mind, the fragility of the genealogical research technological advances cessible for research. The Board is in consulta- resource is rarely, if ever, considered. These may make accessibility to the electronic format tion with the County Council to identify an websites are usually developed and maintained difficult, if not, impossible. Many of us, of a alternative site for the Society’s archive which by ordinary individuals and therefore, they may particular age group, have some of our most would offer greater accessibility and more lack the relative permanency of accessibility loved music locked away on vinyl LP records appropriately meet the Society’s archival re- afforded by other websites maintained by ge- but without the means of playing these records quirements. Persons wishing to donate items to nealogical organisations or educational institu- since the introduction of cassette tapes, then the Archive are advised by the Archivist, Mr. tions. Websites frequently just simply disappear CDs and now I-pods and MP3 players. Could Séamus O’Reilly, MGSI, to bring the items to for a number of reasons including bill payments not the same dilemma face future generations of either of the Society’s Open Meetings or to to the Internet Service Providers etc. Therefore, genealogists trying to access our electronic contact him directly by e-mail at irrespective of the caveats attached to the infor- records? Therefore, if we wish to preserve our [email protected] to make alternative ar- mation provided, when these websites close research data for future generations, we must rangements. Items may still be sent by post to down the information on the research concerned place a hardcopy of our research and a printed the Society’s mailing address—see above left.

Monthly Newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland