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Ballymacelligot 1860s- 70s

KerryTralee (Kerry)

Hi, I'm interested to find out why so many people from Ballymacelligot emigrated to New Zealand in the 1860's - 70's, and where in NZ they headed. I'm wondering if my great-great grandfather Michael Foley from Rathass travelled with friends from there, to NZ at the time. We know he arrived here in NZ in the 60's-70's but have no record so far of how he actually got here ie ship, immigration scheme, definite passenger/steerage lists, dates etc.

Thanks to all for any help here.

Shane

shanefoley55@g…

3 replies

Apologies, the above message was sent in error

dwhyte@irelandxo.comIrelandXO Volunteer

Hi Shane,

I have found 1 Michael Foley in NZ in 1864. No further information. In the Australian records you have many men recorded as "Michael Foley" and it is possible that your relative emigrated to Australia and then to NZ?

Attached is a reference to Ballymacelligot in the 1830 - 1840's.

Regards,

 

McCoy

Very many thanks McCoy. Really appreciate you sending through these links. I've located "our" Michael Foley, arriving, aged 24, in Wellington, New Zealand in 1879 on the ship Zealandia, from London. He married in 1886 and settled in the Taranaki region. So, mystery solved there. I had always suspected a link between him and BallyMcElligot as the Foley family lived only 4 or so miles away in Rathass, Tralee and the likelihood of employment at the limeworks at BallyMcElligot seemed a reasonable line of inquiry in my research. Also, I understand that many people from BallyMcE emigrated to NZ. I've since discovered ths5 many of them went to the South Canterbury region, so that's another piece of social history to explore. My thanks again as I continue this fascinating search.

kind regards, Shane

 

 

shanefoley55@g…

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