I am an Australian seeking information about my gg Grandmather Bridget McGrath, born to Bernard McGrath and Mary Keogh, 10 February 1859. Newmarket on Fergus parish. I think Bernard was the principal teacher in Newmarket Boys school from 1843 to 1851.
Are there any known relatives still living in the area.
I would be grateful to get any information. Thank you.
Aubrey Bannah. My direct email is bk4ai@bigpond.com
Aubrey,
The surnames "McGrath and Keogh" are still in the parish of Newmarket-on-Fergus.
To connect to Bridget will be difficult, as many of the elderly Newmarket-on-Fergus parishioners have died in recent years.
Attached a copy of the baptism register for Bridget.
Credit: Subscription site www.findmypast.ie
Regards,
Aubrey,
There are two records for baptisms of "McGrath" in Newmarket-on-Fergus where the mother is recorded as "Margaret Keogh".
1. Bernard - 1863 and 2 - James - 1865. Records attached.
According to the book The Story of Newmarket-on-Fergus" by Revd. Reuben Butler and Maire Ni Ghruagain (Gregan) 2015,
Bernard McGrath was appointed as an Assistant Teacher in the Boys school in 1841 and appointed Principal in 1843.
Do you have any knowledge of siblings of Bridget McGrath whose mother is recorded as "Mary Keogh".
A "Winifred Keogh" is recorded as a Baptismal Sponsor for Bernard McGrath in 1863.
Civil records in Ireland are from January 1st 1864.
The Administrator in Newmarket-on-Fergus Roman Catholic church - Revd. Jeremiah Vaughan - stated in a letter of Application for a teacher
that Bernard McGrath was aged about 35. This letter was dated 27th January 1842.
Regards,
Hello McCoy, huge thank you for your response and attached files.
My understanding is that the children born to Bernard McGrath and Margaret Keogh were: Margaret 22 Nov 1856. Bridget 10 Feb 1859. Michael 5 Sept 1861. Bernard 29 Sept 1863. James 26 Aug 1865. Eliza 15 July 1866. James 16 Aug 1868. Margaret 6 Jan 1870. Patrick 7 Dec 1871. Catherine 15 July 1875.
Where could I buy a copy of "The story of Newmarket-on-Fergus
With kind regards abd best wishes
Aubrey Bannah I am on FaceBook if that is of any interest. I am 87 years of age.
Aubrey,
The printers - Columba Press - went out of business in 2016, so it is not available locally.
It is advertised at very inflated prices on th Web.
You should check your local library to see if they have a copy.
You are very alert for your age!
Contact me if you wish me to try and get a used copy.
Bye for Now.
Aubrey,
Attached Civil and Church records of the birth/baptism of the children you named.
Regards,
Aubrey,
Civil birth record for Catherine McGrath 1875.
Aubrey,
Attached Civil birth records for James McGrath 1868 and Patrick McGrath 1871.
Bernard McGrath, Senior, is recorded as a Surveyor in some of the certificates.
He is recorded in April 1864 and October 1865 as a Surveyor in civil cases in Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Regards,
Hello McCoy, thank you for getting back to me, really appreciate it.
I"have contacted the local library and they are investigating if they can source a copy of "The story of Newmarket on Fergus.
I have searched the Clare library computer records for inf on female passengers to Australia. No luck so far on Bridget or Bedilia McGrath born Feb 1857.
This gg grandmather of mine sure is a mystery women.
With kind regards and best wishes. Aubrey Bannah. my email ad is bk4ai@bigpond.com