Dear Patricia: My great grandfather was James Dominic Connelly (spelling has changed). He was born in Dublin about 1840. He married Therese Hanlon in Dublin at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral on January 25, 1864. They had a son, Peter, born in Dublin and their other son, my grandfather, (Thomas) was born in Liverpool. Soon afterwards the family immigrated to the US.
Jame's father was Thomas Z. Conolly, born in Dublin in 1811. His wife was Mary Clara or Clare Learney/Larney. Thomas's parents were Caleb and Elisabeth Russell. As far as I know all the Connelly's were in the printing or book binding business. I believe that is what got my great grand father to Liverpool. Probably for employment.
This of coarse is what I believe to be true, but I'm finding out that some of this may not be. One of my distant cousins sent me some of this information so I can't independently verify all the information. I took me forever to find that my grandfather was actually born in Liverpool. I have his birth certificate. It took me forever to track it down.
My brother and sister had their DNA tested and the results indicated our ancestors were from the Southwest of Ireland. Probably Kerry.
My father named me Kerry.
Thank you in advance for any information or insight you have on the Connelly's (wow: 7000!).
My brother, Neal, and I are traveling to Killarney in late October. Will be there for a few days.
Best regards,
Kerry