Finnerans

Hello Diane

Welcome to the IrelandXO Co. Roscommon Community!

In 1857, at the time of  Griffith's Valuation:  Feevagh Gately, Finneran and McDonnell held land in common - which strongly suggests they were kin. In this case, if any of those family names have survived in the district, you are likely to find cousins. 

By the time of the 1901 and 1911 census, Luke Finneran was recorded at Feevagh (Dysart, Roscommon). The Finnerans lived at [GV5a] which was a in a 3-room thatch house (same spec as their neighbours' homes – Michael Gately [GV3a] and Hugh McDonnell [GV4a]. In 1901 only these three houses were inhabited in Feevagh. (By 1911, Pat McDonnell had constructed a new 5-room slated house on Brigid's holding).  

Unfortunately, it looks like nothing remains of the Finneran and McDonnell farmhouses here. I can give you a quick walk down this road using Google Maps...

First on the right, is Michael Gately's house (GV3a) now derelict 

Look left near the bump on the road for the location of Finneran's. 

Further along, this little stone wall (on the right) indicates the location of Hugh McDonnell's house (directly opposite) - GV6a no longer extant.

Feevagh national School is very close by. You can read some delightful local history written by the children attending Feevagh school in the 1930s here. 

You may also be able to pick up some local information at the local post-office or pub.

Best of luck!

Rua, Thank you so much! This is wonderful information. We had looked at maps and read Griffith's and had an idea that it was near the National School, but this is so much help. We were up in that area today, but not really knowing what we were doing and landed this morning and not slept at all, we were really just scouting around until we could check into our hotel. Tomorrow we will venture out again, better equipped. Such of my heritage here in this area and so little time, I will have to return. Thank you again for your help and kindness.
Diney

My pleasure!

At least you can enjoy walking along the family boreen that (save for resurfacing) has not changed since the time your ancestors traversed it.

The Google link I sent you is right at the entrance to what was Finneran's farmyard. It looks like there is a stone gatepost on the left there but the image is blurred. Could be part of the old house.

(Once you get to the pink house further along this road, you are in the adjoining townland).

Do let us know how you got on!