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Martin George Kenny of Knockakilleen, Kinvarradorus, Galway, Ireland

Martin George Kenny was born on March 15, 1866; Male; Roman Catholic; Father was Joseph Kenny and mother was Sarah (Sally) Nilan also spelled Nylan and Naylan. He lived with his 9 siblings on a farm in the Townland of Knockakilleen in the Civil Parish of Kinvarradorus, Galway. They were likely tenant farmers. Not married in Ireland. Baptised at St.Joseph's Church in the Parish of Kinvara on March 18, 1866. Sponsors were Thomas Mooney and Judith Melody. Family left for Canada in late 1870s ? and settled in Chatham, Ontario. Martin was about 13 years old at the time. Youngest sister Sarah was born in Canada. Several siblings lived in Cleveland, Ohio. Martin married Marie Bechard in Chatham, Ontario on September 2, 1902. He died there October 8, 1927. They had 2 children who died in infancy Hector and Joseph. They had 3 other children - Anne 1905-1978. Adrian 1914-1980. Patrick Nylan Joseph 1919-1993.

Michael Kenny

6 replies

Re Kenny Family, Knockakilleen:

1826 Tithe Applotment Books:  Kenny not recorded here

1855:  Griffith's Valuation:  Martin Kenny.  He was probably Joseph's (Senior)  father.

Family of Joseph Kenny and Sarah Nilan/Nylan:

17 Dec 1861  Thomas

22 Feb. 1862  Mary

3 Sept. 1864 Michael

15 Mar. 1866 Martin

24 Feb. 1868 Patrick

26 Aug. 1869 John

17 Mar. 1871 Margaret

17 Aug. 1872 James

19 Dec. 1873 Stephen

7 Dec. 1875 Joseph

Knocka killeen is often called Knockaculleen. It is beside the sea in the parish of Doorus which is referred to as a half parish of Kinvara. In the past Kinvara was spelt  as Kinvarra.

There were no Kennys  recorded in the parish on the 1901 or 1911 census. 

I searched for the birth and marriage of Joseph but found that there were gaps in the Kinvara parish records.

I live about 10 miles from Knockakilleen , so I really don't know many people who live there. It is thickly populated now , mostly by newcomers.

I'm sorry that's all I could find,

Sincerely,

de Lourdes fahy

GortGalwayIrelandXO Volunteer

Hello de Lourdes and thank you for this information. I had assumed Martin might be Joseph's father (listed in Griffith's Valuation) and I have a pretty good idea where the farm at the time was located.You mention gaps in the Kinvara records, but was there any information at all on Joseph's birth or marriage to Sarah Nilan. I am also interested in Nilan descendants. Is there any information on where Martin (Joseph's father) was buried, or any other Kennys or Nilans. I would assume somewhere close to Kinvara. As we are dealing with more than 150 years of history since the Kennys left for North America, I am thinking any distant connections might be very remote, at this stage, however, you never know.  I am finding quite a lot of information about Kenny descendant deaths and burials in Ontario and Ohio - ie; Families of Thomas, Mary, Michael James etc. listed above. On a visit to Knockakilleen in May 2018, I was told by a local that many of the present inhabitants have relocated from Galway and some of the homes are country homes for the more well to do. Quite a contrast from 150 years ago! Please let me know if you find out anything else.     Best regards, Michael Kenny

 

Michael Kenny

Hello Michael,

I could not find any mention of Joseph's birth or his marriage to Sarah.

When I saw the name George I searched the Nilan name in the parish of Clarinbridge because the name George occurred among the Nilans of that parish, especially in Rahaneena, better known as The Weir.  Unfortunately, I could not  find a Sarah that would fit into that bracket. 

Actually, my mother's surname was Nilan(d) and her great-grandtather came  from The Weir, Kilcolgan to live in Ardrahan parish. He named one of his children George, but the child died at three months.

There are Nilans still living in Kinvara parish. I think the address is Ballybuck or possibly Boherhue/Boherbee/Boherboy. You could look up the 1901 and 1911 census. It could be in the Killinny E.D. or possibly Kinvarra.

Martin was possibly buried in the old Doorus/Duras cemetery or it might be Mountcross cemetery. Not sure if the inscriptions are available.

On your visit did you meet or hear of Jeff O'Connell who lives in Parkmore near Knockakilleen? He is a great historian but his health isn't great since he got a stroke a few years ago.

Keep safe and well during these difficult times,

de Lourdes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GortGalwayIrelandXO Volunteer

Hello de Lourdes, all of this is very interesting, like finding a needle in a haystack, especially when you consider how much time has gone by. I am most interested in the fact that there are Nilans in the area and this would be worth tracking down. I will try to follow up on the other information and the cemeteries. Do you know if there is contact information for Jeff O'Connell or anyone who is close to him? Take care yourself in these difficult times. I am doing well. Best regards, Michael - PS - anything at all that you come across is most appreciated and helpful.

 

Michael Kenny

Hello, Michael Kenny, I am a descendant of Joseph Kenny & Sarah Nylan through their daughter Mary Ellen. Mary's gravestone says that she was born at Knockaculleen, Galway. I do not recognize your name, Michael - are you part of the American Kenny's? The ones in Massachusetts spell it Kenney. 
Janet

 

 

 

Janetv99@yahoo.com

Hello, Michael Kenny, I am a descendant of Joseph Kenny & Sarah Nylan through their daughter Mary Ellen. Mary's gravestone says that she was born at Knockaculleen, Galway. I do not recognize your name, Michael - are you part of the American Kenny's? The ones in Massachusetts spell it Kenney.  According to them, Joseph's parents Martin Kenny & Margaret O'Connor immigrated to the US (Boston area) with some of their children, and Martin is supposedly buried there while his wife went home to Ireland. 
Janet

 

 

 

Janetv99@yahoo.com

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