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McConnell, Belfast

Antrim

Hi,

I am trying to find information on Sarah Donnelly (born McConnell) who was born c. 1848 (in Belfast according to 1911 census) and died in Bangor, Co. Down in 1915.

In 1875 Sarah married John Donnelly (c. 1844-1909) who was originally from Cullyhanna, Co. Armagh. They lived in Belfast and later Bangor and had 8 children.

Sarah's parents were Bernard & Mary McConnell. Mary may have been Casey before marrying Bernard - I found baptism records from Belfast for 3 possible siblings: Joseph (1839), Margaret (1846) and Maria (1849) all born to Bernard McConnell and Mary Casey.

Any information would be welcome.

Thank you,

Ronan.

rmalin@eircom.net

1 reply

Ronan,

I had a look on rootsireland but did not identify any marriages for Sarah’s 3 possible siblings.

I also searched for Bernard McConnell’s marriage to Mary Casey, but without success.  They may have married in a parish that doesn’t have records for the 1830s.

Unable to offer any great ideas on how to make progress. Sorry.

Possibly DNA testing may be a way of matching with others who have additional information about where the family originate. Family Tree DNA reportedly has more people with Ulster roots than any other company. That obviously increases the chances of finding a match. You might want to try them or, if you have already tested, you can transfer your results to them for no fee.

The North of Ireland Family History Society is running an Ulster DNA project in conjunction with Family Tree DNA and can offer testing kits at a reduced price.  http://www.nifhs.org (Go to DNA project on the website). You don’t need to be a member of the NIFHS to participate in the DNA project.

Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

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