Hello! I am seeking any information I can find regarding Patrick McGonigal, born 1764County Donegal, and father of Hugh McGonigal, also born in Donegal in 1799. I believe Hugh's wife Anna Boyle was born about 1774 (likely also from Donegal).
I sincerely appreciate any help!
Thanks!
Patrick:
Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!
Unfortunately, there are very few RC parish recorda before 1840. I did a quick search on the subscription site Roots Ireland and the earliest Hugh McGonigal baptismal record with father Patrick was in 1854.
McGonigal is a common surname in Co. Donegal. I looked at the Griffiths Valuation head of household listing for Co. Donegal and there were many McGonigals in the parishes in the Insihowen Peninsula, there were a number of them in Kilbarron parish which is south of Donegal town and Clondavaddoge parish in northwest Donegal had a number of McGonigal households.
Roger McDonnell
Thank you, Roger, for your help. I may be in Ireland this summer. If you were me, where might you start?
Patrick:
I noticed I misspelled Inishowen in my prior comment.
I did not ask this question before but did Hugh McGonigal emigrate or stay in Ireland? I assumed that he emigrated.
I think at this point, you don't have enough information to do any research in Ireland. Both family names, Boyle and McGonigal, are very common and you don't have a lead on the parish they came from. Can you send me an e-mail at castlemore@irelandxo.com and I will share one other suggestion.
Roger
I appreciate your assistance, Roger. This summer, I might be visiting Ireland. I don't know where to begin, if I were you.