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Purcell Castle / O'Brian Family Farm

LimerickKildimo (Limerick)

Hello,

I am a new member of Ireland XO. My wife and I will be visiting in August and would very much like to exploreour ancestral grounds.

My Great-Great-Grandfather, Michael Purcell, was baptised in St. Dioma's Church in Old Kildimo on October 20, 1834. He was married in the same church to Mary Hogan on January 10, 1858. My understanding is that St. Dioma's was closed in 1970 and replaced by St. Joseph's Church whichwas built in New Kildimo.

I'm told there are ruins of Purcell Castle ("Ballyculhane") located on a farm that was owned by Mychal & Julia O'Brian. The castle is said to have been destroyed duringan English attack in 1581. The farm address providedme isBallyculhane, Kildimo, County Limerick.

My cousin Patrick Purcell visited in around 2004, hoping toaccessthe farm and castle, however due to the hoof and mouth scare was unable.

Our plan includes visiting Kildimo to experienceit's amazing beauty and history. It would be a huge bonus if we can also seethe O'Brian Farm and Purcell Castle ruins.

Any advice regarding how best to experience the region and/or connect with the O'Brian family is welcome.

We are also looking for places to stay sorecommendations are much appreciated.

Slan go foill,

John

jtcheshire13@g…

9 replies

Hello Michael, my name is Jennifer Jean and I am a volunteer with IrelandXo: I understand that you are coming to visit our shores sometime in August and you are very interested in Purcell Castle and the O'Brian Family farm. I have just picked up your message as the gentleman who would normally have investigated the story for you, is not too well at the moment so I will be happy help you where I can and to show you around, that is providing that your visit does not co-incide with my holiday.

Perhaps you might like to give me your definate dates and let me know how long you will be in the area, perhaps you have an itenery already? Do you know where you will be staying or are you looking for helpin that also?

The more information that you are able to give me, the better that I can help. Meantime I wish you a safe journey and look forward to hearing from you

 

Jennifer Jean

 killeedy1@irelandxo.com

Killeedy1 LimerickIrelandXO Volunteer

Hello there Michael, There is a number of good b & B's around the area but the two below are places to stay actually in Kildimo-

1. Coolbeg Lodge    Address: Coolbeg, Kildimo, Co. Limerick, Phone: (061) 394 067

2. Ms Kay Slattery,
Slattery's Bed and Breakfast,
Kildimo Village,
County Limerick,
Ireland.
Phone No: +353-(0)61-394165
Mobile No: +353-87-6350427
Email: Kay Slattery’s B n’B.   

Both can be viewed on the web site. 

Are you in a position to give me your dates yet as I would really like you to meet with a gentleman who has much knowledge of the area

Hope to hear from you soon

Jennifer Jean

Killeedy1 LimerickIrelandXO Volunteer

So sorry I meant to address this to John and not to Michael, my apologies

Jennifer Jean

Killeedy1 LimerickIrelandXO Volunteer

Hi John:

 

Would you either reply to me or to Jennifer Jean?  We are anxious to speak with you about your upcoming visit.

Kind regards,

 

Jane

jhalloranryan@…

Hi Jane,

If you would send me the best phone number I can give you a call.

Regards,

John Tremblay

 

jtcheshire13@g…

Am researching a Jeremiah Sullivan who married a Mary Purcell in 1848 in Kildimo.. wondering if there is any connection with Michael Purcell. Thanks.

Glenmichael

Hi Glenmichael,

I believe Jermiah and Mary were my great great grandparents. They had 5 sons and 1 daughter Margaret, the eldest, born 1842. They lived at Shanpallas where Jermiah died 1885 and Mary died 1890.

Regards

Damien

damienosullivan

.Hello Damien - thanks for your info. 

Jeremiah Sullivan ( b. circa 1825 d. you say in 1885 ) and Mary Purcell ( b. circa 1825. d. you say in 1890 ) were my 3rd Great Grandparents as well ( I'm 67 yrs old ).

Their son Jeremiah Sullivan (the 2nd  ) is my  2nd Great Grandfather. ( Baptised on  30 Jul 1848 in Kildimo ) . He emigrated to NYC Manhattan in 1871/3 and worked as a carpenter. He married Mary Keegan ( from Westmeath )  22 Dec 1877 in St. Columba Parish NYC . Kate Purcell was a witness. The had 8 children ( 7 girls and one boy ) between 1877 and 1897. The only male was Jeremiah Sullivan ( the 3rd ) born in 1879 who was my great-grandfather. Jeremiah ( the 2nd ) died 6 March 1913 in Manhattan.

I can provide more info on their children and the family in the U.S. if needed.  Can you point me to more documents ( Ancestry or Family Search? ) on the Sullivans or Purcells in Kildimo?  My tree is on Ancestry.com and can email the info if you are interested.

Thanks again.  GLEN ALESSI  ( SULLIVAN-PURCELL , KILDIMO connection )

 

 

Glenmichael

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