Ireland XO
Back to Message Board

Searching for Gillen/Gilmartin in Ballyconnell

SligoAhamlish (Sligo)

Hello, My grandfather was Patrick Joseph Gillen - born 1884/1885 in Ballyconnell. His parents were James Gillen; born: 1835/1836 and Bridget Gillen (ne, Gilmartin) born: 1841(?). I have detailed information re all nine children born to James and Bridget - thank you Sligo Heritage and Geneology Society - between 1865 and 1884. I also have the 1901 and 1911 cencus locating them in Lissadill West. What I'm looking for is information regarding the births of James and Bridget; where, when, names of their parents, etc. I'm mindfull that his is challenging - given how long ago James and Bridget were born. I can't say enough good things about Sligo Heritage and Geneology Society - the wonderful people that work there and how helpful they've been over the years. But it seems - at least for the time being - I've exhausted their resources in re to James and Bridget - so I'm reaching out to the group for help. Thanks! PG

 

 

 

paulgillen@hot…

4 replies

Hi Paul I live in Sligo and will try and help you with your enquiry. First of all congratulations on the progress that you have made to date with your ancestral research. I am glad that the Sligo Heritage and Geneology Society have been of great assistance to you. As you have identified our records are somewhat sparse it the early 1800s. I have 2 options to suggest to you - first, join the Sligo Heritage and History Club on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/605357269662532. This is a very active group with very knowledgable people from North Sligo participating. I suggest that you post your story there and I expect you will get a response. Additionally can I suggest that you consider writing a letter (on line) to the editor of the local newspaper, the Sligo Champion, at https://www.facebook.com/TheSligoChampion or https://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/. The paper edition is widely read and it may result in a response from a member of the public who might know the Gillen family history. Hope that helped. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with Kind regards Tom

Tom Kelly, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

Hi Tom, Forgive my delay in replying to your thoughtful note. I appreciate your recomendation to post my story to the Sligo Heritage and Geneology Society. As I was already a member - I took your advice and did just that. Thanks also for the rcomendation re a letter to the Sligo Champion. On one of my first visits to SH&GS - I remember one of the staff saying to me - in re to my research - "The good news is - Gilen is a very common name here in Sligo. The bad news? - Gillen is a very common name!" And so my quest will continue! I hope you'll stay in touch. Once it's safe to allow Amerincans in the country - I hope to get back for a visit. PG

 

 

paulgillen@hot…

Hi Paul I see your post now I have prompted a cousin from the area to see if he knows anyone who might help Let me know if I can be of further help Kind regards Tom

 

Tom Kelly, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

Hi Paul

Have you taken a DNA test?  I have tests with FTDNA and Ancestry.  My granmother was Bridget Gilmartin from Carrownamadoo near Grange in Co Sligo. I have a match in the 2nd - 4th cousin with a Mark Francis Gillen who has a Bridget Gilmartin who married a Sean Ban Gillen  in his family tree.  Bridget was born in 1851.  Would this be the same family?

Kind regards

Siobhan Mc Gloin

 

smg

Reply

Reply
One image file up to 2 MB.