A Meaningful Journey Back to My McCann Roots in Moneyglass, County Antrim

My husband and I recently returned from a wonderful two-week trip to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It was an amazing and deeply memorable experience, especially because it included a very special visit to my grandfather’s townland in Moneyglass, County Antrim.

After more than six months of extensive genealogy research, I was able to trace six generations of my McCann family line — beginning with my grandfather Patrick McCann, his parents, grandparents, and beyond — as well as my grandfather Patrick McCann’s maternal Galway line. Being able to visit the area where my ancestors lived, worked, and raised their families was incredibly emotional and meaningful.

Before travelling from Canada to Ireland, I connected with Ireland Reaching Out volunteer Elwyn to arrange a visit to Moneyglass. On May 10, Elwyn kindly picked my husband and I up from the Toome Park & Ride bus stop and brought us around the area. He came well prepared with notes, historical information, and local knowledge to share throughout the day.

We first explored the town of Toome, where my ancestors would have spent much of their time. We then visited Duneane Parish Church of Ireland, which was likely connected to my Galway ancestors. It was a small but beautiful church filled with history and charm.

Elwyn also drove us through the townlands of Tamnaghmore and Gortgarn, where my great-grandparents once lived. One of the most emotional moments of the day was visiting Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Moneyglass, where my ancestors worshipped. The original church, where my great-grandparents Robert McCann and Margaret Galway were married in 1901, has since been demolished, although four corners of the original foundation still remain standing today. My grandfather Patrick McCann would also have been baptized there before immigrating to Canada with his family at only three years old.

We explored the newer church, built in the 1930s, and I was amazed by how massive and beautiful it was — far larger than I had imagined. Walking through the adjoining graveyard was another moving experience. We found four graves bearing the McCann name. One grave had no names attached, while the other three did. Although I cannot confirm the exact relationships yet, they are very likely connected to my family in some way.

Elwyn also took us to The Green Garden and showed us Jacob Green’s old house, which still looks remarkably similar to how it once did. My great-grandfather worked for the Quaker Jacob Green, who was even listed as a witness on Robert and Margaret McCann’s 1901 marriage record. Seeing these places in person truly brought my family history to life.

It was such a wonderful, memorable, and meaningful day — one that I will cherish forever. My heart feels incredibly full, and I am deeply grateful to have met Elwyn and to have had the opportunity to visit Moneyglass.

Without the wonderful organization Ireland Reaching Out, this experience likely would not have been possible. Moneyglass is a very small townland without taxi services, and the support, local knowledge, and kindness provided through Ireland Reaching Out made this journey truly unforgettable.

Thank you so much to Elwyn and to Ireland Reaching Out for helping members of the Irish diaspora reconnect with their roots in such a meaningful way!

Jovanna Sauro

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada