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Looking for the Fitzgibbon family

CorkKildorrery (Cork)

Hello,

I am looking to trace back my family history and I have gotten to the census of 1911 which is where it all stops. My grandfather was Martin Fitzgibbon born 1906 in Gortacurrig, Kildorrery who married Ellen (Eileen) Coughlan from Skibbereen. Martin's parents are Thomas and Honora (Nora) Fitzgibbon who were farmers in Gortacurrig. They had 10 children and most of the daughters emigrated to the US with my grandfather as well. I found a record of Thomas Fitzgibbon's mother, Catherine Fitzgibbon on the 1901 census as 80yrs old and living with Thomas and Honora. Unfortunately, that is the end of the road for me. I can't seem to find Catherine's husband's name or anything else. I am planning on coming to Ireland in August and would love to see the family farm area or at least know where it was. Thank you for any help or insight you can provide to me.

IrelandXO member

5 replies

Catherine:

Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!

Let me contact our parish liaison for Kildorrery who can give you some local knowledge and support.

If you don't hear anything in ten days, let me know.

Roger McDonnell

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Griffiths Valuation for 1852 lists a Michael Fitzgibbon farming on plot 3a in Gortacurrig. That was a 23 acre farm. It was the only Fitzgibbon property in the townland and so I’d say that’s Catherine’s husband. You can see where that farm is using Griffiths maps:

http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml?action=nameSearch

It’s just on the border with Co. Limerick.

I see a death for a Michael Fitzgibbon registered in Mitchelstown in 1865, aged 48. That might be him. You would need to order a copy of the death certificate to find out.

Thomas Fitzgibbon married Honora Hennessey on 11.2.1894 at Kildorrery chapel. The marriage certificate names his father as Michael Fitzgibbon (dead).

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1894/10556/5845461.pdf

The tithe applotment records for 1834 list a Thomas Fitzgibbons farming in Gortacurrig. So that’s possibly Michael’s father.

http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp

 

Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

Catherine, Thomas Fitzgibbon's parents are part of my Gallagher family. I have information I can share with you, but it would be easier if you would email me because I am not sure how much information you would like. My email address is janfortado"at"comcast.net     I look forward to hearing from you. Jan

Seashore

Thank you!  That certainly gives me confirmation I am on the right track as all of that information makes sense with what my father told me.  It is great to put the missing pieces of the puzzle together.  Thank you for responding so quickly and sharing those websites, I may be able to search and find more.  And yes Jan, I will email you to see what you can share with me.  Looking forward to visiting Ireland this fall and now I have more places to put on the agenda to visit.  You've been a great help and thank you again.

 

IrelandXO member

Hi Catherine

I am also a descendant of the Gallaghers. We found Martin's baptism in the Kildorrery church records. You will probably have got all this information from Seashore already. I know exactly where the farm is and can take you to see the place when you come if necessary. Let me know if you need anything further.

Regards

Lena

Kildorrery CorkIrelandXO Volunteer

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