DOHERTY & GILLESPIE Cashel near Doe Castle / Creeslough/ Kilmacrenan /Cool Lower

My great granddad was Hugh Doherty married to Shelia Gillespie.

At the 1901 Census they were living at No.15 Cashel Kilmacrennan along with daughter's Mary aged 16, Rose 13. and Sarah 12. Hugh's age is given as 54 and Sheila as 52. On the 1901 Census,Sheila is called Cecilia and on other certificates I have tracked her as Gillie,Giles,Jilly,and Jiolly. I have been told all nicknames for her and thatCecilia was Sheila with the Irish accent.On the 1911 Census it is nowjust Hugh aged 71 and Shelia aged 72?

Sheila died June 1917 at Cashel and her daughter my Great aunt Rosie Boyle was present. Hugh died Nov 1922 aged 77 in Cashel and again G.Aunt Rosie was in attendance.

The Census of 1901 shows Peter Gillespie and family living at No 16 and Anthony Gillespie and family living at No 17 Cashel GRIFFITH VALUATION shows a Peter Gillespie at Cashel in 1875.

Hugh and Sheila first son James was born in Leat Beg Fannet in 1868 and in 1871 daughter Sarah was born in Cashel with her granddad JOHN GILLESPIE registering the birth. ( I think this Sarah died as a second daughter is also called Sarah).

1874 son Hugh was born in Helensburgh Scotland. I am told that the family had been evicted by the Earl of Leitrim for over holding and presumably this was the reason for going to Scotland - to look for work. Where were they evicted from? Griffith has was one entry for Kilmacrennan and shows Cool Lower with a Hugh Doherty as a tenant. Was this my great grand dad Hugh? Or was it his dad my great great grand dad? Would depend on the date of the the Griffith Valuation which was around 1858 for County Donegal. Can I access eviction documentation?

Hugh and Sheila returned to Cashel and daughter Annie was born in Cashel in 1876, Annie went to the USA and in 1903 married James McMackin in Pennsylvania in 1903 sadly she died in after childbirth to a stillborn son. Who did great aunt Annie go out to in the USA and when did she go?

Please can anyone help me make a connection with the Gillespie family living next door to Hugh and Sheila. Was John Gillespie the father of Anthony and Peter and was Sheila their sister?

Sheila had a sister who was Bridget? married to an O'Donnell and had 13 children one of the children being named Kate. This Kate O'Donnell married a James O'Donnell and around the 1940/50's lived in Glen with her family, Owen, Willie , James and Norah. They later moved to Scotland.

The other Gillespie connection was a Rita Gillespie married to a William Moore thought to be living around Cashel until Rita died possibly within the last 12 years. Has Rita children or grandchildren still in the area?

Again I was told by relative that as far as she knew the Doherty family originally came from somewhere around Cashel / Kilmacrennan. I would love to know which Townland great granddad came from.

Great Aunt Rosie married Patrick (Ty) Boyle and they had 10 children. Great aunt Rosie lived in Cashel and the original old thatch cottage backed onto Doe Loch. As a child in the 1960's I stayed with her when my parents were visiting.The original house has since been demolished and a new house is on the footprint of the old.

Great Aunt Sarah born 1890 married Joe Langan and settled in Creeslough and I belive the Langan's had a butchers shop in Creeslough.

Hopefully with the information I have given someone, somewhere,will be able to help me fit a few more pieces to the jigsaw. Looking forwards to hearing from you.

I think this idea of 'Ireland Reaching Out'is brilliant. I only wish I had asked my parents and grandparent a few questions. If only.......

Thank you for reading this.