My McManamon/McMenamin ancestors were thrown out of the Finn Valley by Cromwell and fled to Mayo. They had already been dispossessed of their land but continued to live there until about 1660. Any information on the town or area where they might have lived would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ray Harris Annapolis MD USA
Dear Ray
Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out and apologies for the long delay in getting back to you!
The early time frame of your query is problematic; while there are some parish sources that begin quite early, land and property records that pre-date Griffiths's Valuation, the Tithe Applotment and the various estate records are not readily available online. Can I ask how you know that your McManamon/McMenamin ancestors continued to live in the area after dispossession?
Best wishes
Clare Doyle
Genealogy Support
Hello Claire
Thanks for your reply..
Griffith's shows Daniel "McManmon" in Doona, Ballycroy and I have recently found ship records showing that the whole family except for the two oldest came to America in 1865, shortly after Lincoln was shot.
I went there using Griffiths maps and found the house location where they lived (it's on Google maps, too) and found one McManamon still living in Doona and called him but he apparently did not want to see me - at least, he asked me on several consecutive days "can you call me back tomorrow?" so I finally gave up.
I looked at the survey taken in Donegal that shows before and after displacement land possessions and apparently the McManamons and O'Donnells were dispossed of their land in the Finn Valley before this.survey was taken. I cannot remember the name of the survey but it is the one that also maps attacks on the English.
Ray Harris
Ray that's such a pity about the repeated phonecalls, had you thought about writing to him and see if that yields any results?
Best wishes
Clare Doyle
Genealogy Support
There are no street addresses in Doona but I am sure the postmistress can find him. At this point, I probably know more about his ancestors than he does, and I am very reluctant to approach him again after waiting around a few precious days for him to see me without result.
Thanks for your interest.
Ray
Arh thats such a shame the guy never answered the door to you. I dont think all people are interested in family roots sometimes. Shame as they are the living proof of who we are today. I have watch documentaries on Oliver Cromwell and my friend said he went over because the catholics were slaughtering the Protestants at the time, which I never realised until recently. I have McMenamins in my family through my Great aunt but they migrated to Derry. You have resarched so well.