My great grandfather, Matthew Connelly, was born in February 1848 in Galway and immigrated to the US around 1870. He married Bridget (maiden name unknown) born March 1860 in Galway and immigrated to the US around 1875. They had four children born in Pittsburgh, PA, Matthew Jr., Michael (my grandfather), Patrick and Annie. Any information on relatives would be appreciated!
Peggy:
I looked at the Roots Ireland indexes and could not find an 1848 baptismal record for a Matthew Connelly. There was an 1851 record with parents Matthew and Ann. Many churches did not have records back to 1848 and some that did are not included on Roots.
I would look for more clues in USA records using Ancestry or other sources. I would check the marriage record, census records, obituaries for clues about where in Co. Galway he came from.
Also, the spelling of the surname in Ireland could also have been Connolly or perhaps Conneely which was also common in Co. Galway.
Roger McDonnell