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Looking for confirmation of ancestors of Patrick McDonald from Moylough

GalwayMoylough (Galway)

I am looking for ancestors of Patrick McDonald (a very common name that makes my search even more difficult). I have found a US Naturalization card that may or may notbe for my 2GGF Patrick McDonaldthat lists Moylough as his Irish origin. Patrick would have been born in or near 1813. His parents were Patrick and Mary (or Molly or Polly). Patrick married Bridget Conless (or Corless or Corlis) who may or may not have come from Dunmore, Galway, Her parents were James and Bridget. Patrick and Bridget immigrated to New York City in the United States in 1834 and eventually settled in Western Massachusettts with their growing family.

I have made three trips to Ireland with no luck of finding my ancestors but have fallen in love with the country. I desperately want to know for sure and to see the place that my ancestors came from. If anyone has any information on these two families I would greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Nancy

IrelandXO member

3 replies

Nancy:

Hello again!

I did not see any Patrick McDonald/McDonnell  baptismal records in Co. Galway around 1813. Many of the Galway parishes do not have records back that far. Moylough records start in 1848. The 1855/1856 Griffiths Valuation head of household listing for Moylough civil parish does not show any McDonald records but there are two McDonnell records. See below.

As I mention in the response to the Bridget Corless message, I would consider autosomal DNA testing.

Roger

http://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths/galway/moylough.htm http://regist…

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Hello Roger,

Thank you so much for your quick responses and your recommendation.  I took a very quick look at some of the autosomal DNA testing sites online.  Is there one that you recommend over the others for the purpose of finding a relative in Ireland?

All the best,

--Nancy

IrelandXO member

Nancy:

DNA testing by the Irish is just taking off. However, residents of the USA, Canada and Australia have been testing and by your testing you hope to match someone with better info on any of your Irish family lines. 

The two main companies are Ancestry and Family Tree DNA and by far I prefer Family Tree. I have tested with both companies. Family Tree has better analytical tools. Also, be aware that when you get your results, you will want to e-mail matches with possible family connections. Not all matches will respond to your e-mails.

Roger

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

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