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General question about birth and baptism records

LimerickKilleedy (Limerick)

First of all, I tried several times and cannot seem to attach basic documents.  If it does not attach this time, I will just explain.  

I have two documents for JEREMIAH KEEFFE/OKEEFFE in Ballycomane, Tournafulla.  

The first is CHURCH BAPTISM RECORD from rootsireland.ie and has the following information:

Date of Baptism:  30 Jan 1970, Parish: TOURNAFULLA, Father:  Francis O'Keeffe, Mother:  Catherine Curtain

The second is Births Registered.  SR District:  NEWCASTLE,  RD: Abbeyfeale, Date and Place of Birth:  5 Feb 1870 Ballycomane, Name:  Jeremiah, Father:  Francis Keeffe, Mother:  Catherine formerly Curtain, Document:  2229759

My question is regarding the official BIRTH DATE and what that is.  The baptism date seems to be recorded before the birth date.  Can you help me understand this.  Thank you.  

Karen Jones

KLKapaun

1 reply

Karen:

Parents had 30 days to register a birth civilly or there was a fine. Frequently parents gave the registrar an incorrect date of birth to avoid the fine. Likely Jeremiah was born a few days before January 30th and the birth was recorded February 28th so the parents used February 5th for the date of birth to avoid the fine.

Roger McDonnell

 

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

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