Hi,
Thank you very much for your message. I hope that someone with information on the family makes a connection with you and helps you with your research.
Unfortunately, Catholic records for Castleconnell parish do not start until 1850:
http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/fuses/rcparishmaps/index.cfm?fuseaction=showidrecords&CityCounty=East%20Limerick&parish=Castleconnell&churchid=758
However, in the19th century new Catholic parishes were created so starting dates can sometimes be misleading. Many parishes changed their geographical spread so you may find earlier records relating to your family in the records of adjoining parishes:
http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/counties/rcmaps/limerickerc.htm
Most records are still held locally so it may be an idea to write to the local parish priest for some assistance. Or, Limerick Genealogy will have copies of some records available so you could also contact them. However a fee may apply: research@limerickgenealogy.com
There are some places online where you can search:
www.familysearch.org has a huge database of genealogical records including some church records for Ireland.
www.rootsireland.ie have a large collection of Irish Church records, however you have to pay to use this site.
You could also check for record of the family in the land records pertaining to Ireland in the 19th century. There are two:
The Tithe Applotment Books (1823-1838) found at http://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/search/tab/home.jsp
and Griffith?s Valuation (1848-1864) found at http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/
Some other websites that you may find useful are:
The National Archives of Ireland http://www.nationalarchives.ie/genealogy1/genealogy-records/introduction/
The National Library of Ireland http://www.nli.ie/en/family-history-introduction.aspx
The National Archives UK ? genealogy search: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/
The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/family_history.htm
Genealogy links: http://www.genealogylinks.net/uk/ireland/limerick/index.html
From Ireland: http://www.from-ireland.net/county-limerick-genealogy/
Limerick Library: http://www.limerickcity.ie/Library/LocalStudies/
All the best,
Genealogy Support
