Iwould like to visit the Roman Catholic church my gggrandrand parents were married in. I am coming to Granard in October of this year. They were married Feb. 10, 1849 in the parish of Granard. Their names are Wilson Thornbury and Honara Burke. I cannot seem to find the birthplace of Wilson. Anyway I don't know the name of the church. Any help? Thanks, Kathy Burke Berardi
Kathy:
The church in Granard is St. Mary's. Have a great trip.
Roger
http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=LF&…
Thank you for your help Roger. You also responded to my Roscommon question. I will be visiting Roscommon and Granard when I come in October. Two different sides of the family but I hope to see both churches. Thanks again, Kathy
Roger I noticed this St. Mary's Church was not built until 1860. My grandfather was married in Granard 1849. That doesn't seem to match up very well. They must be in the church, thanks Kathy
Kathy:
This 1837 writeup from the Samuel Lewis Topographical Directory for Granard http://www.libraryireland.com/topog/G/Granard-Granard-Longford.php indicates in paragraph four that there was a chapel in the town likely the predecessor to St. Marys and possibly called St. Mary's. Why don't you contact the library branch in Granard and see what they tell you.
http://www.longfordlibrary.ie/lib_inside.aspx?id=12344
Roger
Thank you so much, Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I'm not sure if a message 5 years later will find you, but my wife and I have been researching her family history, and she's also a descendant of Wilson and Honora, through their daughter Mary Elizabeth. We know very little about ancestors of Wilson and Honora, just Wilson's father's name (Alexander) and Honora's father, Ulick. Mary Elizabeth married one of my wife's direct ancestors. I'd be happy to keep in touch if we find anything further about the Thornbury or Burke clan in Ireland.
Rick