Hello Rebecca,
Thanks for your message
I found a Nicolas Craven in Oldbridge in Donore parish in the Griffiths Valuation in 1854
http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml?action=doNameSearch&Submit.x=28&Submit.y=10&Submit=Submit&familyname=craven&firstname=First+Name&baronyname=&countyname=MEATH&unionname=&parishname=DONORE
and I also see he is recorded on the 1901 census in Oldbridge, his age has been scribbled out but he is listed as the head of the family (with a 44 year old son)
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/results.jsp?census_year=1901&surname=craven&firstname=&county=Meath&townland=oldbridge&ded=&age=&sex=&search=Search&relationToHead=&religion=&education=&occupation=&marriageStatus=&birthplace=&language=&deafdumb=&marriageYears=&childrenBorn=&childrenLiving
You could use the two sites I have linked to and try searching for other information regarding the Connolly family. The 1901 and 1911 census could give you more knowledge regarding some of Joseph’s nine siblings that you have mentioned.
Other sources you could try are church and civil records. Most Catholic records are held locally - One site which might be of use is - http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/ - where you can ‘browse’ an overview of available records per county. If you have any difficulty, you could try writing to the parish priest for possible assistance.
Civil registration records are available from the General Register Office (GRO). These start from 1864. You can access the website here: http://www.groireland.ie/research.htm
Best regards Michael
Genealogy Support