In the history of my maternal family (Mason - Ardfinnan and Maher - Clogheen), it is confirmed that my Grannie's first born son, Patrick (1891), was illegitimate.
The reason for this post is to ascertain whether there were any Official Bastardy Records existing at that time?
I have never come across any official bastardy records in Ireland. They seem to be more common in England, especially prior to the Poor Law legislation.
You could get a copy of the child?s birth certificate to see if the father was named on it. (He will only be named on it if he was present at the registration and acknowledged paternity, but that might have happened). You could also check the church baptism records, as in some cases of illegitimate births the father, or alleged father, is named there.
My thanks initially to both Ahogghill (Antrim) and Caher Tipperary. I thought it would be unlikely, though I may well pursue the channel that my good friend Tom opens up. maybe - just maybe!
I will of course report ack on any positive information.
Bill