Hi Philippa,
Sorry for the delayed response, I've been travelling and am only now in a position to reply.
Firstly, I haven't done a DNA test so can't help you there. However, there is another post in this site that, combined with your information and mine, begins to paint a picture of our possible connections in Lorrha.
The post I'm talking about is this one: https://irelandxo.com/ireland-xo/message-board/seeking-descendants-walkinshornehoranbrowneodwyer
As my great grandfather's parents were John Smith and Catherine Walkins, I think it's safe to say that the Smith and Walkins families knew each other. The post I've mentioned talks about a Timothy Walkins who left Lorrha for Victoria in 1856, followed by a sister in 1858 - the same year as your William. Timothy then went on to the South Island of New Zealand - like your William - and I now wonder if they were following each other from Lorrha.
In the post I've linked to I'd attached a map that shows where the Smiths and Walkins were living around Lorrha so I'd suggest it might be worthwhile looking at that. I also have some other information that may be of some interest to you - I've been in contact with another Lorrha Smith descendant (this one in the US) - so if you're interested please contact me at the following email address: mario@vecchi.com.au
In June this year my wife and I visited Lorrha as part of a holiday in Ireland. I had a wonderful time looking around the small town and I couldn't help thinking that little had changed since my great grandparents left.
I hope this information helps,
Cheers, Mario
