Tracing the Power Family Roots in Stradbally, County Waterford

It was brilliant to meet up with the Conroy family from Portland, Oregon, and Seattle. I must say that I was delighted when Christine King, who is secretary of our Museum here in Dungarvan also agreed to meet up with the group.

I also invited professional genealogist, Cian Flaherty to come along and meet the group. I must add that he saved me hours of research when he nailed the locations that their Power ancestor hailed from, and traced the visitors ancestors back to the exact locations where the house of their ancestors lived at in Stradbally County Waterford. Cian did this as a favour, and out of the goodness of his heart. But, as a professional, if anyone out there needs to hire a professional genealogist, there is none better than Cian. He can be contacted at cflaher@tdc.ie.

My contact with the group was through, Colleen Morehead – Conroy. We had made contact through the XO-Ireland reaching out programme, and corresponded some weeks before the groups arrival. After some liquid refreshments at Whelan’s bar, Cian took us on a tour of Stradbally Village informing the visitors of the various historical interests in the area. We ended up in the historical old graveyard where Cian pointed out the location of the Old Power Grave. The Powers also had possession of plots of land outside of the village and Cian also took the visitors to those locations.

Shannon and Colleen pictured at the old Power grave.

Why are they smiling? Well they are standing at the entrance to their ancestors home place. The red door is a later replacement! This was very special moment for the family. Picture, Christine King.