Christine Dinsmore from Woodstock, New York, has benefited from the advice of our Volunteers. Here she talks about her experience with Ireland Reaching Out and why she chooses to contribute to our programme.
Ireland Reaching Out is the go-to site for the Irish diaspora looking to reconnect with their roots. As a member of several genealogy sites — both paying and free — I find that Ireland XO is by far the most helpful. When I post a query to any parish, a knowledgeable expert responds within 24 hours. In addition to answering questions, they have pointed me to further resources and public records. I can’t imagine where I would be in my genealogical quest if it weren’t for Ireland XO.
Through Ireland XO, I have discovered the names of several gg-grandparents, their baptism and marriage records and even the addresses of old homesteads. Along the way, I found third cousins who live in the same household as my gg-grandfather and a third cousin-once removed who now lives in Scotland. Despite my numerous memberships in genealogy societies and sites, only Ireland XO has connected me to living relatives.
While the site is free, I have donated money to ensure that it exists for many years to come. I plan to donate again as it doesn’t seem fair that I get so much without giving back. Thank you for truly reaching out!
Ireland Reaching Out is a not for profit organisation relying on sponsorship and donations from businesses and individuals all around the world. Your donations will be invaluable to the success and future of the programme at a truly national and global scale. We utilise funds to maintain our office headquarters in County Galway, Ireland to spread the word about Ireland Reaching Out, provide resources and training and manage the large network of volunteers whose purpose is to assist all diaspora in the search for their ancestral parish.