O'Briens,Greenpark, Mullingar

Hi Liz,

Given that these are fairly recent records you've mentioned, www.rootsireland.ie/ won't be much help because their records stop at 1920. However, if you google Irish phone book, select eircom and search RESIDENTIAL for Murphy Mullingar you'll find 20 names listed. We have had some success from people writing to descendants in the original areas so if you can compose a letter and afford 20 stamps, or make phone calls...

The Irish Censuses are freely available online; there are 30 Murphys in Mullingar Westmeath in the 1901 and 30 in 1911 so maybe some of the siblings are there.

Griffiths Valuation (done in Westmeath in 1854) has 8 Murphys in Mullingar and the Tithe Applotments (also free to search) have 3 Murphys in Mullingar Westmeath in 1833.

Sorry I've just realised youm were after O'Briens so will leave the above in case it's any use and start again.

rootsireland.ie has a record of Michael O'Brien born 1874 in Dublin and 4 more born 1874 + - 1 year.

There is also a record of Elizabeth Costello born 1877 Westmeath. roots is a pay site so will cost for the records but they will give you the parents' names and parishes.

There are also 20 O'Briens in Mullingar in the Irish phone book, 9 in Mullingar in the 1911 census and 7 in 1911, 2 in Griffiths and 0 in the Tithe Applotments.

Col

thanks again :)

I do find the whole process somewhat frustrating...I apply to the GRO for photocopies for birth certs etc but it can take up to 6 weeks for them to arrive.I'm now too sick to travel ..I'm sure if I was able to I could visit parishes/churchyards/ genealogy centres etc and find out everything in a few days!

I have found the family on the 1911 census but no trace on the 1901 (which makes sense as they didn't marry till 1903 ) and they appear to have remained in the house in Greenpark for some time,and Michael is named as leaseholder.

I'm currently waiting for Michael and Essie's marriage certificate.... that will provide information about their fathers/addresses /witnesses etc In my experience, wedding witnesses are often siblings or other family members and can help narrow a search considerably...and the father's first name can help ensure you get the right birth certificate.

I remember my gran talking about her sisters and I'm sure I met one once when she came to visit ..Mary I think.

I'd just like to know what happened to the brothers and sisters :)

Hi Liz,

Have you tried www.rootsireland.ie/? The records are much cheaper than the GRO and you get them instantly.

I'm going to Ireland next May so could have a look for you then; there are also professional genealogists in Dublin or maybe if you email the program manager Susan O'Brien the Program Manager at sobrien@irelandxo.com, she might be able to put you in touch with someone whoc could have a look for you.

Maybe when you get the marriage certificate it will help fill some gaps and get things rolling so I'll look out for your next post.

Col 

thanks that's very kind....:) 

I could really do with some 'partners in crime' . :)

Not having any immediate family and becoming sick has made me want to know more about my roots before it's too late ...it's very important to me to discover my place in the 'grand scheme ' of things.

I've found out quite a lot in the last couple of months and considering all I had to start with was 4 names, 2 birthdays and 2 dates of death I think I've done pretty well :) I find it thrillin to discover the names of great or ever great great grand parents and what they did .So far I've discovered a lot of tailors,farmers,fish dealers ,war heroes, and even a chap in line to become a saint!

Apart from the Murphys and O Briens there are Kellys,Mahers,Meehans,Herons and most are based in and around Dublin.the Kellys and Mahers are huge families so maybe I'll have some luck on the dublin part of the site :)

I'm really enjoying my new hobby though :)