Surnames Brennan and Dolan

Jackie:

Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!

This site maintained by one of our volunteers https://www.swilson.info/sdist.php   give you a good idea where various surnames were found by county based on Griffiths Valuation data from the mid-19th century. Brennan was a very common surname and Dolan also. Roscommon may be a good possibility but the surnames are so common, there are many possibilities. I did search on the subscription site Roots Ireland but did not find a Thomas Brennan/Catherine Dolan marriage. Although some churches have records back to the mid-1830s many parishes particularly in the West do not. You may want to add the story of Thomas and Catherine coming to America to our XO Chronicles site and maybe someone will see a connection.

Have you considered DNA testing?

Roger McDonnell

Good morning Roger,

Thank you for the information.  I will start my search in Roscommon and hopefully I will find out something.  I certainly will add the story of Thomas and Catherine to coming to America.  I have only been a member for a few months, however, the help that is provided from this site is wonderful.  Once again, I am greatful for your help and quick response.  Jackie

My great g.mother was a Brennan of North Roscommon. My DNA with " Family Tree Dna" showed a very close relationship with a " Donlon " .I come from Roscommon. The Brennans are neighbours to my brother. I am not familiar with a Donlon family.
This might be a help to you.
Bye. Una

Good Morning Una,

Thank you for you response to my inquiry.  Could you please let me know what townland your great grandmother lived?  Catherine's surname could certainly have been Donlon as the name Dolan was found on a death certificate of one of Thomas and Catherine's children in the U.S. On most U.S. vital records back in the day, such as death records, the family sometimes left this information completely blank.  I am presently starting to look through Catholic Parish Registers, however there are many and it is like looking for a needle in a haystack so to speak!  If I know the townland then I can start there.  Once again, I appreciate your help.   Jackie 

It's a road of appx 2 miles in length , the townlands are Lisphilip , SCURBEG , & Tartan. Recently the Roscommon council called it Tartan Road.
Its parish church is in Ballinameen, ( Saint Attractas,) with a cemetery next door.

Appx 1890 all the local people were mainly buried in Caldra & Croghan. Manthua was another link with Ballinameen. Sometime in the 1900's they shared a parish with Breeghough , (not sure of the exact spelling) its close to Frenchpark.
Our 2nd cousin lives just about 9 miles away from my brother. He is I think the last remaining of that particular Irish link. or should I say age group. There are of course a younger family , whose father passed away appx. 1990.
Through doing our DNA we are aware that they are the same tribe of emigrates as my Dad's family .
HOPE this is of some help to you.
Take Care.
Una.

Good afternoon Una,

Thank you very much for the additional information.  Now I can start my research in these locations.  I will let you know if I find anything.  This web site is wonderful with the volunteers who are so eager to help and the general public who provides additional information.  Well Done!

Respectfully,

Jackie