My father’s grandfather, Martin Ginley, immigrated as a young man. He found work in the coal mines of Pennsylvania and married Sarah Kane. They had 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters. The sons were Francis, Joseph and Merton Patrick, my grandfather. He also was a coal miner, married Mary Brown and had 2 children Mary Louise and Robert Merton. Mary Louise died at 18 months of age and Merton died in his early 20’s when my father was 6 weeks old. I’ve found some land records from Achill Island that list a Martin Ginley as an owner. I’ve also been told that there are some Ginleys that still live there. We recently traveled there but weren’t able to get any additional information. I’m not sure where to continue my research.
Maureen
Tuesday 7th Nov 2023, 12:59PMMessage Board Replies
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Maureen:
I assume the land records you referenced were the Griffiths Valuation? Likely Martin Ginley was not leasing land before he left. Maybe his father is included. In any event, it appears from the Griffiths that Ginleys were either from Achill Island or the civil parish of Kilgarvan which is in northeast Mayo close to the Sligo border.
There is another variant spelling-Ginnelly. That surname was found in other civil parishes including the civil parish of Kilmore in northwest Mayo.
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘