Hi - My Irish roots go back to Duffy in Donegal. My understanding is that my ancestors were among the 90+ families who went to the New World, on a ship I am told was named Eliza, in about 1792. These Duffys ended up in what is today called Donegal Pennsylvania, and I have been told they were instrumental in calling for their priest back in Ireland, and thereafter creating the first Catholic church west of the Alleghenies in America. If anyone can help me fill in details, I will be very grateful.
I have managed to connect by DNA to two cousins, one in Ohio, USA, and one in Scotland, but I am a complete neophyte in the ways of DNA research, at this point. Still, the connections have been established, so I am told.
JimK
Saturday 23rd Apr 2016, 06:51PMMessage Board Replies
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Finding RC church records in Donegal is very difficult. Records for almost all parishes start 1850 or later.
I noticed that you posted in Donaghmore parish. Although Duffy was a common surname in Donegal in the mid-19th century, it was not a name found in Donaghmore parish. Only 1 Duffy was shown in the 1857 Griffiths survey. Maybe it was more common in the 18th century.
DNA testing is your best approach for finding where your family came from. Hopefully, you will get additional matches with Duffy connections.
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Saturday 23rd Apr 2016, 08:22PM