Help finding my families past...

Mario:

I checked www.rootsireland.ie for a baptismal record for Philip or the marriage record but no success. A book I have indicates that RC ( I'm assuming RC) records for Donaghmore parish are available back to 1840. Possibly, you may want to contact the church to see if they can be of assistance.

http://www.derrydiocese.org/killygordon.asp

I also looked at the 1858 Griffiths Valuation head of household listing for Donaghmore parish and there was a Thomas Carlin listed in Gortahork townland. Possibly this is your relative.

http://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths/donegal/donaghmore.htm

Finally, there is a new book by Tom Gallen called Donegal Generations. This is a historical novel set in Donaghmore parish.

http://tomgallen.com/

Roger McDonnell

Hi Roger,

I have come to a similar conclusion and have emailed Donaghmore parish in the hope of some assistance. 

The novel looks fascinating, I will have to get a copy !

thanks again

Mario

Good advice from Roger, including the book recommendation.

Ps there are still a lot of Carlins and McConnells living in this area.

Hi Roger, yes I suspect there are many as I saw a local newspaper clipping about a JohSt Patrick Church of Ireland, Donaghmoren Carlin from Killygordon that died recently. 

Unfortunately at this point in my searching I have nothing about Carlins (or McConnells) of recent times... Do you have a suggestion ?

Mario:

I don't have any suggestions other than you may want to consider DNA testing at some point.

Roger